Scotland


<p>Look, we&#8217;re thrilled. Genuinely. After 28 years, the Tartan Army is heading to the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer and the nation is – quite rightly – losing its collective mind. Your husband/partner/brother/father/male colleague has not stopped talking about it since November. You know the exact moment Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 and you’ve paid homage to the photograph of Scott McTominay’s spectacular overhead kick, which secured Scotland&#8217;s spot at the <a href="https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/features/scott-mctominay-portrait" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/Ross-MacDonald-Scott-McTominay-2025.jpg" alt="Scott McTominay overhead kick" class="wp-image-4316" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/Ross-MacDonald-Scott-McTominay-2025.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/Ross-MacDonald-Scott-McTominay-2025-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/Ross-MacDonald-Scott-McTominay-2025-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/Ross-MacDonald-Scott-McTominay-2025-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/Ross-MacDonald-Scott-McTominay-2025-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/Ross-MacDonald-Scott-McTominay-2025-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/Ross-MacDonald-Scott-McTominay-2025-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photograph: Ross MacDonald</figcaption></figure>



<p>Now the group stage draw has been made, the fixtures are locked in and you’ve just done the maths – a whole fortnight of late nights for the matches and football highlight programming where the sofa is off-limits, the remote control will be confiscated and the only thing on offer will be a warm can of Tennants and unsolicited tactical analysis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And if they make it through the groups… well, let’s take it one game at a time shall we?</p>



<p>Maybe this is all your vibe – get those face paints out and start singing. But if not, you’ve got a chance to take some much-deserved ‘me-time’. Here’s how:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-book-the-spa-stay-or-retreat-you-ve-been-putting-off-since-january-nbsp">Book the spa stay or retreat you&#8217;ve been putting off since January&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Don&#8217;t ask, just book. &#8220;You&#8217;ll be watching Scotland&#8221; is the most powerful sentence in the English language this summer, so plan to go away for game nights. Spa, massage, facial – the works. You&#8217;ve earned it just by listening to them talk about Scott McTominay&#8217;s overhead kick on a loop for six months.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/11/WEB_RES_OCH_Kohler_Water_Spa_000073.jpg" alt="Kohler water spa" class="wp-image-1829" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/11/WEB_RES_OCH_Kohler_Water_Spa_000073.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/11/WEB_RES_OCH_Kohler_Water_Spa_000073-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/11/WEB_RES_OCH_Kohler_Water_Spa_000073-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/11/WEB_RES_OCH_Kohler_Water_Spa_000073-768x1151.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We’re talking <a href="https://www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/spa-and-fitness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kohler Waters Spa</a> at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews for hydrotherapy. Scandi HotBox vibes at <a href="https://www.taymouthmarina.com/hot-box-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taymouth Marina</a>, Aberfeldy. <a href="https://www.crerarhotels.com/collection/fonab-castle/wellness/spa-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ishga treatments at Fonab Castle</a>, Pitlochry. Swedish massage at the newly reopened <a href="https://www.cromlix.com/experiences/in-room-spa-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cromlix</a> near Dunblane.</p>



<p>Or sign up for a <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/summer-retreats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer retreat</a> – forest bathing, island yoga weekends and enough options to fill an entire group stage. You’ll come home glowing. He’ll still be watching the highlights.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gather-your-people-nbsp">Gather your people&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/02/TheGlenturretlalique-107.jpg" alt="The Glenturret Lalique" class="wp-image-3123" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/02/TheGlenturretlalique-107.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/02/TheGlenturretlalique-107-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/02/TheGlenturretlalique-107-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/02/TheGlenturretlalique-107-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Football widow solidarity is a beautiful thing. Text the group chat right now – the one that&#8217;s been quiet since the Easter holidays – and schedule a proper dinner out for every Scotland match night. Better still, make it a road trip. If you want a real blow out take a look at our <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat/restaurants-bars/michelin-road-trip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin Stars route</a>. Or make plans to visit one of their <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat/restaurants-bars/michelin-sisters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sister restaurants</a>. Order the good wine. Talk about everything and nothing. These are the evenings you&#8217;ll actually remember in ten years.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackle-that-project-you-ve-been-circling-nbsp">Tackle that project you&#8217;ve been circling&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="771" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/ClockworkOrange_Couch-1024x771.jpeg" alt="No rules wallpaper" class="wp-image-4080" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/ClockworkOrange_Couch-1024x771.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/ClockworkOrange_Couch-300x226.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/ClockworkOrange_Couch-768x579.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/ClockworkOrange_Couch.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>You know the one. The guest bedroom that&#8217;s been a dumping ground since Christmas. The garden corner that needs a proper sort-out. The online course you keep adding to your wishlist. Anyone staying up to watch the matches will certainly be sleeping in the following day. Pack the kids off on a playdate. Need some <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/interiors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inspo for an interiors project</a>? We’ve got stacks of it to get you going. After all, the chance of an uninterrupted morning is rarer than a Scotland World Cup qualification. Use it wisely.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-to-the-cinema-alone-nbsp">Go to the cinema alone&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/03/Exterior5.jpg" alt="Campbeltown cinema" class="wp-image-3614" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/03/Exterior5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/03/Exterior5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/03/Exterior5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/03/Exterior5-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Before you say anything – yes, alone, and yes, it is absolutely brilliant. Pick the film nobody else wants to see. Get the good seat. Eat whatever you want without sharing. Going solo to the cinema is one of life&#8217;s small, underrated pleasures and this summer is the perfect excuse to discover it. Muddy has done the hard work with this round-up of <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/film-tv/indie-cinemas-scotland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scotland&#8217;s best boutique and independent cinemas</a> – from swoon-worthy Art Deco gems to tiny community screens with fizz and cake. Go on a Tuesday. You&#8217;ve earned it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-the-book-nbsp">Read the book&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1100" height="1100" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/06/Book-adaptions-1100x1100-1.jpg" alt="Books into films" class="wp-image-4547" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/06/Book-adaptions-1100x1100-1.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/06/Book-adaptions-1100x1100-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/06/Book-adaptions-1100x1100-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/06/Book-adaptions-1100x1100-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/06/Book-adaptions-1100x1100-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/06/Book-adaptions-1100x1100-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /></figure>



<p>You know which one. It&#8217;s been on your bedside table since February. This is its moment. Or take the opportunity to lengthen that attention span and start a reading habit. We&#8217;ve got some great recommendations of <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/novels-coming-to-the-screen-books-film-rights-tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">books being made into films</a> this summer to ease you in.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-book-to-see-something-brilliant">And book to see something brilliant</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/David-Olusoga-Author-Pic-c.-Karen-Robinson-683x1024.jpg" alt="David Olusoga" class="wp-image-4093" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/David-Olusoga-Author-Pic-c.-Karen-Robinson-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/David-Olusoga-Author-Pic-c.-Karen-Robinson-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/David-Olusoga-Author-Pic-c.-Karen-Robinson-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/04/David-Olusoga-Author-Pic-c.-Karen-Robinson.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photograph: Karen Robinson</figcaption></figure>



<p>We’ve already called it – <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture/scotland-theatre-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 is Scotland&#8217;s year of theatre</a>: new artistic leadership, refurbished venues, genuinely exciting things on stage. So consider yourself owed some time back and book ahead. The <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/superflash-ed-book-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edinburgh International Festival 2026</a> is stacked with 147 performances across opera, theatre, music and dance. The Edinburgh Book Festival has some great <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/superflash-ed-book-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">headliners</a> in its line up. And Glasgow is hosting a <a href="https://www.glasgow2026.com/get-involved/about-festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citywide festival</a> this summer linked to another great sporting event – the Commonwealth Games. File under: things you&#8217;ll still be talking about long after Scotland are (inevitably, thrillingly, heartbreakingly) knocked out on penalties.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-of-course-the-other-option-and-we-say-this-wholeheartedly-is-to-actually-watch-the-matches-nbsp">Of course, the other option – and we say this wholeheartedly – is to actually watch the matches&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1546" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_emblem.jpg" alt="World Cup 2026" class="wp-image-4321" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_emblem.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_emblem-194x300.jpg 194w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_emblem-662x1024.jpg 662w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_emblem-768x1187.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/05/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_emblem-994x1536.jpg 994w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Scotland at a World Cup will be, by all accounts, a core national experience. Chaotic, emotional, occasionally glorious, frequently heartbreaking, always memorable. The Tartan Army don&#8217;t do boring. But if the alternative is a spa, a good dinner and a book – well, frankly, everyone wins.</p>



<p><em>Scotland&#8217;s World Cup group stage runs from mid-June to early July. Plan accordingly.</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/summer-festivals/">Hot tickets: the ultimate guide to Scotland’s summer festivals 2026</a></li>



<li><a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/secret-summer-gardens/">Shh! Scottish secret gardens open to visit this summer&nbsp;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture/on-stage-this-month/">Curtain up! What’s on stage across Scotland this month</a></li>
</ul>


World Cup Football Widow? Make the most of it

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