Jean Johansson backs new ‘Take the Slow Road’ campaign

HES has created three new, multi-day route maps designed to help visitors enrich their travel experience by discovering the beauty of Scotland’s heritage, including taking in some well-known and lesser-known historic sites, travelling by public transport, and spending more time in the communities they visit.    

‘Take The Slow Road’ invites people to explore the legacy of the Lowlands, discover 5,000 years of Islands history, and travel to the heritage gems of the Northeast Coast by taking their time across the carefully curated routes that connect Historic Scotland sites by bus, rail and bike.   

Each of the three routes spans four days, giving visitors the chance to experience a wealth of Scotland’s history in one trip. These include: 

• Lowlands: Dumfries - Biggar - Peebles - Melrose - Galashiels - Tweedbank  

• Coastal: St Andrews - Arbroath - Fraserburgh - Banff - Huntly - Elgin  

• Islands: Isle of Lewis - Isle of Harris  

Responsible tourism is at the heart of this new campaign, highlighting how slower journeys can create a richer, more meaningful experience while supporting local economies and reducing pressure on the historic places that help make Scotland unique.  

Angela Giancola, Responsible Tourism Coordinator at Historic Environment Scotland, said: 

“Scotland’s historic places belong to all of us, and they face real pressures from the impact of a changing climate, increased visitor footfall, and the passage of time. Responsible tourism is about recognising the impact we can have on our shared heritage and choosing to make that impact a positive one.  

“By taking the slow road - travelling thoughtfully and spending more time in local communities - visitors can help protect the heritage, and support the people and places, that make Scotland so special.”  

TV Presenter Jean Johansson said: 

“Some of my favourite trips in Scotland have been the ones where I’ve taken my time, explored somewhere new and properly soaked up the atmosphere. I joined Historic Environment Scotland on its Lowland route - exploring Caerlaverock Castle, guided by locals who helped bring the history to life.   

“By taking our time at these incredible sites, we can create trips that are more fulfilling and have a real benefit for local communities. These new routes are perfect for building a trip that feels relaxed, rewarding and shine a light on brilliant places and people you might otherwise bypass. Forget the high road, this is your chance to ‘Take the Slow Road’.”  

To help inspire visitors to plan travel to both iconic and lesser-known heritage sites without relying on a car  HES has mapped out Slow Road itineraries on Google Maps for the Lowlands, Coastal and Island routes. Visitors can experience more of Scotland’s rich heritage for less through HES Memberships and Explorer Passes, helping them make the most of your trip when taking the Slow Road.   

Find out more about Historic Scotland sites and build a Slow Road itinerary.  

The Take the Slow Road itineraries are intended as suggested routes using sustainable transport to link Historic Scotland and other heritage sites. Transport timetables, service availability and site opening hours may vary and should be checked before travel.  

Click the following links to check out our suggested itineraries 

Costal adventure 

Island hopping

Love the lowlands

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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