Home » Scotland Travel News » Exploring Scotland’s Overrated Destinations: Why Some Towns Don’t Live Up to the Hype, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on
November 1, 2025

Scotland is replete with outstanding scenery, beautiful towns, and lovely villages, and offers travelers a variety of places to explore. But not all of them do. Some compete for the attention of the public, some do so for their lovely scenery, some for their history, and some for their role in the movies, and all, eventually, for the reputation they have been able to acquire. Some of Scotland’s most overrated towns, from crowded tourist traps to quiet hamlets that do not deliver on their expectations, are presented for your consideration.

Inverness: Beauty in the Surroundings, But Underwhelming at Its Core

Often referred to as the “Capital of the Highlands,” Inverness is surrounded by some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of Loch Ness, dramatic hills, and the serene River Ness. However, when it comes to the city itself, Inverness can be a bit underwhelming. While the city has a few decent pubs, a historic castle, and some pleasant riverside walks, the town center is largely uninspiring.

The city’s post-1960s development has resulted in a rather drab urban environment, lacking the charm and character seen in other Scottish towns. The much-anticipated highland city does not quite match up to the visual allure of the landscapes it’s surrounded by, leaving visitors disappointed after the initial awe of the area’s natural beauty wears off. For many, Inverness feels more like a stopover rather than a destination worth lingering at, especially when other towns in the Highlands offer a more authentic Scottish experience.

Culross: Beautiful but Lacking Substance Beyond the Surface

Culross, located along the Firth of Forth, is undeniably beautiful and holds a certain charm, particularly for fans of the hit TV series Outlander. The town’s cobbled streets, historic buildings, and views of the river provide an almost picture-perfect setting, making it a favorite for photographers and film buffs. However, once visitors have taken in the scenic views and Instagram-worthy photos, there isn’t much more to keep them occupied.

The town’s small size and limited attractions make it a short visit at best. With only a handful of businesses—one of which is a single pub that often requires advance booking for a drink—many tourists find themselves searching for things to do. While the quaint nature of Culross makes it visually appealing, it lacks the substance that makes other towns stand out as destinations in their own right.

North Berwick: A Town That Knows Its Reputation but Doesn’t Deliver

North Berwick, located along the East Lothian coastline, is considered one of the best towns to visit or stay in Scotland. The town boasts a world-renowned golf course and a reputation for being a relaxing seaside retreat. However, for all the hype, North Berwick can feel somewhat smug about its reputation, leaving visitors feeling that it doesn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations set for it.

One of the most glaring issues is the cost. While the golf course might justify its £320 green fee for die-hard enthusiasts, many visitors feel the town’s prices don’t match its offerings. Despite its natural beauty, North Berwick’s charm wears thin when visitors realize they’re paying premium prices for a rather standard experience. The town’s appeal is limited to its golf culture, and beyond that, there’s not much to draw people in, leaving many disappointed by the lack of variety in the town’s offerings.

Anstruther: A Reputation Built on Fish and Chips, But Nothing Else

Anstruther, located on the coast of Fife, is famous for being the “fish and chip capital of Scotland.” It has attracted countless visitors, eager to sample the famed dish. However, the reality is that the fish and chips, while decent, are hardly the best Scotland has to offer. Visitors often find the meals to be just “not bad,” lacking the excellence that the town’s reputation suggests.

Aside from its fish and chips, Anstruther is also known for its narrow streets, which can get very crowded, especially in peak tourist season. During the day and early evenings, the small town becomes packed with visitors, which, coupled with its limited attractions, makes it feel like a chore to navigate. The experience of visiting Anstruther often feels more about enduring the crowds than enjoying what the town has to offer.

Luss: A Beauty Overrun by Party-Goers and Tourists

Luss, situated on the shores of the stunning Loch Lomond, is known for its scenic beauty, with its picturesque village offering stunning views of the loch and the surrounding hills. Unfortunately, in recent years, Luss has become more of a party destination for young tourists, particularly from nearby Glasgow. During the warmer months, the town attracts large numbers of party-goers, which detracts from its tranquil atmosphere.

The once-idyllic village is now a magnet for loud, rowdy crowds, particularly during the summer, turning what should be a peaceful lakeside retreat into a bustling party scene. This shift in character has made Luss less appealing to those seeking a quiet, picturesque destination to unwind and enjoy nature. For visitors expecting a charming village experience by the loch, Luss can feel like an overcrowded, noisy spot that no longer matches its serene reputation.

The Impact of Overrated Towns on Scotland’s Tourism

While these towns may not live up to the hype, they still hold a place in Scotland’s broader tourism strategy. Overrated destinations often draw large crowds, which boosts local economies, but they can also contribute to the issue of overtourism, where visitors flock to the same places, causing overcrowding and environmental stress.

For tourists, visiting overrated towns can lead to disappointment, as they may have high expectations based on recommendations or media portrayals, only to find that the reality doesn’t match up. In many cases, these towns lack the unique experiences and local charm that can be found in lesser-known destinations around the country. This has led some travelers to seek out hidden gems in Scotland—towns and villages that remain untouched by mass tourism and offer more authentic experiences.

Discovering Scotland’s Hidden Gems

Scotland is home to many charming towns and villages that don’t have the same level of fame or tourist attention but offer rich experiences that are often more fulfilling. These hidden gems provide visitors with a true taste of Scottish life, from historic sites and local cuisine to vibrant communities and scenic landscapes.

For those looking to explore Scotland beyond the typical tourist traps, it’s worth venturing off the beaten path to discover places like the Isle of Skye, Portree, or the village of Pitlochry. These destinations offer a more authentic and rewarding experience, without the crowds or inflated prices of some of the country’s more overrated towns.

Finding the True Heart of Scotland

Every destination on this list does indeed offer some appeal, but those highlights are not enough to justify the notoriety. From the overpriced offerings in North Berwick to the overrun pedestrian areas in Anstruther, the experience left something to be desired. Scotland, thankfully, has an abundance of concealed gems that provide the genuine articles. For those that are willing to step away from the overrun town centers, Scotland devoid of tourist has its most stunning characteristics in its subtle, lesser-known, and still lost towns.