Gardens, pubs and Nessie: how to experience spring in Scotland virtually

Even if mankind is currently experiencing unprecedented times and a trip to Scotland is currently not possible: thanks to the wonders of technology, you can quench your wanderlust in your own four walls and experience the spring in Scotland virtually from your own sofa – from colorful flowers, cute puffins and nessies in person. True to the motto: dream now, travel later. We have the best tips:

Adorable puffins. Puffins are loyal Scottish summer guests. Every year from the end of March they nest in huge colonies on the cliffs of the coast, until the end of August they raise their adorable offspring – the so-called “pufflings”. Nature lovers can watch the birds thanks on the Shetlands Wildlife Cams at Cape Sumburgh Head and be enchanted by the rugged beauty of the island and the feathered visitors.

The island of gannets. Despite the crisis, bass rock in the Firth of Forth south of Edinburgh is expecting a real rush of visitors this spring. The small uninhabited island in East Lothian is home to the largest northern gannet colony in the world. The amount gathered here makes the island shine in bright white from afar. Thanks to the new live cameras from the Scottish Seabird Center, you can also follow the action from home at any time.

A camera is waiting for Nessie. Especially in times like these, one could take the example of Scotland’s most famous resident: Nessie is a true master in social distancing – she has avoided contact with others for 1,500 years. With a little time and patience, you can try to catch a glimpse of the shy lady with a live camera at Loch Ness. More information about the virtual experiences in the Scottish “Year of the Coasts and Waters” is available at www.visitscotland.com.

Virtual spring feelings. The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is currently sharing beautiful photos from the four botanical gardens of Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan under the keyword #VirtualSpring on its website and on social media. In five-minute films you can also learn more about international plant research and nature conservation work in the garden.

Live music from the pub. The currently closed but otherwise always lively Macgregors Bar in Inverness hosts a # LifeAtFive livestream (6 p.m. CET) on their Facebook page every day. With a virtual pub evening, traditional music sessions and old stories, you can relax in a Scottish way – you only have to take care of the drinks yourself.

Scottish dances in Corona times. If you want to play music and dance yourself, join the # CovidCeilidh movement on social media (a “Ceilidh” denotes a series of exuberant Scottish dances). It was created by Fiddler Duncan Chisholm to provide comfort and entertainment to everyone at home and has quickly become a fixture in the folk music scene. The videos can be found on ceilidhexperience.visitscotland.com. Even so, you can experience spring in Scotland virtually …