NORTHERN HIGHLANDS

Encompassing a broad swath of Scotland stretching from Inverness all the way north to Thurso, Scotland's spectacular Northern Highlands is separated from the rest of the country by the "Great Glen", Glen More. This ancient fault line was used to create the remarkable Caledonian Canal extending from the west coast to the east, from Loch Linnhe to the Moray Firth. While much of this mountainous region is uninhabited - and therefore excellent for hiking and biking adventures - it does boast many lovely small towns and villages. One of the pretties is the tiny coastal town of Dornoch, noted for its cathedral and castle ruins. At the top end is John o'Groats overlooking the Pentland Firth with what's probably the most photographed signpost anywhere.

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ISLE OF SKYE

The largest of Scotland's inner isles, Skye - known to the Vikings as "Sküyo", or "Cloud Island" due to its heavy mists - is hugely popular amongst nature lovers. Its wild, romantic mountain scenery and green valleys, caves and attractive glens, magnificent waterfalls and sandy beaches - all crammed into an island just 50 miles long and between four and 15 miles in width - make it extremely appealing. In addition to its deep inlets and quaint villages, the island is home to the remains of primeval oak forests, as well as an abundance of wildlife including otters, seals, and some 200 species of birds. Getting to Skye is easy, as it's connected to the mainland via a bridge, although ferries are still a fun alternative to driving.

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LOCH NESS

Think of Loch Ness and you'll probably picture the mythical monster that, according to legend, has made this amazing loch home for countless centuries. Nowhere does a better job of fuelling the legend than the Loch Ness Exhibition at Drumnadrochit Hotel with its exhibits of the famous "beastie" and the surrounding area. Then, of course, there's the much-photographed Urquhart Castle standing on a strip of land jutting into the loch. The center of many ancient myths, the 12th Century castle fell victim to a fire some 500 years later. Despite its condition (perhaps even because of it), the castle and Loch Ness remain some of the most visited of Scotland's numerous attractions, and are easily accessible from Inverness.

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STIRLING

Ideally situated between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Stirling is famous for the Battle of Bannockburn which saw Robert the Bruce defeat the English invaders in 1314, as well as the Battle of Stirling Bridge, a victory for Scottish independence secured by the legendary William Wallace. The splendid Bannockburn Heritage Centre offers excellent displays and exhibits regarding this important era. Between Stirling and Bridge of Allan stands the majestic Wallace Monument, a spectacular 246-step tower with incredible views of the area, as well as artifacts said to have belonged to the great Wallace himself. Finally, there's spectacular Stirling Castle built atop a 250 ft high volcanic crag. Dating back to the 12th Century, the castle played an important role in Scotland's rich history and serves as a great place from which to explore the area.

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LOCH LOMOMD

Idyllic Loch Lomond, just a short drive northwest of Glasgow, is Britain's largest lake and, according to author Walter Scott, is "The Queen of Scottish Lakes". With plentiful trout, salmon and whitefish as a lure for anglers, this beautiful corner of Scotland is also hugely popular amongst day-trippers, watersports enthusiasts, hikers and those simply drawn by the wonderful scenery. Boat trips are always popular, as are longer treks up majestic Ben Lomond (3,192 ft) with its spectacular views. Loch Lomond is a great first stop when touring along the Western Highland Way from Glasgow through the beautiful Argyll countryside to Fort William. Cameron House at the south end of the loch is an excellent place to savor the romance of a Scottish castle, breathe in the lakeside air and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.

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edinburgh zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland was founded in 1909, by an Edinburgh lawyer Thomas Gillespie. A visionary and enthusiast, in only four years he garnered sufficient support and funding to enable the Society to buy an 85 acre site to the west of Edinburgh, for £17,000 with help from the City of Edinburgh Council. Edinburgh Zoo was opened to the public on 22 July 1913, and was incorporated by Royal Charter later that year. However, it was only in 1948, following a visit by HRH King George VI, that the Society was granted the privilege of adding the prefix 'Royal' to its name. It remains the only zoo with a Royal Charter in the United Kingdom.

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edinburgh castle

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from its position on the Castle Rock. Archaeologists have established human occupation of the rock since at least the Iron Age (2nd century AD), although the nature of the early settlement is unclear. There has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century, and the site continued to be a royal residence until 1633. From the 15th century the castle's residential role declined, and by the 17th century it was principally used as military barracks with a large garrison. Its importance as a part of Scotland's national heritage was recognised increasingly from the early 19th century onwards, and various restoration programmes have been carried out over the past century and a half. As one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Research undertaken in 2014 identified 26 sieges in its 1100-year-old history, giving it a claim to having been "the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world".[1]

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