The Most Hauntingly Beautiful Abandoned Places In Scotland You Need To See

Scotland boasts a plethora of breathtaking scenery to marvel at but there are some hauntingly beautiful abandoned sites in Scotland that you could explore at your own discretion. From ruins to regal delights, you won’t be disappointed if you are looking for an adventure in Scotland’s eerie abandoned places. If you want to get away from Scotland’s bustling cities and prefer something more adventurous check out these abandoned places today!

1. The Village, St Kilda

Cottages

This remote, abandoned settlement is situated on the largest island of the St Kilda archipelago. The stoney ruins are made up of cottages that were built during the 19th century, left abandoned and isolated. It is said that several residents of the village of St Kilda were unable to survive the diseases that were widespread at the time and either passed away or moved to another town.

The Village, St Kilda, Scotland

Village street in mist | © CaptainOates/Flickr

2. New Slains Castle, Aberdeenshire

Ruins

This hauntingly beautiful castle is located on the beautiful coastline of Aberdeenshire. The roof of the castle has collapsed but the structure offers an insight into a castle that has been abandoned and isolated. The castle was said to be built by Francis Hay, Earl of Erroll in the 16th century to replace the old Slains Castle. The old Slains Castle had previously by destroyed by the Earl on the orders of King James VI following a religious rebellion. Bram Stoker, author of horror novel Dracula, took inspiration from the abandoned ruins for his book after visiting it in 1894. Visit the castle if you dare!

New Slain Castle, A975, Cruden Bay, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

New Slain Castle | © Holly_trea/Pixabay

3. Glasgow Botanic Gardens railway station

Train Station

This picturesque railway station is situated in the West End of Glasgow in the Kelvinside area and used to operate as a railway station serving the botanical gardens. The station was opened in 1896 and reflects the city’s rich heritage. Built during the Victorian era, the train station had buildings on the ground level and beneath the gardens themselves.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Railway Station, 730 Great Western Road, Glasgow, Scotland

Botanic Gardens | © Cosmicmudge /Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.