Three remote Scottish villages named among 30 'greatest' in the UK (2025)

These beautiful Scots outposts have been praised for their rich history, tranquility and growing prosperity.

Three Scottish villages have been praised as some of the best in the UK in a prestigious new list.

The Telegraph recently unveiled its list of Britain’s 30 greatest villages, and three Scottish gems have made the cut. These picturesque locations, nestled in stunning landscapes, offer a blend of rich history, charm, and natural beauty.

Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Inverie in the Highland region, and St Monans in Fife are the Scottish villages that have earned their place among the top 30.

Each of these charming spots offers a unique atmosphere, with picturesque views, rich heritage, and an undeniable sense of tranquility.

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Tobermory, the Isle of Mull’s vibrant gem, effortlessly balances its bustling summer crowds with a sense of authenticity. According to The Telegraph, it’s a mystery how this village manages to absorb ferry passengers, tourists, and small cruise ships while retaining its charm.

The winding roads leading to Tobermory, combined with the allure of nearby Iona, discourage larger tour buses, preserving the town's intimate feel.

Its colourful waterfront houses, which served as the backdrop for famed the BBC’s iconic children's show Balamory, are a photographer’s dream. The local eateries serve up fresh seafood, while the Isle of Mull cheddar, renowned for its Hebridean Blue, adds a flavourful touch. The town also boasts a whisky distillery offering tastings, as well as a chocolatier.

But as The Telegraph notes: “No summer holiday camp, Tobermory bustles year-round,” and the smartest visitors know to come in autumn when the area’s wildlife comes into its own.

Inverie, Highland

Inverie, nestled in the rugged Highland landscape, redefines the meaning of 'remote'. As The Telegraph puts it, this village is a world apart from the 'wild' Highlands often depicted in TV documentaries, with a genuine community thriving despite its isolation.

Accessible only by boat, where whales and sea eagles greet visitors, or via a challenging 15-mile hike from Kinloch Hourn, Inverie is a model of sustainability.

The community’s ownership of the village has led to growth, with a green power supply, a well-stocked shop offering local delights like Knoydart venison loin, and efforts to reforest the area. Visitors can explore the village’s self-sufficiency, enjoy a pint at the UK's most remote pub, sample freshly baked goods in the tearoom, or swim in waters aglow with bioluminescence.

As The Telegraph notes, Inverie offers “an intriguing window into how villages can prosper when power is devolved,” all while providing some of Europe’s most exhilarating hiking experiences.

St Monans, Fife

St Monans, nestled in Fife’s East Neuk, offers a refreshing alternative to the more tourist-heavy St Andrews. Often referred to as Scotland’s secret Cornwall, this charming village has managed to preserve its fishing fleet and smokehouse, unlike other nearby settlements that have succumbed to tourism and second homes.

According to The Telegraph, St Monans is “proudly independent” with its historic harbour, designed by the renowned Lighthouse Stevensons, bustling with boats.

The village’s vibe is more “Hanseatic than Highland,” with its old merchant houses, featuring stepped gables and orange-tiled roofs, lining a waterfront that seems straight out of an oil painting, adored by the East Neuk’s many artists.

St Monans has deep roots, with St Monans Church dating back to the 14th century and Newark Castle, a rugged 16th-century wonder, standing nearby.