Coolcations: 'They used to joke about our weather - now they can't wait for the rain'

Scotland is experiencing a surge in "coolcations" as tourists actively seek refuge from record-breaking heatwaves gripping continental Europe and other parts of the UK. Instead of chasing sunshine, visitors are now drawn to Scotland's characteristically cooler, overcast climate, finding it an ideal escape.

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That has been a real surprise.

Esther and Nick Cochrane, who operate a holiday cottage business called Beside the Loch near Glencoe, have observed a significant increase in visitors specifically requesting lower, more bearable temperatures. Initially, these "coolcationers" came from warmer European countries like France, Italy, and Spain. However, the trend has expanded, with a notable rise in tourists traveling north from within the UK, particularly from southern England.

"That has been a real surprise," Nick Cochrane remarked about the influx from southern England. The Cochranes have embraced this shift, marketing their cottages as prime "coolcation" destinations. They've even had guests express delight at the prospect of rain, having endured months without it in their home regions. "At one point we were apologising for the Scottish weather but people now want it. It's no longer a joke. It's quite a serious part of their holidays," Esther added.

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At one point we were apologising for the Scottish weather but people now want it. It's no longer a joke. It's quite a serious part of their holidays.

Caroline and Christian Grant, a family from southern England staying in one of the Cochranes' cabins, echoed this sentiment. Christian explained that temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) often lead to inactivity. "Here you can go back to normality, doing things," he said. His wife, Caroline, added, "We get to sleep under a duvet here, it is quite nice."

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When it get to plus thirty you tend to just sitting around really can't do too much here you can go back to normality, doing things.

This growing trend appears to be more than a fleeting fad. Chris Greenwood from the Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism at Glasgow Caledonian University noted that early data for the current year indicates an increase in flight searches to Scotland, alongside a rise in international credit card usage for bookings. The appeal of Scotland's milder weather is transforming a traditional point of gentle mockery into a distinct tourism advantage.

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We get to sleep under a duvet here, it is quite nice.