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Nine stunning places to see a Scottish sunset from remote islands to busy cities
While it hasn’t exactly been a vintage summer in Scotland so far, there is still plenty of time for more sunny days. When the sun comes out, many people are quick to head to their nearest park to soak up some rays.
People living in certain parts of the country are lucky enough to have a beautiful beach nearby, which can be the perfect spot to enjoy a hot summer’s day.
And while a few hours bathing in the beams can be blissful, sometimes the best part is watching the sun go down – especially at some of the stunning locations Scotland has to offer. So we’ve compiled a list of nine of the best places to see a sunset in our beautiful country.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Calton Hill offers panoramic views of Scotland’s capital. It’s just a five-minute walk to the top, where you can see the Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline, illuminated in the last of the day’s rays.
Lyle Hill, Greenock
Just a short journey down the coast from Glasgow, this spot overlooking Greenock offers stunning vistas over the Firth of Clyde. From the Cross of Lorraine viewpoint, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across to Kilcreggan, Helensburgh and Dunoon, as well as Gourock Bay.
Eigg
The view from Laig Beach on the Isle of Eigg, looking over to Rum, is one of the best in Scotland, if not the UK. The Norse-named peaks Askival, Ainshval, Hallival, Trollival and Barkeval are all visible on a clear day and look spectacular at sunset.
Rum
While Rum, the largest of the Small Isles, looks absolutely stunning from the neighbouring Eigg, it also provides incredible sunset views for those visiting the island itself. Just a short ferry ride from Mallaig or Arisaig, this nature reserve boasts spectacular panoramas over Eigg, Canna, Muck, and Skye.
Oban Bay
One of Scotland’s most popular coastal towns, Oban is the gateway to many of our great west coast islands. Ferries head in and out of Oban Bay every day and it is an amazing spot to watch the last of the day’s rays light up the town.
South Queensferry
South Queensferry is home to one of Scotland’s most iconic sights – the three bridges crossing the Forth. The legendary red Forth Bridge and its neighbouring road bridge have recently been joined by the Queensferry Crossing. Watching the sun go down behind these feats of engineering is truly a sight to behold.
Neist Point, Skye
Neist Point, located on the far west of the Duirinish peninsula in Skye, is one of the most breathtaking spots in Scotland. The lighthouse perched on the dramatic cliffs is such an incredible view that it is one of the locations from across the globe chosen as an Amazon FireStick screensaver.
From Neist Point, visitors can look all the way fronm Harris to the north down to Barra further south as the sun dips below the horizon behind Uist.
Lochinver
This popular village on the west coast of Sutherland offers a bit of everything. Views west and north look over the Lewis in the far distance, while behind the hamlet are imposing mountains which can create a pink hue to the sunset over the quaint fishing port.
Dornie
Situated at the meeting point of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, Dornie is best known for being the home of Eilean Donan Castle. However, some argue that the natural beauty of this village surpasses even the iconic castle itself.
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