Why Visit Scotland in September?

The Scottish midge is a terror whose reputation often evokes horror in locals and guests alike. Though certainly not as scary as many believe, they can be a bother if not adequately accounted for. That’s why the end of summer is a great time to visit; there’s nary a midge to be seen as you get towards the end of Scotland’s September. With the first cold snaps of the season, the midges are beaten back for another year.

That means their familiar haunts of lunches during hiking and lazy evenings can be enjoyed without these unwelcome irritations. Find out more about the mighty midge and why they’re not as scary as they seem.

The end of summer means the beginning of fall, and it’s a time of foodie abundance in Scotland. Many foods come into season, and people all over enjoy the traditional time of plenty. It’s also a time for community, and farmers’ markets seem to spring up everywhere. This access to organic, delicious food seems to bring smiles to faces as old treats are revisited, and new ones get explored.

Our coast boasts some of the best shellfish across the continent at any time of year, but in September it is at its richest. Mussels, razor clams and lobster are as big as they get and there is a renewed focus on harbour-to-table dining across Scotland. Langoustines are a fresh favourite the world over and crabs are at a rare size by the end of summer. All make for an excellent dinner that’s not easily bested.

Autumn fruit is also starting to be drawn in. This includes the harvest staple of apples, but also gooseberries and raspberries find their way to many a pie. Throw in fresh blueberries and pears and you’ve sampled some of the best fruit that September offers. The sweet-sour flavours of these berries perfectly describe the time of year, with delights you know won’t last forever quickly passing. That said, they truly are delicious while they last.

Finally, September is the perfect time for wild foraging. Brambles grow readily, and mushrooms flourish if you know where to look. It is little wonder that there’s a Wild Food Festival in Glasgow this month of all months. If you’re looking to indulge in gathering food from the natural world, then Scotland in September is precisely where you want to be. If you look around, then you’ll find all manner of fresh fungi and fantastic fruit just off the beaten path.

Fall is a wonderful time of year the world over, but there’s something special about it in Scotland. Scotland in September is the start of a shift in the breeze. Here and there leaves are changing like fireworks across the leafy canopy. It’s just starting, but it’s quite extraordinary. Aspen leaves turn bright gold, and Perthshire is awash with vibrant colours. It’s like trees know they have just one dance left in them, so they make it special. They’ve not entirely gone to the crimson wash which is undoubtedly coming, in fact, in many places, they’re greener than ever.

As you head northward, though, you’ll find that the ancient pinewoods mingle with this change of costume. A familiar and welcome continuity comes from the pines, with calming green and the smell of pleasant sticky sap lasting. Taking to the hills, you can look down on a landscape awash with change and marvel at the wonder of the season. Individual trees make the choice to change their costumes, like soloists stepping from the wings to centre stage.

At the start of September, this theatrical production comes with a backdrop of heather in the most vibrant purple you can imagine. Whole hillsides are swathed in the royal hue, and it’s a magical experience to step through such a magical landscape. Here and there the bracken is dying off to add rusty remembrance of the summer past, making for a fantastical scene for all involved.

If you’ve fallen in love with the changing of the leaves in Scotland, you should check out our Autumn Highlands trip.