7 Workshops & Classes in Scotland to Build a Day Around

1.2 hour group lesson (3-16 people)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69Our pick

Meet Finn, Iona, Jake, or another North Coast Watersports instructor at Dunnet Beach car park. You’ll get a wetsuit, board, and beach-based instruction before heading into the North Sea for guided beginner surfing. The two-hour group lesson suits families, older beginners, and first-timers, with seals and sea birds possible offshore.

“Second session with North Coast Watersports- excellent equipment, tuition and good fun- defo coming back next year for more of the same”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.2 hour private surf lesson! (Up to 2 people)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your instructor at Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, get fitted with a wetsuit and board, then walk across the dunes to Dunnet Beach. This private two-hour lesson suits up to two people, from complete beginners to improving surfers. Instructor Iona is praised for calm coaching, local knowledge, and strong wave-reading skills.

“This was one of the highlights of our trip to Scotland this year! Iona is patient, engaging, knowledgeable and really passionate about the sea, the coast and the sport of surfing and this shows in the way she delivers her sessions. She is also local and her love of this part of the coast is truly evident. We were met promptly at the meeting point, provided with all the equipment we would need and then carried the boards to the beach. We had a safety briefing with her and, considering we were both novice surfers, important ‘do’s and dont’s’ to make sure we didn’t hurt ourselves. With that, we were…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Wildlife Watching Safari by Vehicle & Walks / Photography workshops with a Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $248

Join Stewart Dawber for a private four-hour wildlife and photography tour in South Skye. Search for otters, golden and white-tailed eagles, red deer, seals, seabirds and more. Use loan binoculars and a spotting scope, learn field techniques, and enjoy snacks, drinks and a picnic-style lunch.

“Stewart is knowledgeable, witty and fun company. We spent a few memorable hours together as he shared more about how to appreciate the animals. It was a delightful and enjoyable experience. What we manage to do: i) spotted the lone otter snacking in the waters around the island under the Skyre bridge, ii) learnt more about the lighthouse and how it used to function, iii) sighted a group of Scottish Red deer, a cuckoo, a Goldenhead Eagle (elusive but rewarding as we waited). Absolutely wonderful!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Edinburgh Photography Masterclass – Private Photography Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $191

Spend three private hours photographing Edinburgh with a professional guide such as Martin Smith. You’ll work on composition, camera settings, night photography, light painting, portraits, and long exposures at hand-picked city viewpoints. Bring your own camera, rent a tripod if needed, and finish with practical feedback on your images.

“We are very serious to semi-professional photographers. When visiting new places, we look for private photography tours so we go to the best places for photography. Martin Smith, our tour guide, provided us with that. He is knowledgeable, personable, flexible, and fun to be with. We took us to places we'd not have found. We talked photography exploring each others interests and experiences. We would recommend him in a heart beat and hire him again the next we return to Edinburgh.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Surfing Class in Cullen Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $58Best value

Meet Blue Coast Surf & Paddle at Cullen Beach for a two-hour beginner-friendly lesson with about 1.5 hours in the water. Your instructor covers safety, basic theory, warm-up exercises, and personal coaching. All equipment is supplied, and small groups of up to eight make this a good choice for families, couples, and first-time surfers.

“Amazing conditions for my daughter’s lesson. Finn was excellent explaining and supporting her through the lesson with excellent advice. Very well organised and added greatly to our holiday with a smiling but tired teenager as she had Paddle Boarded in the morning! Thoroughly recommend Blue Coast you won’t be disappointed 😊👍”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Traditional Scottish Cooking Class & Dinner with Edinburgh Local

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 5 reviews · from $179

Join Nell in her 200-year-old Georgian New Town home for a three-hour Scottish cooking class and dinner. Make Cullen Skink and buttery shortbread, then enjoy haggis, mash, turnips, whisky, and Burns’ *Ode to a Haggis*. The small group is limited to eight, with meat and vegetarian haggis available.

“Thank you Nell for welcoming us to your lovely home for cocktail, whisky and cooking in your kitchen. It was a memory we will cherish always. True Scottish hospitality at its finest.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.The Scottish Highlands Photography Tour & Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Join James of Alba Experiences for a private, full-day photography trip from Glasgow into the West Highlands. You’ll visit Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, and Castle Stalker, with practical help choosing viewpoints and getting better shots. Pickup, transport, water, snacks, and tripods on request are included. Lunch is not.

“Was in edinburgh for a short trip and the highlight was a private photography tour to Glencoe and the Highlands! The day started with James picking up really early in edinburgh and we spent a full day exploring Glencoe and the highlands. Even Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review