Neil Wilson - Lonely Planet Discover Scotland

This Is Scotland

Like a fine malt whisky, Scotland is a connoisseurs delight. Its an intoxicating blend of stunning scenery and sophisticated cities, of salt-tanged sea air and dark peaty waters, of wry humour and generous hospitality. Its a land with a rich, multilayered history that reveals its true depth and complex flavours only to those who savour it slowly.

Every corner of the Scottish landscape seems steeped in the past. A deserted croft on an island shore, a moor that was once a battlefield, a cave that once sheltered Bonnie Prince Charlie. History feels very close here, lurking over your shoulder as you explore the echoing halls of ancient castles, stately homes and royal palaces.

Scotland has made a contribution to Western civilization out of all proportion to its size. The long list of influential Scottish scientists, philosophers, writers, explorers and inventors would fill a separate book it was Scots who gave the world steamships, television, the telephone and countless other world-changing inventions. Oh, and golf, too. The countrys museums and art galleries are richly rewarding.

The Highlands and islands are one of Europes last great wildernesses. Their high peaks, wooded valleys and deep-sea lochs are a wildlife haven where you can see golden eagles soaring above the mountains and red deer foraging in the glens, spot otters frolicking along the kelp-fringed shores of Skye and watch minke whales breaching through shoals of mackerel off the coast of Mull.

Edinburgh, the festival city, is one of the worlds favourite party towns, but its also rich in history and culture. Glasgow offers stunning galleries, great pubs and a foot-stomping live-music scene, while Inverness combines a gorgeous riverside setting with superb dining. You could spend a lifetime savouring Scotland, but weve distilled it down to the quintessential experiences. Discover it your way.

The ruins of Urquhart Castle (), on the edge of Loch Ness
PHOTOGRAPHER: PATRICK HORTON

Scotlands Top Experiences

Glasgow

Scotlands biggest city ( ) are among the best in the country. Add to that whats perhaps Britains best pub culture, and one of the worlds best live-music scenes, and the only thing to do is live it.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
OLF/IMAGEBROKER

Cuillin Hills

In a country famous for stunning scenery, Skye's Cuillin Hills ( ) take top prize. Their near-alpine craggy peaks offer knife-edge ridges, jagged pinnacles, scree-filled gullies and acres of naked rock. A paradise for experienced mountaineers, the higher reaches are off-limits to most walkers, but there are easy trails through the glens and into the corries, where walkers can soak up the views and share the landscape with red deer and golden eagles.

GRAEME CORNWALLIS

Sophisticated and atmospheric restaurants, some Michelin-starred. ( )

Huge range of cuisines in one of the best food cities in Scotland. ( )

Has developed an excellent dining scene in recent years, with some outstanding restaurants. ( )

Probably has more top-notch seafood restaurants than any other town in Scotland. ( )

Funky cafes, fish restaurants, and fine dining at Three Chimneys. ( )