HES has created a new, multi-day route map designed to help visitors enrich their travel experience by discovering the beauty of Scotland’s heritage, including taking in both well-known and lesser-known historic sites, travelling by public transport, and spending more time in the communities they visit.
‘Take The Slow Road’ invites people to explore the variety of the Northeast Coast by taking their time across the carefully curated routes that connect Historic Scotland sites in Fife, Angus, Aberdeenshire and Moray by bus, rail and foot.
From the home of golf to ‘The Lantern of the North’, the route spans four days encompassing the wealth of history on offer at stops at some incredible HES sites in St Andrews, Arbroath, Fraserburgh, Banff, Huntly and Elgin.
The ‘Slow Road Route’ begins at the remains of one of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval churches, St Andrews Cathedral, and ends in Elgin after exploring the darkened chamber of Burghead Well, one of the most mysterious sites in the country.
In between, ‘Slow Road’ visitors can stop off at some of the coastline’s iconic sites such as the medieval Arbroath Abbey to learn more about the Declaration of Arbroath and the heritage gems in the surrounding local communities including the seat of one of Renaissance Scotland’s most powerful families, Huntly Castle.
Responsible tourism is at the heart of this new campaign, highlighting how slower journeys can create a richer, more meaningful experience while supporting local economies and reducing pressure on the historic places that help make Scotland unique.
Angela Giancola, Responsible Tourism Coordinator at Historic Environment Scotland, said:
“Scotland’s historic places belong to all of us, and they face real pressures from the impact of a changing climate, increased visitor footfall, and the passage of time. Responsible tourism is about recognising the impact we can have on our shared heritage and choosing to make that impact a positive one.
“By taking the slow road - travelling thoughtfully and spending more time in local communities - visitors can help protect the heritage, and support the people and places, that make Scotland so special.”
TV Presenter Jean Johansson said: “Some of my favourite trips in Scotland have been the ones where I’ve taken my time, explored somewhere new and properly soaked up the atmosphere. I joined Historic Environment Scotland on its Lowland route, exploring Caerlaverock Castle, guided by locals who helped bring the history to life.
“By taking our time at these incredible sites, we can create trips that are more fulfilling and have a real benefit for local communities. These new routes are perfect for building a trip that feels relaxed, rewarding and shine a light on brilliant places and people you might otherwise bypass. Forget the high road, this is your chance to ‘Take the Slow Road’.”
To help inspire visitors to plan travel to both iconic and lesser-known heritage sites without relying on a car HES has mapped out the Coastal Slow Road itinerary on Google Maps. Visitors can experience more of Scotland’s rich heritage for less through HES Memberships and Explorer Passes, helping them make the most of their trip when taking the Slow Road.
To find out more about Historic Scotland sites and build a Slow Road itinerary, visit hes.scot/visit.
