Here you can combine outdoor adventures like sea kayaking, hiking, cycling and biking with great indoor adventures like pub crawls around Glasgow and whiskey tasting in Speyside. Whatever you do, make sure you try some of the traditional food including haggis and black pudding.
Monday, 12 February 2024
Saturday, 14 December 2019
Isle of Harris
Scarista
The remote Isle of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides, has stunning beaches. It is worth the effort it takes to reach Scarista beach when you stand on the empty expanse of white sand and take in the views of the heather-clad hills and the Isle of Taransay beyond. The clear blue waters are warmer than you might think.
Thursday, 29 August 2019
St Kilda
Deep in the Atlantic, 66km west of Benbecula in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, the storm-tossed rocks of St Kilda are the most remote part of the British Isles but have somehow seen human habitation for more than 2000 years. Its volcanic origins and remote setting have endowed it with great natural beauty and made it Europe's most important seabird colony. Its crystal-clear waters and submerged caves also attract divers.
Saturday, 3 June 2017
Edinburgh
Bus. The Airlink 100 service goes to Waverley Bridge in the city centre. Buses leave every 10 minutes from 4.40am - 0.12am.
Shop
Retro heaven glitters in all its glory at fashion boutique Trinquet, with its vintage accessories, costume jewellery and modern gold and silver pieces.
Don't be put off by the tourist-trap location of Royal Mile Whiskies. This is the real deal with a vast variety of classic malts, cask-strength specials and even bottles from long-defunct distilleries.
Don't be put off by the tourist-trap location of Royal Mile Whiskies. This is the real deal with a vast variety of classic malts, cask-strength specials and even bottles from long-defunct distilleries.
Head across the Forth Bridge to North Queensferry for a leisurely lunch away from the Festival crowds. The Wee Restaurant has a Bib Gourmand Award from Michelin for its good food at moderate prices.
Hogmanay in Scotland is one of the best and biggest New Year celebrations in the world, pulling in around 100 000 raucous revellers for the legendary Royal Bank Street Party and fireworks.
Day trip
Linlithgow. Mary Queen of Scots' birthplace is 15 minutes from Edinburgh by train. Sights include Linlithgow Palace, overlooking the town's loch and the 13th-century church of St Michael's. The Linlithgow Canal Centre provides an insight into industrial history.
Lammermuir Hills. A half-hour's drive west takes you up into the rolling Lammermuir Hills. Spend a day working up an appetite walking through thigh-thigh heather and down hidden valleys, before a meal in the beer garden of the Garvald Inn.
Lammermuir Hills. A half-hour's drive west takes you up into the rolling Lammermuir Hills. Spend a day working up an appetite walking through thigh-thigh heather and down hidden valleys, before a meal in the beer garden of the Garvald Inn.
Saturday, 15 April 2017
Aberdeen
From the airport
Bus: up to three buses an hour go to the city centre from 5.05am-11.39pm Monday-Saturday and 10.05am-9.49pm Sunday.
Shop
Cruise is a glamorous outlet that stocks shoes and accessories from top designers of the moment.
Quirky gift shop Johnny Come Lately is ideal if you are struggling to find the perfect gift, offering an array of trinkets and oddities.
Quirky gift shop Johnny Come Lately is ideal if you are struggling to find the perfect gift, offering an array of trinkets and oddities.
On the first and last Saturday of the month, the Aberdeen Country Fair comes to Belmont Street. The wide selection of food, craft, jewellery and gift sellers make a brilliant alfresco shopping experience.
Torry Point Battery was used as emergency housing for the people of Aberdeen after World War II and has recently been scheduled as an Ancient Monument by Scottish Ministers. It provides a beautiful viewpoint out to the North Sea and across the city.
Ideally located for the city centre, Rosemount is home to a number of cracking little shops and delicatessens, as well as two lovely parks if you fancy a relaxing stroll.
Ideally located for the city centre, Rosemount is home to a number of cracking little shops and delicatessens, as well as two lovely parks if you fancy a relaxing stroll.
Day trip
Inverurie. About a 30-minute drive from Aberdeen, Inverurie offers a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Next to Bennachie, the highest range of hills in north-east Scotland, the peaks are well worth exploring for their historical value as well as the amazing views from the top of the most prominent peak, Mither Tap.
Dundee. Only an hour's drive south from Aberdeen is the city of Dundee. You will find plenty of entertain yourself, with great shopping, fantastic eateries, and it is home to Discovery, Captain Cook's ship. Broughty Ferry, on the outskirts, is a picturesque town with great views across the Tay.
Dundee. Only an hour's drive south from Aberdeen is the city of Dundee. You will find plenty of entertain yourself, with great shopping, fantastic eateries, and it is home to Discovery, Captain Cook's ship. Broughty Ferry, on the outskirts, is a picturesque town with great views across the Tay.
Inverness
From the airport
Bus: Jet has a fast and frequent service to Inverness and Nairns.
Shop
The Drawing Room is a room family-run store that has something for everyone and features gifts made locally. Homewares, jewellery, accessories and gifts for kids.
You may not have spotted Nessie herself but you can still shop for souvenirs at the Nessie shop, the perfect place to get all your memorabilia.
Inverness Castle was built on the site of a wooden fortress in 1835. The castle, which featured in Shakespeare's Macbeth, is now a Sheriff's Court but you can still admire the marvellous views from Csstle Street and pass Flora MacDonald looking out for her Bonnie Prince Charlie on the way.
For an insight into what animals in the woods get up to while we are tucked up in bed, go on a night tour of Abriachan Forest on 16 August, guided by Highland Council Countryside Rangers.
Just right for long summer strolls, the Caledonian Canal is surrounded by a stunning landscape, offering beautiful sights to soak up along the way.
Day trip
Ullapool. About an hour north-west of Inverness, the lovely town of Ullapool is perfect for a day trip. Visit the museum or just wander around the picturesque seaside village. If all the stunning scenery gives you an appetite, there are a host of quality eateries to choose from too.
Cromarty Firth. Set on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, the Storehouse of Foulis makes a great day, with interesting history and wildlife exhibitions. The authentically recreated 18th-century building also houses a restaurant anf farm shop selling fresh local produce.
Shop
The Drawing Room is a room family-run store that has something for everyone and features gifts made locally. Homewares, jewellery, accessories and gifts for kids.
You may not have spotted Nessie herself but you can still shop for souvenirs at the Nessie shop, the perfect place to get all your memorabilia.
Inverness Castle was built on the site of a wooden fortress in 1835. The castle, which featured in Shakespeare's Macbeth, is now a Sheriff's Court but you can still admire the marvellous views from Csstle Street and pass Flora MacDonald looking out for her Bonnie Prince Charlie on the way.
For an insight into what animals in the woods get up to while we are tucked up in bed, go on a night tour of Abriachan Forest on 16 August, guided by Highland Council Countryside Rangers.
Just right for long summer strolls, the Caledonian Canal is surrounded by a stunning landscape, offering beautiful sights to soak up along the way.
Day trip
Ullapool. About an hour north-west of Inverness, the lovely town of Ullapool is perfect for a day trip. Visit the museum or just wander around the picturesque seaside village. If all the stunning scenery gives you an appetite, there are a host of quality eateries to choose from too.
Cromarty Firth. Set on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, the Storehouse of Foulis makes a great day, with interesting history and wildlife exhibitions. The authentically recreated 18th-century building also houses a restaurant anf farm shop selling fresh local produce.
Tuesday, 12 July 2016
Glasgow
From the airport
Bus: Arriva Glasgow Flyer Bus (500 from Stance One) to Glasgow Buchanan Street station departs every 10 minutes.
Shop
The gift shop at the Willow Tea Rooms sells Rennie Mackintosh tea towels, mugs, books, jewellery, silk scarves and ties, light fittings, clocks, mirrors and more.
Voltaire & Rousseau is a wonderful second-hand bookshop not far from Kelvingrove Park.
At St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, the Gallery of Religious Life explores the world's six main religions. Beside the museum you will find Britain's first permanent Zen garden.
Patrick is a bustling community at the south end of Byres Road, full of great second-hand shops, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Museum of Transport.
Step back in time at the oldest house in Glasgow, Provand's Lordship, built in 1492. The top floor is a wonderful gallery of paintings and photographs from Glasgow's past.
Many locals regard Buchanan Galleries as the best shopping centre in the heart of Glasgow. Located at the junction of Sauchiehall and Buchanan streets, it has more than 80 shops.
Visit: the Lighthouse. A chic, contemporary exhibition space promoting the legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and that of modern Scottish artists, the Lighthouse also features the newest world-class trends in design.
Day trip
Helensburgh. The renowned 'Garden City of the Clyde' is only a few minutes from Loch Lomond and just a train ride from Glasgow Queen Street (lower level). The beautifully laid out Victorian seaside town is home to Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House.
Loch Lomond Shores. The gateway to Scotland's first National Park. In a spectacular spot overlooking the majesty of Loch Lomond, with shopping, eating and leisure activities (frm an aquarium to kayaking and mountain biking). Take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch.
Bus: Arriva Glasgow Flyer Bus (500 from Stance One) to Glasgow Buchanan Street station departs every 10 minutes.
Shop
The gift shop at the Willow Tea Rooms sells Rennie Mackintosh tea towels, mugs, books, jewellery, silk scarves and ties, light fittings, clocks, mirrors and more.
Voltaire & Rousseau is a wonderful second-hand bookshop not far from Kelvingrove Park.
At St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, the Gallery of Religious Life explores the world's six main religions. Beside the museum you will find Britain's first permanent Zen garden.
Patrick is a bustling community at the south end of Byres Road, full of great second-hand shops, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Museum of Transport.
Step back in time at the oldest house in Glasgow, Provand's Lordship, built in 1492. The top floor is a wonderful gallery of paintings and photographs from Glasgow's past.
Many locals regard Buchanan Galleries as the best shopping centre in the heart of Glasgow. Located at the junction of Sauchiehall and Buchanan streets, it has more than 80 shops.
Visit: the Lighthouse. A chic, contemporary exhibition space promoting the legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and that of modern Scottish artists, the Lighthouse also features the newest world-class trends in design.
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| St Andrew's Cathedral reflecting in the River Clyde |
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| George Square dominated by the 80ft column and statue of Sir Walter Scott |
Day trip
Helensburgh. The renowned 'Garden City of the Clyde' is only a few minutes from Loch Lomond and just a train ride from Glasgow Queen Street (lower level). The beautifully laid out Victorian seaside town is home to Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House.
Loch Lomond Shores. The gateway to Scotland's first National Park. In a spectacular spot overlooking the majesty of Loch Lomond, with shopping, eating and leisure activities (frm an aquarium to kayaking and mountain biking). Take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch.
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