Looking for what’s new in Scotland in 2025? From hotel and restaurant openings to new books by Scottish writers, there’s plenty happening across the country.
Highlighting the latest places to stay, eat, and explore. bookmark this post to keep up to date with the newest experiences and things to do in Scotland right now.
> Please get in touch if you have a new opening, book or restaurant you would like added to the update!
This post was last updated in October 2025. This post may use affiliate links, thank you for supporting my site.
New places to stay in Scotland
Na Bothain – 5 new bothies at Raasay Distillery overlooking Skye’s Cuillin mountain range. Na Bothian makes Raasay the only distillery in Scotland where you can stay overnight in the same building as a working distillery! Bookings now live for Nov 2025. Book Na Bothain.
Ardbeg House, Islay – on Islay, Ardbeg House opens this November on the site of the former Islay Hotel in Port Ellen. Each room in this design-led 12-room boutique property takes its cue from the island’s iconic distilleries, there is also a whisky lounge and restaurant. Book Ardbeg House.
Seaton House, St Andrews – Scotland’s newest luxury hotel, Seaton House, has officially opened its doors, bringing traditional Scottish charm and modern luxury to the heart of St Andrews. With 42-bedrooms and the hotel’s restaurant is operated by Scottish favourite Ondine. Book Seaton House, St Andrews.
The Law, North Berwick, East Lothian – after six years of closure and a meticulous £850,000 renovation, The Law reopens this autumn as a relaxed coastal inn in North Berwick. Visit The Law.
Wildland cottages – The company WildLand has unveiled three new cottages on the shores of Loch Ness on Aldourie Estate in the Scottish Highlands. Wildland is restoring 200,000 acres across 13 estates, including opeing up properties for stays. Find out more about Wildland Cottages.
The Resident, Edinburgh – The hotel group The Resident has opened its newest property, The Resident Edinburgh, in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, offering 164 rooms with views across the city. Book The Resident, Edinburgh.
Murrayshall Country Estate Pods – this country house hotel near Scone is opening 22 pod-style cabins, built by Scottish firm, Armadilla all with super king sized beds and a jacuzzi. Book Murrayshall Country Estate Pods.
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort – has undergone a £25m refurbishment with a complete overhaul of all guest rooms and public spaces, including the gallery, restaurant, bar, private event rooms, reception and main entrance, whilst also integrating new additions such as an exclusive members’ lounge, private cinema, and billiards room. Book Mar Hall.
COMING SOON – Jack’s Alt‑Stays on the Isle of Cumbrae is expanidng their site of 8 themed hot-tub cabins – new cabins are due to open in early 2026. They are also offering 20% of all autumn stays.
New places to eat in Scotland + food + drink news
Auld Hag, The Shoap, Edinburgh – bringing a London cult favourite north, opening 1 November 2025 at Studio Skua on St Stephen Street. The pop-up celebrates Scottish breakfast traditions – think tattie scones, square sausage, and house-made condiments. Get yourself a square sausage and tattie scone roll from Auld Hag.
SOBR. Scotland’s first alcohol-free bar opened in Aberdeen on the 22 October, a 20-seat alcohol-free bar serving zero-ABV cocktails, wines and beers. Go alcahol free at SOBR.
Lannan Pantry, Edinburgh – following the acclaim of its original bakery, Lannan opens Lannan Pantry on 28 October 2025 – part café, part provisions store – fresh pastries beside curated local produce. Get in the queue at Lannan Bakery.
Geamair, Craigellachie – a new fine-dining restaurant named GEAMAIR opened at Craigellachie Hotel in Speyside on 8 October 2025, led by “single malt chef” Pawel Sowa. Book a table or stay over night with one of their stay and dine packages.
Sebb’s, Glasgow – added to the Michelin Guide less than a year after opening, marking strong momentum in the Glasgow dining scene. Visit Sebbs.
The Kelvin, Glasgow – a new restaurant & bar called The Kelvin has opened on Great Western Road in Glasgow, serving up traditional Scottish cuisine alongside cocktails and whisky.
Vinette (and its basement bar Vivien) – Parisian‑style bar à vin with ingredient‑led plates, and an intimate cocktail bar below in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge. The venture is by acclaimed chef Stuart Ralston (of Tipo / Noto / Lyla fame) and co-owner Jade Johnston. Find out more about Vinette.
New Scottish Books
Brutal Scotland by Simon Phipps – Photographer Simon Phipps documents over 160 examples of Scottish brutalist architecture in Brutal Scotland — a striking visual journey through concrete, geometry, and cultural legacy. An essential companion for design-minded travellers. Buy Brutal Scotland.
111 Dark Places in Scotland by Philip R. Stone – an eerie, fascinating dark-tourism guide uncovering Scotland’s hidden, haunted, and macabre sites. From forgotten cemeteries to tragic ruins, Stone explores Scotland’s shadowy history. Buy 111 Dark Places in Scotland.
Feast by Sarah Rankin – Chef Sarah Rankin’s Feast is a celebration of Scottish ingredients and entertaining, with nearly 100 recipes designed for convivial gatherings. It’s as much about the joy of the table as it is about the food. Buy Feast by Sarah Rankin.
Weekend Recipes by Jess Elliott Dennison – With Weekend Recipes, Jess Elliott Dennison continues her signature style – unfussy, seasonal dishes for slow weekends. Simple, thoughtful and quietly elegant. Buy Weekend Recipes.
Winter in the Highlands by Flora Dennison – In Winter in the Highlands, Flora Dennison captures the stillness of Scotland’s northern landscapes through recipes, essays, and photography — an ode to solitude and seasonal beauty. Buy Winter in the Highlands from Portobello Books (also available at Lon Store in Dunkeld).
Events, art, music, and cultural news
Traditional Musician? The HebCelt (Festival) in Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) has announced a new partnership with BBC Radio Scotland’s “Young Traditional Musician of the Year” award — the winner will perform at the festival in summer 2026.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival (Edinburgh, 22 Oct – 1 Nov 2025) – the world’s largest celebration of storytelling. This year’s programme theme is “Lights of the North”, focusing on Scottish and Nordic culture & storytelling. Find out more – Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (until 2 Nov): the artist’s largest indoor exhibition—over 200 works; final days. Visit here.
From HOPE to HEALTH, V&A Dundee (opened 2 Oct): design‑led stories of patient care and innovation; timely, thoughtful curation. Find out more.
The Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at the King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse opens 17 October 2025, featuring 45 works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Titian for the first time in Scotland. Find out more.
The Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer exhibition opens 18 October 2025 at the National Galleries of Scotland’s “Portrait” gallery, focusing on pioneering aerial photographer Alfred Buckham. Find out more.
Summerwater (adapted from the novel by Sarah Moss) set at a remote Scottish holiday-cabin park is coming to Channel 4 next month, featuring a cast of Scottish and international actors.
The Ridge, a six-part psychological thriller set in Scotland and New Zealand, will premiere on BBC Scotland and other platforms from 21/23 Oct 2025.
GlasGLOW (24th Oct 2025 to 2nd Nov 2025) – an immersive, spooky light spectacul at the Glasgow Botanic Garden. Find out more – GlasGLOW.
Edinburgh Diwali (Sunday 2 November 2025, 1:00 pm–7:00 pm) – 10th anniversary, with 150 performers, dance groups (Yatra Tamil, Uttarakhand, Malayali, Telugu), contemporary Bollywood fusion, Indian cuisine, and fireworks finale. Find out more.
St Andrew’s Day (30 Nov) – national celebrations with ceilidhs, fireworks, and torchlit processions. Find out more – St Andrew’s Day. One of the biggest events is The Big Hoolie in St Andrews (29th November 2025) with live music & ceilidh dancing.
> Discover all of the events in Scotland in November 2025 in my complete guide to whats on.
Remember to bookmark this page for regular updates!
Kate – Love from Scotland x