Perfect example of a tiny, friendly Hebridean island with a golden beach to lie on, a hill to climb and stunning views across the sea to its neighbour, Rùm.

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New Year celebrations, with whisky, dancing and fireworks staving off the midwinter chill.

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Natural splendour and terrific outdoor activities.

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Stay in the thatched blackhouse hostel in this beautifully restored former crofting village.

Ruined Cistercian abbey situated in the most beguiling of Border towns.

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The main town on the beautiful island of Mull, and Scotland’s most picturesque fishing port.

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Enric Miralles’ startling, contemporary design has transformed the old Holyrood area of Edinburgh.

Moody, poignant and spectacular glen within easy reach of Fort William.

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#09 Staffa and the Treshnish Isles

View the basalt columns of Staffa’s Fingal’s Cave from the sea, and then picnic beside the puffins on the Isle of Lunga.

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The world’s biggest festival of theatre and the arts transforms Edinburgh every August.

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Hebridean island with no fewer than seven whisky distilleries, and wonderfully varied birdlife that includes thousands of wintering geese.

An exceptional archeological site taking in Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish, Viking and medieval remains.

#13 Shetland Folk Festival

Shetland is the place to experience traditional folk music, and the annual Folk Festival is the best time to do it.

#14 Pubs

Forget the great outdoors and install yourself in one of Scotland’s cosy and convivial hostelries.

Finest example of the unique style of Glasgow architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

An unconventional but impressive museum at the heart of Glasgow’s cultural renaissance.

#17 Mousa, Shetland

The mother of all Iron Age brochs, on an island off the coast of Shetland.

Lose yourself in the capital’s medieval cobbled streets and closes.

The grandest castle in Scotland, with a commanding outlook over Highlands and Lowlands.

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#20 Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Treasures including the ivory Lewis chessmen are housed in this striking modern museum.

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#21 South Harris beaches

Take your pick of deserted golden beaches in South Harris, or further south in the Uists.

The home of Celtic Christian spirituality, an island of pilgrimage today as in antiquity.

Iona Abbey, Scotland © Heartland Arts/Shutterstock

#23 Caledonian forest

Among the gnarled survivors of the great ancient forests you’ll find one of Scotland’s largest populations of the elusive red squirrel.

#24 Dunnottar Castle

Memorably dramatic ruined fortress, surrounded by giddy sea cliffs.

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Prehistoric standing stones that occupy a serene setting in the Western Isles.