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Think Scotland, and you’ll likely conjure images of the fabled monster, golf, whiskey, and kilts. But what about the culture and people? Professional sport is huge, playing an integral part in modern culture. Visitors often come for the history but leave space in their schedule to absorb at least one game. Gambling is legal in the UK, too, meaning you can wager on soccer, golf, and horse racing using the Bovada bonus codes. Buy your ticket, predict the result, bet, and target a profit
Scotland ranks as one of the most visited countries in Europe, attracting admirers from far and wide, including across the continent, North America, Asia, and Australia. A nation and people deep-rooted in history, producing several inventors, artists, and adventurers, many tourists come to retrace their family tree. Thousands left Scotland for the United States, Canada, and Down Under, with Scotland’s greatest export thought to be its people.
Visit the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and marvel at the towering Ben Lomond while cooling your feet in the ice-cold waters below. Trip to Loch Ness and keep your eyes peeled for its most famous inhabitant, the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie to friends.
Wander the ancient streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town in the shadow of the imposing castle or sample Glasgow’s electric atmosphere and bustling music scene.
Planning your trip
When visiting Scotland, you can add a sports venue to help fill any voids in your schedule, but enough is going on to pack any vacation. If you love sports and travel, why not combine the two? It’s ideal if you’re backpacking alone or travelling in a small group with like-minded people. Scotland has several world-famous stadiums, teams, and athletes.
Golf is the most obvious choice for visitors, with St Andrews credited as the sport’s spiritual home. It may surprise some visitors, but golf isn’t the number one sport in Scotland, just like bagpipes aren’t popular music, and you’ll do well to find too many people wearing kilts outside of weddings. However, Edinburgh in summer is the exception.
You’d be surprised if you thought the movie Braveheart featuring Mel Gibson was far-fetched. The capital isn’t short of loud Aussies with fake Scottish accents sporting traditional Scots dress, screaming “freedom” at every opportunity.
The locals love soccer more than other sports and, in some areas, more than life. As the old saying goes, soccer isn’t a matter of life and death; it’s much more important. We’re looking at you, Glasgow. Keep reading as we list the most popular sports and the stadiums to visit while on Scottish soil.
Soccer
The number one pastime and passion for Scots is soccer. Don’t believe us? How can that be true when they have the best golf courses on their doorstep? Visit any Premiership soccer stadium on matchday or Hampden for an international, and you’ll quickly realize what all the fuss is about. If you’ve never watched soccer from the stands surrounded by passionate Scots, you’re in for a unique experience.
Hampden plays host to all of Scotland’s international games, and you’ll see the home team play friendlies, European qualifiers, Nations League games, and World Cup qualifiers. The Glasgow venue also provides neutral territory for the Scottish and League Cup finals. Edinburgh has two major soccer venues in Tynecastle and Easter Road, but Glasgow sets the standard.
Scotland’s home games are infrequent, so you’re more likely to visit on a day when there’s no action. In that case, you can take a stadium tour and soak up the history. If you have your heart set on watching a game, you’re in luck because there are hundreds of clubs playing regularly. The two main attractions in Glasgow are Rangers and Celtic, known collectively as the Old Firm.
The Old Firm derby is the cream of the crop if you want to sample Scotland’s passion for soccer. Snagging a ticket is difficult but possible if you plan your visit. Be sure to purchase tickets through official sources to avoid disappointment. Both Ibrox and Celtic Park are easily accessible by road and rail links.
Golf
Scotland’s famous modern exports include whisky, oil, and, of course, golf. If you play golf at home and want to sample the best courses, a trip to St Andrews or Carnoustie should be on your bucket list. But beware, the greens are challenging, and the links courses are professional standards. We’ve all seen the top players struggle around St Andrew’s Old Course on television.
Even if playing golf isn’t your thing, the courses are worth a visit to watch the professionals go around in style. Watch the UK Open or The Open Championship from one of the conveniently located stands around the course, or get up and follow your favourite player.
Imagine walking within earshot of Rory McIlroy as he battles through the 18 holes on the final day, hoping his putting is steady enough to win. If you do decide to walk the course, dress for all weather. There’s a famous saying in Scotland that you often experience four seasons in one day.
You’ll spy the top players from the stands soaked in glorious sunshine, only for the heavens to open for a downpour. A snow shower in spring? Don’t bet against it.
Rugby
If Glasgow is the place to go for soccer, Edinburgh is the number one destination for rugby union. The Scotland national team plays at Murrayfield, and a packed stadium for a Six Nations game against England must be seen to be believed. The ‘Auld Enemy’ serves some thrilling encounters in February.
Scotland vs. England is the main attraction in the Six Nations, but you may also see the hosts face Wales, Ireland, Italy, and France. The Autumn Internationals are also popular with teams like New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia in town. Rugby is often more friendly and reserved than football despite being a more physical game.
You can also visit one of Scotland’s teams on the club rugby circuit, such as the Glasgow Warriors, but the international rugby union scene is unique.