From highland cattle to Annie Lennox, we celebrate the very best that Scotland has to offer.
The Queen would not think of spending summer anywhere else and no wonder. Scotland, that cornucopia of a nation, has heaped the British plate with an abundance of treasures, from seafood to Harris tweed. Here are just a few of its greatest pleasures.
Otters bobbing in sea lochs
Unspoilt habitat and peace also means forests populated by red squirrels, plus golden eagles, capercaillie and the shy mountain hare.
Good reads
Jim Hawkins, Peter Pan, Miss Jean Brodie, Rob Roy, Richard Hannay, plus Alexander McCall Smith’s Bertie Pollock and Ian Rankin’s Rebus – some of the most memorable characters were invented by Scottish writers.
Annie Lennox
Her soulful voice and plangent songs are matched by an unmistakable personal style and thoughtful philanthropy: this is how to be a modern diva.
Charge of the Scots’ Greys at Waterloo
One of many legendary engagements by Scottish regiments, recorded in churches, kirks and war memorials.
Cows
Some of our most treasured native breeds, from the woolly Highland to the smart Belted Galloway, the prolific Ayrshire and magnificent Aberdeen Angus, were developed and improved by Scottish farmers and landowners.
Edinburgh
The most beautiful city in Northern Europe.
Access
You can walk – and camp – more or less anywhere you please (not always a good thing).
Crystal-clear coastal waters
Perfect for diving for shellfish.
Actors
David Tennant, Douglas Henshall, John Hannah, Bill Paterson – heavenly voices.
Bill Paterson pictured here with the Dad’s Army cast. From left: Toby Jones, Bill Nighy, Tom Courtenay, Bill Paterson, Michael Gambon, Blake Harrison, Daniel May. Photograph by ©Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection.
The weather
You might laugh, but when the storm has gone through, the clarity and intensity of the light is breathtaking.
James Boswell
Friend and biographer of Samuel Johnson, whose peccadilloes are chronicled with disarming candour in his own diaries.
White, sandy beaches
As glorious as the Caribbean, but quieter.
Archaeological sites
The island of Orkney alone offers Maeshowe, Ring of Brodgar, the Ness of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness.
The Ring of Brodgar on Orkney.
Room to breathe
From the vast spaces of the Highlands to Dumfries and Galloway, which measures 90 miles by 50 miles, but has a population of only 150,000.
The Scottish Enlightenment
With its hope that human life can be improved through the application of brain power and that, despite all evidence to the contrary, we’re actually rational beings.
Terriers
Winsome West Highlands, jaunty Scotties, Dandie Dinmonts, Cairns and Skyes – these are some of the best dogs.
A version of this article was first published in 2018.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
The life of a 21st century Highland clan chief, from managing 60,000 acres to manning the tills at the gift shop
Their family histories are full of heads on spikes and villages being razed to the ground, but modern Highland clan
A Highland laird’s mansion house situated on Argyll’s ‘Secret Coast’
Knockdow Estate boasts a magnificently restored country house in sensational Scottish setting.
The untouched ‘Island of Goats’, a short boat ride from the Argyll coast, is looking for a new owner
Rich with areas of ancient woodland and extensive wildlife, this stunning island off Argyll’s secret coast provides the opportunity to
