Scotland’s10 Most Scottish Pubs

Every Scottish pub has a unique and fascinating story - and a set of regulars delighted to tell it to you. From historic haunts to spooky cellars, the Scottish pub is a unique part of the nation’s culture. It’s where friends are made, future husbands and wives are introduced, unforgettable stories are told and a whole lot more. Here are 10 of the best.

Scotland’s 10 Most Scottish PubsFROM ghostly goings on to historic haunts of the nation's greats, Scottish pubs are a much-loved part of our culture.

Some of Scotland’s best pubs

The White Hart Inn in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket

The Globe Inn in Dumfries

In the middle of Edinburgh’s iconic Grassmarket, the White Hart Inn was a haunt of Robert Burns, Nancy Macklebone, and the notorious gruesome twosome, Burke and Hare. You could be sitting in the very seat of one of their victims, right before they enticed them to their lodgings to murder them and sell the corpse. Lovely.

Another favourite of Robert Burns. The famous Scottish bard was a regular at the Globe Inn during his time in Dumfriesshire, and reportedly took a shine to the landlady’s niece. The room and chair he occupied on many a night here are still in use today; you can even read verses he inscribed on the bedroom window.

In the heart of the historic village of Waternish on the breathtaking Isle of Skye, the Stein Inn was designed by legendary Scottish engineer and architect Thomas Telford. A constant winner of Pub of the Year awards, it’s also a former haunt of singer Donovan who’s been known to belt out a tune or two on visits. Getting to the Inn involves crossing the Fairy Bridge, where the fairies once gifted the locals their Fairy Flag along with the magical powers it holds.

The Stein Inn, Waternish, the Isle of Skye

The Bankfoot Inn

A local haunt in more ways than one, the Bankfoot Inn in Perthshire is home to more spirits than just the alcoholic kind. Spooky residents have included the ‘old wifey’ and the ‘wee girl’ - we’ll let the regulars tell you their stories.

A tribute to Bella Sinclair, the Belsair in Orkney is a tribute to the first female telephone exchange operator in the UK. This pub was once her workplace, and the only exchange for all of the North Isles (she was a busy lady).

The Belsair, Orkney

King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

The name may not sound very traditional, but King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut is a Glaswegian stalwart. Oasis were signed here in 1993 and it has played host to acts such as Radiohead, the Killers, Paolo Nutini and Biffy Clyro before they hit the big time. Named the UK’s best live venue multiple times in a row, this is the place to be in Scotland to catch a foot stomping gig or two.

Dating from the 17th, many iconic historical figures have passed through the doors of the Cairndow Stagecoach Inn - among them Dorothy Wordsworth, Queen Victoria and John Keats. The latter even etched a poem onto a windowpane.

Cairndow Stagecoach Inn, Argyll

The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, Argyll

Another must visit in Argyll is the Clachaig Inn, which has been welcoming climbers and travellers for over 300 years. In recent times however it has gained popularity for an entirely different reason; it’s a stone’s throw from the film location used for Hagrid’s Hut in the Harry Potter movies. The crew spent 6 months in the area in 2004, and even built a purpose built set. You can also spot the pub in the film Maid of Honour.

Glasgow’s oldest pub, this 18th century watering hole was once a rest stop for merchant sailors arriving with goods from the New World - not to mention musicians, actors, poets and political groups in more recent times. Among the rich and famous who’ve been spotted here are Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Van Morrison’s band and writers James Kelman and William McIlvanney.

The Scotia Bar, Glasgow

The Ship Inn, Fife

A beer garden that overlooks a pristine golden beach (that’s also a cricket pitch when weather allows)? Yes please! A real village-style pub, the Ship Inn in Fife offers punters an impressive selection of local real ales and an equally envious array of single malts.

Slainte!