Scotland Starts Here shares the South of Scotland with the world.

From our hills to our forests to the sea – discover our sights, be enchanted by our stories, connect with our places, and plan a visit. Wherever you are, Scotland Starts Here!

From forests to the sea, from gently rolling hills to vast, open landscapes, the South of Scotland invites visitors to take the time to roam and discover Scotland’s spirit at their own pace.

Strategically located between the border with England and Scotland’s hubs Glasgow and Edinburgh, Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders are steeped in history: Rugged coastlines and wooded hillsides shelter natural splendour. Tales of knights, reivers, smugglers celebrate the unwavering spirit. Just like the ruined abbeys and castles, they are testament to the battles won and lost across the centuries, and to the Scottish icons who have walked these lands. Today local entrepreneurship mingles with tradition, creating outstanding experiences at every turn.

Telling the stories of the past and present, and celebrating the distinct personality of their people, the areas have now joined forces. In the South of Scotland, you will find multi-facetted places that turn your expectation of Scotland on its head. A new kind of Scottish adventure starts here.

About Scotland Starts Here

Scotland Starts Here is the destination marketing campaign and information hub for all those looking to discover the very best the South of Scotland has to offer. It comprises the Scotland Starts website and app, which provide information and inspiration to visitors, potential visitors, and all those who love the South of Scotland.

About the South of Scotland Destination Alliance

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) is the strategic Destination Management and Marketing Organisation for the South of Scotland, encompassing Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

The SSDA leads the delivery of a clear tourism strategy from coast to coast, with a focus on place-making, people, digital capability and sustainability. It is the SSDA’s ambition of is to make the South a top tourism destination by

  • Establishing Scotland Starts Here as the destination brand for the region
  • Working closely with members, industry partners, authorities and agencies on sustainable, strategic destination development planning
  • Working actively with local communities to demonstrate the value of the tourism sector and to cement its part in the place-making activity of the South of Scotland
  • Representing the needs of the tourism industry amongst local and national governments

Those interested in working with the SSDA can find further information on the SSDA website.