Edinburgh

From the airport

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.

Dalry Road, next to Haymarket station, is convenient for sporting events at MurrayField and Tynecastle. The cosmopolitan nature of the area is reflected in the neighbourhood restaurants.

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.

When in Edinburgh one cannot buut enjoy the stirring sound of the pipes. During the International Festival one of the most popular events is the Military Tattoo. Troops from many countries take part, but the pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments are always the main attraction. Amongst the city's many showpieces are Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, Princess Street and Gardens, the Scott Monument and John Knox's House to name a few.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.