Meet Gemma, Hiya Scotland!
How lucky am I to call Scotland my home country? I live in West Fife, near the historical capital, Dunfermline, just over the bridge from Edinburgh.
In my late teens, I left home for university (college) in Scotland’s biggest city. Glasgow is lively, with fantastic food, street art, museums, fashion, and music. In my late 20s, I moved to Edinburgh, where I met my partner. We both decided to take an 18-month career break to travel the Americas and Europe. Thus, my first travel business, Two Scots Abroad Travel Guides, was born.
Within two years of returning home, I left teaching to focus on sharing my travel expertise online, amassing millions of U.S. and European readers. Plus, campaigns with CalMac, ScotRail, and Welcome to Fife to promote Scotland through travel guides and social media.
In 2020, I launched Everything Edinburgh, a digital resource for locals and visitors. It is hyper-focused on areas, things to do, accommodation, food, and activities by season!
I am often in Edinburgh, attending work events, dining out, eating cakes, drinking cocktails, catching up with friends, and attending gigs. Edinburgh is incredible during all four seasons.
Most people stay for 2-3 days. Many try to avoid having a car in the city, so consider this when coordinating your itinerary.
Now, Scotland is way more than just its cities and central belt!
Here’s an overview of some of the most scenic places I’ve visited, along with highlights and travel tips.
Note: I also offer wedding and event content creation in Scotland!
Scotland Highlights So Far
Get to know me through some of the most exciting holidays (vacations) and day trips I’ve taken in Scotland.
Summer Car Ride To Fort William
My friend Ruth, who is from a tiny village near Glen Coe, took me on a car ride through the majestic Three Sisters, a stroll around Glencoe Lochan, and to see Hogwarts Express chug over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We stayed overnight in Fort William. Visiting the Highlands with a local is a privilege. Ruth also writes guides for Everything Edinburgh and will be featured in the Hiya Scotland podcast very soon!
Camper Road Trip To Mull & Iona
My partner and I took our converted camper to the lesser-known Ardnamurchan peninsula, then by ferry to the Isle of Mull. From Mull, we saw puffins on Staffa and took a passenger boat trip to Iona, a spiritual spot. When visiting Mull, don’t miss The Glass Barn Cafe and Calgary Beach. The only downside of staying in a camper is the midges, wee biting beasties that circulate from May until mid-September.
Perthshire For Foliage
I like to call Perthshire the New England of Scotland, and having experienced both during autumn, I can confidently say that Pitlochry and surrounding towns are just as lovely as the U.S., although a tad smaller! I visit Perthshire every year during October and November to see the changing leaves, usually as day trips. Pitlochry is an ideal central location for visiting the country, and if, like me, you adore cakes, you have to try Hettie’s Tea Rooms and Livvi’s Little Lunchbox in Dunkeld.
Winter Outer Hebrides Ferry Ride
I’ve visited the Isle of Skye a few times, but never in November or as part of an island-hopping tour! Our main destination was the Outer Hebrides islands of Uist, Harris, and Lewis, where we visited the Highland cows on Huisinis Beach, Callanish Stones, and the traditional island houses. We boarded the first ferry to Ullapool during darkness and sailed through the sunrise with the waves sloshing on the windows. The picture does not do this Scottish experience justice.
A Weekend in Aberdeenshire
During a dreich (dreary) few days in April, I took a direct train up to Stonehaven and met my friend Jen for a stroll along the cliff to Dunnottar Castle. We warmed up with chowder and had an early night in prep for a walk around the secret Scottish pyramids in the Cairngorms the next day. There are 11 of these unique cairns, explored via a woodland trail. Nearby is the Tarmachan Cafe and the lesser-known Burn o’ Vat waterfall.
A Wee Bit More About Me
Highland Dancer
I Highland danced from the age of 2 to 17! My dance school named high elevation the “Gemma Jump.”
What a privilege.
Avis Assistant
I used to work for Avis while studying at university. Now, I always buy additional insurance coverage when renting a vehicle.
5 Mins of Fame
I was part of an STV and Royal Bank of Scotland video campaign about budget travel, filmed in North Berwick, East Lothian.
Connect With Me On Social Media
See where I am in Scotland and grab some handy free travel tips!
Join Fellow Scotland Fans
My Mission To Help You
Local Knowledge
Knowing who to trust online is getting more complicated with AI. Hiya Scotland’s products are all created by me, a local Scot.
No FOMO
Let me put the fun back into planning through logical advice that ticks off your bucket list, plus some “who knew” suggestions.
In The Media
- Gemma Launching Hiya Scotland Venture to Help with Travel Planning –Dunfermline Press
- My Scotland: Plan Your Next Adventure with Award-Winning Travel Blogger – PS Magazine, The Sunday Post
- How to Plan the Perfect Trip with Hiya Scotland – The Bonham
- Our Scotland Podcast – Interview