Scotland's Sauna Revolution: Coastal Retreats Redefine Wellness

As of November 2025, Scotland is in the midst of a quiet revolution in outdoor experiences, with the rise of wild saunas dotting the landscape from the borders to the Shetland Islands. These coastal retreats, often set against the backdrop of rugged shores and sparkling waters, are redefining how people in Scotland engage with the outdoors.

The surge in wild saunas coincides with a growing interest in wellness and a better understanding of the role that nature plays in overall health. Unlike traditional outdoor activities that require elite-level fitness or technical skills, saunas offer a more accessible and inclusive way for people to connect with the natural environment. "If you can manage to get up a couple of steps to get into the sauna, you're going to experience so many health benefits," says Jayne McGhie, co-owner of Wild Scottish Sauna.

The saunas also serve as a new community hub, filling the void left by the decline of traditional gathering places like churches and pubs. "It's a way for us to get together but we don't have to be good at something," explains Dave Girling, owner of WildEmber Bothy. "It's not a sport or craft, it's not the pub. It's healthy and it's egalitarian, it's a level playing field."