About Wander Scotland
Fàilte!
I’m Lesley, a Scotland travel specialist, writer, and wanderer, with a particular fondness for the places, people, and little discoveries that make this country so special.
My background is in Scottish tourism, and before running Wander Scotland full-time, I worked as a travel adviser with VisitScotland, helping visitors plan everything from their first Scottish road trip to more detailed, carefully considered itineraries. Since then, I've created hundreds more, drawing on years of exploring Scotland and getting to know its many corners.
But while I love a road trip, for me, Scotland has always been about more than the places on a map.
It's about the people who make Scotland such an incredible destination: independent businesses, local creatives, and Scottish brands that shape our little country.
These are the discoveries I love sharing, and a big part of why I started Wander Scotland in 2019.
Today, the site reaches more than 150,000 readers each month, inspiring people to explore Scotland with a little more curiosity and a little less haste.
Our Mission
Celebrating the Best of Scotland
For me, the best way to experience Scotland is slowly, with time to savour, take the scenic route, make a detour and look beyond the obvious.
It's about leaving room for the unexpected: an island you never planned to visit but loved, a café you stumble upon, the local ceramics studio, or a little independent business you might otherwise have driven straight past.
It's also about recognising the people behind the places. Scotland's character isn't shaped by its landscapes alone, but by the independent businesses, local makers, artists, creatives and communities that bring them to life.
These are the people and places I want to champion.
Through Wander Scotland, I want to help travellers discover the Scotland beyond the usual checklists, while giving thoughtful, independent businesses and Scottish brands the chance to reach people who genuinely appreciate what they do.
Ultimately, I want Wander Scotland to encourage a more curious, connected way of exploring the country, one that celebrates not just where we go, but who we meet, what we discover and the people we support along the way.
A little more about us…
Wander Scotland is an independent travel and lifestyle publication celebrating Scotland, its places and the people who make them special.
At its heart, it's about helping people discover a more thoughtful side of Scotland. The kind that goes beyond the familiar landmarks to find characterful places to stay, excellent local food, independent shops, creative talent and experiences with a genuine sense of place.
We share detailed destination guides, carefully considered road trips and practical travel advice to help people explore Scotland independently.
But also share the stories behind the destinations: passionate business owners, chefs obsessed with our natural larder, makers keeping traditional skills alive, creatives finding new ways to tell Scotland's story, and small brands doing something worth knowing.
Scotland has no shortage of wonderful things to see and do, and we help people discover what they might otherwise miss.
Whether that's finding a new favourite corner of the country or discovering a small Scottish business for the first time, Wander Scotland aims to leave people feeling inspired to explore more and connect with the places they visit.
What you'll find on Wander Scotland:
Across the site, you'll find:
Scotland travel guides and road trips to help you explore the country at your own pace, from well-loved destinations to places a little further off the beaten track.
Independent places to stay, eat and drink, from characterful accommodation to cafés, restaurants and local favourites worth seeking out.
Scottish makers, creatives and independent businesses, celebrating the people, products and ideas that make Scotland such an amazing place to explore.
Destination inspiration and local discoveries, with thoughtful recommendations that encourage you to look beyond the obvious.
Personalised travel planning services that help travellers create thoughtful, well-paced trips beyond the usual checklist.
Everything is underpinned by firsthand experience, considered recommendations and a genuine enthusiasm for Scotland and the people who make it special.
Working together…
I love discovering Scottish businesses, meeting the people behind them and sharing the stories that make them worth discovering.
If you're an independent business owner, maker, creative, tourism operator or Scottish brand, I'd love Wander Scotland to be a place where you can see a little of yourself.
And I'm always interested in hearing about the people and ideas shaping Scotland.
I'm open to thoughtful collaborations, editorial features, partnerships and opportunities to tell stories that feel like a natural fit for Wander Scotland and its readers.
Above all, I believe the best collaborations come from genuine enthusiasm, shared values and a good story to tell.
If that sounds like you, I'd love to hear from you.
