Scotland Tours in May 2026
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10 best Scotland trips in May 2026
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Islay, Oban & the Whisky Coast – 4-Day Small-Group Tour
- A Scottish Journey
- A Scottish Journey
- Highlights of Scotland
- Discover Orkney Small-Group Tour – 3 Days
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
- 5-Day Edinburgh and Glasgow by Train
- 5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
- 4 Day Islay Whisky Tour
- North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban, Kilmartin, Bowmore, Islay Island, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Inveraray Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Click Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 4 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $3,853
36% Off- NZ$2,466You save $1,387
A Scottish Journey
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Stayed in lovely hotels with great food.”
Debbie, traveled in September
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Plockton, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of IonaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Blue-Roads Touring May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 4 spaces left 7 May, 2026 4 spaces left From
36% Off- NZ$7,820
A Scottish Journey
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a wonderful trip. We wound up in the tail end of Helene, so couldn't visit Iona but had a very nice experience shopping/sightseeing in ToberMorey.”
Mary, traveled in September
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Plockton, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of IonaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Back-Roads Touring May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 4 spaces left 7 May, 2026 4 spaces left From
36% Off- NZ$7,509
Highlights of Scotland
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The small size of the tour group and the variety of people made it all the better.”
Rich, traveled in June
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures May departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
36% Off- NZ$4,159
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Stenness, St Margaret's Hope Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 4 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,002
36% Off- NZ$1,281You save $721
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 2 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $5,973
5% Off- NZ$5,674You save $299
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 2 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $2,845
5% Off- NZ$2,703You save $142
Duration 5 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 2 May, 2026 10 spaces left From $3,447
5% Off- NZ$3,275You save $172
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inveraray, Islay Island, Glasgow Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scottish Routes May departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 7 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
5% Off- NZ$2,222
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a great experience, with beautiful scenery and comfortable accommodations.”
Angela, traveled in March
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Culloden Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 6 spaces left 3 May, 2026 6 spaces left From $3,315
30% Off- NZ$2,321You save $995
What people love about Scotland Tours in May
- 4-Day Islay & the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
My wife and I completely enjoyed the 4-Day Islay and the Whisky Coast Small Group Tour.
- 4 Day Islay Whisky Tour
This is part of the email I sent to Scottish Routes: "The itinerary was excellent – very well planned; the accommodation on Islay was most pleasant, hosts Andrew and Alison vey hospitable; we were fortunate to travel with a very interesting and varied group of people and the transport provided was very comfortable. Unfortunately we had the tour guide from hell - Moray. Moray was extremely rude, crude, unapproachable, obnoxious, ignorant and insensitive. He drove at excessive and dangerous speeds along the narrow roads, becoming extremely impatient with other drivers, cursing them in no uncertain terms and constantly tailgating. Not even the rain slowed him down. If a passenger asked a question that he had already answered he would call them stupid and tell them that they should have listened the first time. He had zero tolerance for anyone who was not back on board at the designated time and let them know he was annoyed. A further example of his poor behaviour is when a passenger asked the source of electricity on Islay. He was driving and initially seemed to ignore the question (this was not unusual) and then threw his hands up in the air and said that it fell out of the sky. There were many more examples of his unprofessional behaviour but I am sure you get the picture."
- 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
I enjoyed every second of the tour. Our tour guide - Ewan was so friendly, enthusiastic, caring and funny. The hostels were clean and cozy. I met lots of wonderful travel mates. I definitely visit Scotland again. It is so green and beautiful!
What our customers ask about Scotland Tours in May 2026
What locations in Scotland are best to visit in May?
May brings excellent conditions to visit key Scottish destinations including the Isle of Skye Orkney Islands and the Scottish Highlands. The Trossachs National Park near Edinburgh comes alive with spring flowers while sites like Eilean Donan Castle and Culloden Battlefield offer quieter visiting conditions. The weather tends to be mild making it good for exploring coastal areas. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "May was perfect for visiting the Highlands - the mountains were still snow-capped but the valleys were green and full of wildflowers."
How crowded are popular tourist sites in Scotland during May?
Tourist numbers in May remain moderate before the summer rush begins. Major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness can be explored without large crowds while secluded spots like the Orkney Islands and Isle of Harris maintain their peaceful atmosphere. Accommodations such as the Kirkwall Hotel in Orkney and The Royal Hotel in Ullapool typically have good room availability. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "May was perfect timing - we could enjoy all the sites without the summer crowds."
What historical sites and castles are best to visit in Scotland during May?
Spring conditions make May an excellent time to explore Scotland's historic landmarks. Key sites include Eilean Donan Castle Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland. The Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns take on a special character during spring. Visitors can base themselves at the Nevis Bank Inn in Fort William or the Leonardo Hotel in Inverness for easy access. As one TourRadar traveler shared "Visiting the castles in May was perfect - comfortable temperatures for exploring and beautiful spring gardens in bloom."
What are the best hiking and outdoor activities in Scotland during May?
The mild May weather creates good conditions for hiking in Glen Affric the Quiraing on Isle of Skye and the Cairngorms National Park. Spring flowers emerge along trails like the Trotternish Peninsula which leads to the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock waterfall. Convenient bases for hikers include the Balmacara Hotel near Skye and the Pine Guest House in Inverness. A TourRadar traveler noted "The May weather was perfect for hiking - we saw incredible wildflowers along the trails and the views were crystal clear."
What special events and festivals can I experience in Scotland during May?
May marks the start of Scotland's festival season highlighted by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in the Highlands. The Highland Games begin with events like the Gordon Castle Highland Games in Fochabers showcasing traditional Scottish culture. Several historic hotels serve as convenient bases including the Columba Hotel in Inverness and the Royal Hotel in Stornoway. One TourRadar traveler noted "the timing was perfect to experience authentic Highland traditions and local celebrations."
Are the Scottish islands accessible in May?
Regular ferry services connect mainland Scotland to islands like Skye Orkney and the Outer Hebrides during May. Sea conditions tend to be calmer than winter making travel more reliable. Convenient mainland bases include the Pentland Hotel in Thurso and The Royal Hotel in Ullapool. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The May ferry crossings were smooth and the connections worked perfectly."