Skip to main content

Scotland

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Adventure Tourism
  • 1375 Accesses

Abstract

Scotland, a country that is part of the United Kingdom, covers the northern third of the island of Great Britain, shares a border with England to the south and has more than 790 islands, including the Northern Isles and the Hebrides. The whole of Scotland was covered by ice sheets during the Pleistocene ice ages and the landscape is much affected by glaciation. From a geological perspective, the country is divided into the Highlands and Islands, the Central Lowlands and the Southern Uplands. With a population of almost 5.5 million, Scotland is a well-developed tourist destination. The activities that are most relevant to the adventure tourism sector are walking/climbing: mountain walks/treks, long distance trails, rock climbing and mountaineering; cycling: cycle touring and mountain biking; river activities: canoeing, kayaking, rafting and canyoning; marine activities: sailing, kayaking, surfing and diving; wildlife/nature watching: boat and vehicle excursions and walking; snow activities: skiing, snowboard, ski-touring, snowshoeing, ice-climbing.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adventure Travel Trade Association. (2009, February 26). The adventure tourism market. Presentation at Jordan Travel Mart. https://www.adventuretravel.biz/research/. Accessed 22 Sept 2018.

  • Anderson Semens Houston. (1981). Environmental impact analysis. Proposed extension of downhill skiing facilities. Coire an t-Sneachda. Coire an Lochain and Lurchers Gully, Cairngorm. Glasgow: ASH.

    Google Scholar 

  • Apollo, M. (2017). The good, the bad and the ugly–three approaches to management of human waste in a high-mountain environment. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 74(1), 129–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bain, C., Averis, B., & Rees, D. (2015). The rainforests of Britain and Ireland: A traveller’s guide (p. 254). Dingwall: Sandstone Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayfield, N. G. (1971). Some effects of walking and skiing on vegetation at Cairngorm. In E. Duffey & A. S. Watt (Eds.), The scientific management of plant and animal communities for conservation (pp. 469–485). Oxford: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayfield, N. G. (1973). Use and deterioration of some Scottish hill paths. Journal of Applied Ecology, 10, 639–648.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayfield, N. G. (1974). Burial of vegetation by erosion debris near ski lifts on Cairngorm, Scotland. Biological Conservation, 6(4), 246–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayfield, N. G. (1979). Recovery of four montane heath communities on Cairngorm, Scotland, from disturbance by trampling. Biological Conservation, 15, 165–179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayfield, N. G. (1980). Replacement of vegetation on disturbed ground near ski lifts in the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland. Journal of Biogeography, 7(3), 249–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayfield, N. G. (1985). Effects of extended use of footpaths in mountain areas in Britain. In N. G. Bayfield & G. C. Barrow (Eds.), The ecological impacts of outdoor recreation in mountain areas in Europe and North America (pp. 100–111). Ashford: Recreation Ecology Research Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayfield, N. G. (1996). Long-term changes in colonization of bulldozed ski pistes at Cairngorm, Scotland. Journal of Applied Ecology, 33(6), 1359–1365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayfield, N. G., Urquhart, U. H., & Cooper, S. M. (1981). Susceptibility of four species of Cladoniato disturbance by trampling in the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland. Journal of Applied Ecology, 18, 303–310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BBC. (2010). Weather: UK records. https://web.archive.org/web/20101202071307/http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/understanding/uk_records.shtml. Accessed 22 Sept 2018.

  • Benvie, N. (2004). Scotland’s wildlife (p. 12). London: Aurum Press. isbn:1-85410-978-2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boran, J. R., Evans, P. G. H., & Rosen, M. J. (2000). Cetaceans of the Hebrides: Seven years of surveys. European Research on Cetaceans, 13, 169–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryan, D. (2002). Joined-up thinking for recreation management? The issue of water pollution by human sanitation on the mar lodge estate Cairngorms. Countryside Recreation, 10(1), 18–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buckley, R. (2006). Adventure tourism. Cambridge, MA: CABI.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Butler, J. R., Middlemas, S. J., McKelvey, S. A., McMyn, I., Leyshon, B., Walker, I., et al. (2008). The Moray firth seal management plan: An adaptive framework for balancing the conservation of seals, salmon, fisheries and wildlife tourism in the UK. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 18(6), 1025–1038.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Butler, J. R., Radford, A., Riddington, G., & Laughton, R. (2009). Evaluating an ecosystem service provided by Atlantic salmon, sea trout and other fish species in the river Spey, Scotland: The economic impact of recreational rod fisheries. Fisheries Research, 96(2–3), 259–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cater, C. (2013). The meaning of adventure. In S. Taylor, P. Varley, & T. Johnston (Eds.), Adventure tourism: Meanings, experience and learning (pp. 7–18).

    Google Scholar 

  • Crumley, J. (1993, June 13). Go, tell it on the mountain. The Independent, 62–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, R. (1981). Ski development in Scotland. Scottish Geographical Magazine, 97(2), 110–123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, R. (1987, December). The management of ski areas in Scotland. Leisure Management, pp. 37–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dickinson, G. (2000). Recreation at Scottish lochs. Journal of the Scottish Association of Geography Teachers, 29, 41–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Easto, P., & Warburton, C. (2010). Adventure Tourism in Scotland, Market Analysis Report. Highlands and Islands Enterprise. http://wild-scotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/TIG-report.pdf

  • Elliot, R. G., Lloyd, M. G., & Rowan-Robinson, J. (1988). Land use policy for skiing in Scotland. Land Use Policy, 15(2), 232–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, P. G. H., Swann, C., Lewis, E., Parsons, E., Heimlich-Boran, S., & Heimlich-Boran, J. (1993). Survey of cetaceans in the Minches and sea of Hebrides, Northwest Scotland. European Research on Cetaceans, 7, 111–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forestry Commission, Scotland (FCS). (n.d.). Ride the 7stanes – Scotland’s biking heaven. Available online at:http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/achs-5rjeky. Accessed 5 Aug 2013.

  • Fraser Darling, F., & Boyd, J. M. (1969). Natural history in the highlands and islands. London: Bloomsbury.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraser of Allander Institute. (2001). An economic study of grouse moors: An update. Fordingbridge: University of Strathclyde/The Game Conservancy Scottish Research Trust.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gimingham, C. H. (2001). The Cairngorms in the future. In C. Gimingham (Ed.), The ecology, land use, and conservation of the Cairngorms (pp. 200–208). Chichester: Packard Publishing Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Good, R., & Grenier, P. (1994). Some environmental impacts of recreation in the Australian Alps. Australian Parks and Recreation, 30(4), 20–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanley, N., Alvarez-Farizo, B., & Shaw, W. D. (2002). Rationing an open-access resource: Mountaineering in Scotland. Land Use Policy, 19(2), 167–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardiman, N., & Burgin, S. (2013). Mountain biking: Downhill for the environment or chance to up a gear? International Journal of Environmental Studies, 70(6), 976–986.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, J., Winterbottom, S., & Johnson, R. (2001a). Climate change and changing patterns of snowfall in Scotland. Edinburgh: The Scottish Executive Central Research Unit Report.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, S. J., Winterbottom, S. J., & Johnson, R. C. (2001b). A preliminary assessment of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of recent changes in winter snow cover in Scotland. Scottish Geographical Journal, 117(4), 297–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, P. (2000). The contribution of outdoor recreation and outdoor education to the economy of Scotland: Case studies and preliminary findings. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 1(1), 69–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, P. (2001). The economic contribution of outdoor recreation, outdoor education and highland sporting estates to the economy of Scotland. Paper prepared for the Education, Culture and Sport, Rural Development and Justice 2 Committees of the Scottish Parliament.

    Google Scholar 

  • Highlands and Islands Enterprises. (1996). The economic impacts of hillwalking, mountaineering and associated activities in the highlands and islands of Scotland. Inverness: Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holden, A. (2000). Winter tourism and the environment in conflict: The case of Cairngorm, Scotland. International Journal of Tourism Research, 2(4), 247–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hopkins, D., & Maclean, K. (2014). Climate change perceptions and responses in Scotland’s ski industry. Tourism Geographies, 16(3), 400–414.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Howarth, L. (2014). Measuring the effects of Scotland’s first fully protected marine reserve. Doctoral dissertation, University of York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huddart, D., & Stott, T. (2019). Outdoor recreation: Environmental impacts and management. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hudson, P. J. (2001). Grouse and moorland management. In C. Gimingham (Ed.), The ecology, land use, and conservation of the Cairngorms (pp. 139–146). Chichester: Packard Publishing Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inman, A., Brooker, E., Dolman, S., McCann, R., & Wilson, A. M. W. (2016). The use of marine wildlife-watching codes and their role in managing activities within marine protected areas in Scotland. Ocean and Coastal Management, 132, 132–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lance, A. N., Baugh, I. D., & Love, J. A. (1989). Continued footpath widening in the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland. Biological Conservation, 49, 201–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Macmillan, D. C., Duff, E. I., & Elston, D. A. (2001). Modelling the non-market environmental costs and benefits of biodiversity projects using contingent valuation data. Environmental and Resource Economics, 18, 391–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Macpherson Research. (1998). Perceptions and experiences of access to the Scottish countryside for open air recreation of visitors from mainland Europe (Survey and Monitoring Report 32). Battleby: Scottish Natural Heritage.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCall, I. (1998, May). The sporting perspective on farm woodland and forestry. Forestry and land use – Forestry in a changing Scotland. Proceedings of a timber growers association conference, Gleneagles, pp. 37–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCarthy J. (1998). Wild Scotland (Rev edn.). Edinburgh: Luath Press, 169pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonald, A. T., Chapman, P. J., & Fukasawa, K. (2008). The microbial status of natural waters in a protected wilderness area. Journal of Environmental Management, 87(4), 600–608.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGilvray, J. (1995). An economic study of grouse moors. Fordingbridge: University of Strathclyde/The Game Conservancy Scottish Research Trust.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKerrow, W. S., Leggett, J. K., & Eales, M. H. (1977). Imbricate thrust model of the southern uplands of Scotland. Nature, 267(5608), 237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McWaters, S., & Murphy, K. J. (2016). Biological assessment of recreation-associated impacts on the water quality of streams crossing the West Highland way, Scotland. Glasgow Naturalist, 26(Part 2), 21–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moorland Working Group. (2002). Scotland’s moorland: The nature of change. Battleby: Scottish Natural Heritage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moran, D., Tresidder, E., & McVittie, A. (2006). Estimating the recreational value of mountain biking sites in Scotland using count data models. Tourism Economics, 12(1), 123–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nethersole-Thompson, D., & Watson, A. (1981). The Cairngorms. Perth: Melven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Office for National Statistics. (2017). Scotland population estimate. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/bulletins/annualmidyearpopulationestimates/latest. Accessed 22 Sept 2018.

  • Page, S. (1997). The cost of accidents in the New Zealand adventure tourism industry. Wellington: Report for Tourism Policy Group, Ministry of Commerce.

    Google Scholar 

  • Page, S. J., Bentley, T. A., & Walker, L. (2005a). Scoping the nature and extent of adventure tourism operations in Scotland: How safe are they? Tourism Management, 26(3), 381–397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Page, S. J., Bentley, T., & Walker, L. (2005b). Tourist safety in New Zealand and Scotland. Annals of Tourism Research, 32(1), 150–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Page, S. J., Steele, W., & Connell, J. (2006). Analysing the promotion of adventure tourism: A case study of Scotland. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 11(1), 51–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, E. C. M., Warburton, C. A., Woods-Ballard, A., Hughes, A., & Johnston, P. (2003). The value of conserving whales: The impacts of cetacean-related tourism on the economy of rural West Scotland. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 13(5), 397–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perry, A. H. (1971). Climatic influences on the development of the Scottish skiing industry. Scottish Geographical Magazine, 87(3), 197–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pothecary, F. (2012). What does responsible access in the uplands mean conceptually and in practice for mountain bikers and land managers in the Cairngorms National Park. Unpublished M. Sc. Dissertation, University of the Highlands and Islands.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, M. F., Dixon, B. J., Warren, C. R., & Macpherson, A. R. (2002). Scotland’s mountains: Key issues for their future management. Battleby: Scottish Natural Heritage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pringle, R. (1996). Bothies and bugs. The Great Outdoors, pp. 20–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pryor, P. (1985). The effect of disturbance on open Juncus trifidus heath in the Cairngorm mountains, Scotland. In N. G. Bayfield & G. C. Barrow (Eds.), The ecological impacts of outdoor recreation in mountain areas in Europe and North America (pp. 53–62). Ashford: Recreation Ecology Research Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raemakers, J. (1991). Piste control: The planning and management of Scottish ski centres. The Planner, 77(37), 6–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ratcliffe, D. A., & Thompson, D. B. A. (1988). The British uplands: Their ecological character and international significance. In M. B. Usher & D. B. A. Thompson (Eds.), Ecological change in the uplands (pp. 9–36). Oxford: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandom, C., Bull, J., Canney, S., & Macdonald, D. W. (2012). Exploring the value of wolves (Canis lupus) in landscape-scale fenced reserves for ecological restoration in the Scottish highlands. In Fencing for conservation (pp. 245–276). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Scottish Government. (2018). Tourism. https://beta.gov.scot/policies/tourism-and-events/. Accessed 22 Sept 2018.

  • Scottish Natural Heritage. (1998). Jobs and the natural heritage. Battleby: Scottish Natural Heritage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scottish Natural Heritage. (2018). Caledonian pinewood. https://www.nature.scot/landscapes-and-habitats/habitat-types/woodland-habitats/caledonian-pinewood. Accessed 22 Sept 2018.

  • Scottish Office. (1996). National planning policy guidelines for skiing. Edinburgh: Scottish Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shrimpton, J. H., & Parsons, E. C. M. (2000). Cetacean conservation in West Scotland. Tobermory: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, 85pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shucksmith, D. M. (2001). Land use in the Cairngorms. In C. Gimingham (Ed.), The ecology, land use, and conservation of the Cairngorms (pp. 86–96). Chichester: Packard Publishing Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simons, P. (1988). Apres ski le deluge. New Scientist, 1, 46–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smout, T. C. (2000). Nature contested: Environmental history in Scotland and northern England since 1600. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stott, T. A. (2000). The river and waterway environment for small boat users. Nottingham: British Canoe Union.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swarbrooke, J., Beard, C., Leckie, S. & Pomfret, G. (2003). Adventure tourism: The new frontier. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, 351pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, P. M. (1994). Marine mammals in Scottish waters: Research requirements for their effective conservation and management. In J. M. Baxter & M. B. Usher (Eds.), The islands of Scotland: A living marine heritage (pp. 179–194). Edinburgh: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, D. B. A., Galbraith, H., & Horsfield, D. (1987). Ecology and resources of Britain’s mountain plateaux: Land use conflicts and impacts. In M. Bell & R. G. H. Bunce (Eds.), Agriculture and conservation in the hills and uplands (pp. 22–31). Grange-Over-Sands: Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Merlewood Research Station.

    Google Scholar 

  • TRC. (2005). Forestry commission Scotland: An ambition for forest cycling and mountain biking: Towards a national strategy, final report. Glasgow: Tourism Resources Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • TRC/EKOS. (2007). 7stanes phase 2 evaluation: Report for forestry commission Scotland, October 2007. Glasgow: Tourism Resources Company and EKOS.

    Google Scholar 

  • UK Meteorological Office. (2018). Climate extremes. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate-extremes/#?tab=climateExtremes. Accessed 22 Sept 2018.

  • Walker, S. E. (1994). Tourism and recreation. In P. S. Maitland, P. J. Boon, & D. S. McLuskey (Eds.), The freshwaters of Scotland: A national resource of international significance (pp. 333–346). Chichester: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warren, C. (2002). Managing Scotland’s environment. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A. (1979). Bird and mammal numbers in relation to human impacts at ski lifts on Scottish hills. Journal of Applied Ecology, 16, 753–764.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A. (1980). Conflict in the Cairngorms. Geographical Magazine, 6, 427–455.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A. (1982). Effects of human impact on ptarmigan and red grouse near ski lifts in Scotland. Annual Report of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, 1981, 48–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A. (1984). Paths and people in the Cairngorms. Scottish Geographical Magazine, 100(3), 151–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A. (1985). Soil erosion and vegetation damage near ski lifts at Cairngorm, Scotland. Biological Conservation, 33(4), 363–381.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A. (1988). Dotterel Charadrius morinellus numbers in relation to human impact in Scotland. Biological Conservation, 43(4), 245–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A. (1990). Human impact on the Cairngorms’ environment above timber line. In P. Shaw & D. B. A. Thompson (Eds.), The nature of the Cairngorms: Diversity in a changing environment. Edinburgh: Scottish Natural Heritage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A. (1991). Increase of people on Cairngorm plateau following easier access. Scottish Geographical Magazine, 107(2), 99–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A., & Moss, R. (2004). Impacts of ski-development on ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) at Cairngorm, Scotland. Biological Conservation, 116(2), 267–275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, A., Bayfield, N., & Moyes, S. M. (1970). Research on human pressures on Scottish mountain tundra, soils and animals. In Productivity and conservation in northern circumpolar lands (Vol. 16, pp. 256–266). Morges: IUCN Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Wildlife Fund. (1997). Protect the Cairngorms. http://www.wwf-uk

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Huddart .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Huddart, D., Stott, T. (2020). Scotland. In: Adventure Tourism. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18623-4_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics