Scotland gay bars

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Make the most of your travels by pre-booking our popular tours and experiences.  There's a whole range of options, from cultural and historical to food, drink and nightlife.  Get under the skin of your destination, and book a tour or experience now.

Lothian Buses and the tram system are reliable, affordable, and run frequently.

Mid-Range

Motel One Edinburgh-Royal– Located on Market Street, it’s just steps from Waverley Station, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Pink Triangle gayborhood. Guests can enjoy a 24-hour front desk, buffet breakfast, and access to the One Lounge—a cozy bar with a whisky-themed design and sheep sculptures (yes, seriously!).

Alva House – The city's only gay-owned, male-only guesthouse is homely, charming, inclusive, and quintessentially Scottish.

These include lectures, workshops, and cultural activities aimed at celebrating and educating about LGBTQ+ history and contributions. Visitors can explore the opulent State Apartments, the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey, all surrounded by beautiful gardens with an abbey outside.

On this 3-hour walking tour through the heart of Edinburgh, you’ll learn about pioneering lesbian and trans doctors, revolutionary booksellers, 17th-century queer love stories, and a courageous gay Scot who challenged Stalin for LGBTQ+ rights in the 1930s—and more. The “Pink Triangle” is where you’ll find most of the gay bars and clubs, clustered a few blocks near the top of Leith Walk.

Rooms are equipped with plush box-spring beds, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and sleek bathrooms. The shop’s retro ambiance, complete with recycled milk bottle furnishings, offers a nostalgic nod to vintage milk bars.

Edinburgh Gay Bars and Clubs

CC Blooms – Named after Bette Midler’s character in Beaches, CC Blooms is Edinburgh’s oldest LGBTQ+ bar and club.

The Scran and Scallie – You don’t get a more Scotty-ish name than that, and this gastropub in the Stockbridge neighborhood doesn’t disappoint with its rustic charm.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival – It’s no exaggeration to say that the world’s largest arts festival transforms Edinburgh into a vibrant hub of creativity and expression.

No one heads up north expecting sunny skies, but Edinburgh—like Scotland—doesn’t need good weather to look good. As the name suggests, it serves up the best of local Scottish fare, including Cullen skink (a hearty smoked haddock, potato, and onion soup), Aberdeen butteries with haggis (rich pastries filled with spiced offal), and a tangy rhubarb trifle.

The walk to the top is manageable for most fitness levels and takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on your chosen trail. Take a 60-minute guided tour to learn about whisky production, enjoy tastings (liberally), and visit the rooftop bar for more “tastings” and views over the river.

With origins dating back to the Iron Age, it has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison. There are bus and rail connections to other parts of Scotland too, so it’s a great spot to base yourself for further exploration.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Scottish Highlands Gay Travel Resources