Sober In Scotland - An Alcohol-Free Trip
Whether you’re from Scotland or further away, if you’re planning a trip here, it’s useful to have a plan on how to enjoy it if you’re reducing or stopping alcohol use.
Author:Callum FraserJun 05, 20252.1K Shares28.5K Views
There are so many ways to enjoy Scotland. To do so sober enhances a visit as you fully experience what this special country has to offer.
Though Scotland’s known for its high quality whisky, there’s a dark side to its relationship with alcohol. In February, it was reportedthat “alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland [had] reached a 15-year high”.
Whether you’re from Scotland or further away, if you’re planning a trip here, it’s useful to have a plan on how to enjoy it if you’re reducing or stopping alcohol use.
Here’s some interesting trivia, Irn-bru is known as the country’s other national drink (other than whisky). Being sober is to always remember you have options. You can always opt for soft drinks.
The Joys Of An Alcohol-Free Trip
There are so many benefits of an alcohol-free holiday. It’s useful to keep these in mind before and after your trip. Alcohol is a depressant. Naturally, cutting it out therefore means you’re going to have a more active experience enjoying the chance of more culture and history.
Being able to do more also means avoiding hangovers. Those special early morning moments can really be felt whether you’re up drinking coffee in a B&B or watching the sunrise from your campervan across one of the lochs (lakes).
Not drinking saves money, too, and that money is great for treating yourself to other things. Food, gifts and activities are more readily available. You might think alcohol relaxes you, but a massage? A massage in a hotel where you can see a loch beyond the window has to be the highest level of relaxation.
Before Your Sober Trip To Scotland
If you’re actively planning to take a sober trip to Scotland, it’s likely you’re experiencing problematic or addictive drinking habits. Or, maybe, you’re trying to improve your health. Either way, there are things you can do to strengthen you resolve to stay sober and to make the holiday fun.
Firstly, before your trip, make a commitment to yourself that you won’t drink and plan around that. You’ll want to arrange to do things that avoid alcohol, keep your interest, and are fun. What’s great is that you’ll be in a breath-taking part of the world. Scotland’s awe-inspiring landscapes are a hugely helpful distraction from the liquor.
When you know where you’re going, you can search for places that serve or sell alcohol-free wine and beer, mocktails, and maybe even drinks with adaptogenic options. If you struggle to find these options in advance, order what you like and take it with you.
For people travelling with friends or family, tell them that you aren’t drinking and that you might need some support. For instance, not drinking in front of you if you’re sharing accommodation is a valuable boundary to put in place. People who care about you will want to support you.
While you’ll have every hope of not relapsing, it’s important to plan for a potential relapse. If it happens, put things in place (i.e. a conversation with support worker, a go-to activity to distract yourself) so that you return to sobriety as quickly as possible.
Alcohol-Free Things To Do In Scotland
There are so many magical places to go to in Scotland and seeing them sober means you enjoy them more!
1. Seeing Scotland’s Special Places
Scotland boasts seven World Heritage Sites, two Biosphere Reserves with an array of native flora and fauna, three Global Geoparks, and four Creative Cities, namely Edinburgh (for literature), Glasgow (for music), Perth (craft and folk art), and Dundee (for design).
Whether you want the incredible viewsin the countryside and mountainous regions or the wonder of the cities, or a bit of both, you’ll get your fill.
2. Exploring The Landscape
For those wanting to avoid alcohol, exploring the natural wonders off the beaten track is a great go-to, so consider the following:
- The isle of Gigha. It’s absolutely tiny and has so much character. There’s a great campsite, beautiful views and even a double beach.
- The isle of Barra. Here you’ll find a beach that doubles up as an airport and just around the corner is a stunning white sand beach, which is absolutely huge when the tide’s out!
- Luskentyre beach on the isle of Harrisfor the most stunning white sands you might ever see.
- Sandwood bay is the most remote beach in UK out on the North West corner. Due to the 4 mile walk out, it’s quiet… and there you’ll find another stunning sandy white.
- Kilchurn castle which is a ruin on the edge of a loch and on the edge of Cairngorms. You’ll also pass a bunch of lovely highland cows en-route.
- Loch Eilt is perhaps best known as Dumbledore’s burial site. You’ll recognise it from Harry Potter. This striking loch can be found near Glenfinnanand its famous viaduct.
- For a loch less visited, check out Loch Sheanta in Skye. This small loch has the most hypnotic crystal clear water where you can see all rocks beneath the water.
Of course, there are so many more magical places. Maybe you’ll start with the waterfalls of Fife, or hiking Scotland's UNESCO Trail, searching for a monster at the infamous Loch Ness, river tubing on the River Tay, or slipping on a pair of ski boots at Glencoe.
Worried about how you’ll know where to go? Check out our best guides. Following a map is very important.
3. Experience The Culture
As well as enjoying the landscape, you’ll want to enjoy the culture. If you love live music, finding a place where the locals are expert with those traditional Scottish instrumentsis everything! Just remember to plan ahead what non-alcoholic drink to order beforehand. Sometimes, it’s helpful to ask a friend to order for you so you aren’t stood at the bar looking at the options.
It also goes without saying that indulging in some really good food elevates a holiday from good to great so make sure to try some prime haggis along the way!
What’s useful to know when planning a sober holiday is that there are alcohol-free travelcompanies that can help you design a fun-filled sober holiday. Using this type of service can make things easier.
What To Do If It’s Time To Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
If you’re reading this and are contemplating sobriety or are struggling with alcohol misuse, then seeking help is really valuable. It’s widely accepted in the addiction field that a holistic approach to treatment including medical, professional, peer-led, and alternative therapies work most effectively.
In the first instance, contact your local GP, drug and alcohol services, or a private therapist (who specialises in addiction) for guidance, perhaps at a private addiction treatment retreat in Scotland.
Some Final Thoughts
It takes willpower, courage, and determination to live a sober life. As with anything, it becomes easier the longer you practice.
Taking a sober holiday is a wonderful way to reset. Don’t be afraid to ask for alcohol-free options in pubs and restaurants and find other ways to relieve stress that don’t include drinking (i.e. booking a massage or planning a sea swim is a great way to do this).
On your return home, you’ll feel wonderful from all those new memories you’ve made in Scotland. And the best part? From having done it all sober.
Callum Fraser
Author
Callum Fraser isn't just a writer about Scotland; he's a product of its rugged landscape and rich history. Born and raised in Perthshire, with the Highlands as his backyard, his love for the nation's stories was kindled by local storytellers and long walks through ancient glens.
This passion led him to pursue a degree in Scottish History from the University of Edinburgh. For over 15 years, Callum has dedicated himself to exploring and documenting his homeland, fusing his academic knowledge with essential, on-the-ground experience gained from charting road trips through the Cairngorms, hiking the misty Cuillins of Skye, and uncovering the secrets of traditional recipes in his family's kitchen.
As the Editor-in-Chief and Lead Author for Scotland's Enchanting Kingdom, Callum's mission is simple: to be your most trusted guide. He combines meticulous research with a storyteller's heart to help you discover the authentic magic of Scotland — from its best-kept travel secrets to its most cherished traditional recipes.
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