Is Scotland safe for solo female travellers?

"Edinburgh is a dream destination for solo travelers, especially for those looking to explore Scotland on their own. As a female traveler who's visited Edinburgh solo three times, I can confidently say it’s one of the safest and most welcoming cities for solo explorers. The city’s vibrant culture and walkable streets make it easy to navigate, and with just a few simple precautions, you’ll feel secure and immersed in everything Edinburgh has to offer. When exploring, stay aware of your surroundings—avoid using headphones or letting your phone distract you. At night, opt for a rideshare like Uber instead of walking alone. Choosing accommodations near the main attractions can enhance your experience; I love staying in the Grassmarket area, which is full of charm and conveniently located. Plan to walk quite a bit, but don’t overlook the hop-on, hop-off tour bus as a fun and safe way to get around and discover the city’s landmarks. Above all, remember to use the same common sense you would anywhere else. Edinburgh is truly an enchanting and safe destination for solo female travelers, with so much to see and enjoy...

Alessia, a solo traveler from Long Island, NY, is a certified life and travel coach and the founder of One Girl Travel. With a passion for empowering women to explore the world on their own terms, Alessia has journeyed to numerous destinations, with Edinburgh holding a special place in her heart as one of her favorites. She shares her expertise and insights through One Girl Travel, inspiring solo travelers to embrace adventure confidently and safely." Alessia Tenebruso @one_girl_travel

"Scotland is a fantastic destination for female solo travelers, offering friendly locals, incredible scenery, and a safe environment to explore independently. Having traveled solo in Scotland several times, I’ve always felt comfortable and secure. The country’s public transportation system—including trains, buses, and ferries—is convenient, safe, and reliable, making it easy to navigate cities and reach remote scenic areas without hassle.

If you rather not worry about transportation, and enjoy meeting others, then joining a tour is an excellent option for solo female travelers exploring Scotland. It offers the perfect balance of freedom and companionship, letting you experience remote locations without worrying about the details of how to get there.

Regardless of preferred method of exploration, one thing that always remains constant is that locals are approachable, helpful, and honest. During one trip, I accidentally left my camera behind and was relieved to find it safely stored for me to retrieve—experiences like this are common, as Scots go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. Street harassment is rare, and I’ve felt respected and free to explore without unwanted attention.

Now that you know it is safe to travel as a solo female in Scotland, you might be asking yourself what is there to do in Scotland for solo female travelers? Luckily Scotland offers plenty, especially if you love both history and nature.

If you are a city lover my favorite city as a solo female traveler is Edinburgh. You will find plenty of historic landmarks and museums like Edinburgh castle, the Writers Museum, St. Giles Cathedral, the Scott Monument, the National Museum of Scotland and many more. There are also plenty of local festivals such as Edinburgh’s Fringe and Military Tattoo which provide rich cultural experiences. Additionally, if you enjoy hiking, Arthur’s Seat offers a beautiful and safe spot for panoramic views of the city. Or you could take a walk up Calton Hill, or to Dean Village, or along the Water of Leith. As with any large city, simple precautions—like sticking to well-lit areas at night—are wise. But Scotland’s low crime rate and warm culture make it feel especially safe and welcoming.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Scottish Highlands and countryside offer stunning landscapes, and hiking here is generally safe even for solo female travelers. Just remember to inform someone of your route, as some areas are remote and may lack phone signal. Many trails are well-marked, but it’s wise to plan your route and stay aware of your surroundings.

Whether you want to explore castles, hike along dramatic coastlines, or enjoy a traditional Scottish ceilidh, Scotland provides endless opportunities for safe, unforgettable solo female travel. With its friendly locals, rich history, and breathtaking scenery, it’s an ideal choice for female travelers exploring on their own. You can check out the Scotland section of my blog for more Scotland travel inspiration."

Joolla Doobrow is a Florida based travel blogger who has travlled to Scotland many times https://www.instagram.com/rovingjo

"I have done several solo trips to Scotland over the past 5 years as well as taken some guided tours. I have never felt unsafe in this country and have no hesitation recommending it for females of all ages. I have gone on trains, ferries, planes, and buses around the country and fell in love with its beauty, landscapes, castles and of course the wonderful food and people. The Scots are such a friendly, gregarious bunch that you will always find someone wanting to blether with you (have a social chat) wherever you go. I have chatted with locals in every part of the country, and they always made me feel welcome. Just put a smile on your face and the conversations will flow. You will not feel lonely in Edinburgh, as this city is always busting with tourists in every season. If you want to get away from the crowds, there are lovely, small villages all along the coastline or you can journey to the majesty of the wide-open spaces in the Scottish Highlands.

You should exercise the same precautions in the big cities such as Glasgow as you would in any large city in Europe. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. But beyond that, the only other danger in Scotland is the midges. If you are prone to mosquito bites, pack lots of mozzie spray during the summertime."

Trisha Gillings has travlled to 70 countries over 5 continents https://instagram.com/trish_around_the_world