East Lothian may be on Edinburgh's doorstep, but local tourism chiefs claim it is a destination in its own right. There is, undoubtedly, a lot to do. For starters, there are 30 castles and 22 golf courses, plus some great seafood. Landmarks, nature and parks and historic sites are also on tap but let's start with the wonderful beaches. For that you...

Ullapool is a picturesque village on the shores of Loch Broom and best known as the ferry terminal for Stornoway in Lewis and the Outer Hebrides. It has a population of around 1,500 but is the largest settlement for miles. The North Atlantic Drift passes the town moderating the temperature and it was founded in 1788 as a herring port. Thomas Telfor...

Ask people around the world to name a part of Scotland and Loch Ness may well be the reply. For example, it is the most popular trip run by award-winning tour company Rabbie's. And Scottish people on their travels abroad are often asked if the monster actually exists. The best answer is that Nessie – that's the name of the Loch Ness Monster alleged...

Resilient and creative people, hardened by a tough climate and stormy seas, have dominated Orkney's history since Neolithic times. Skara Brae, for example, pre-dates Stonehenge and the Pyramids, and the rugged, practically treeless terrain is home to over 22,000 people. However, the population is swelled considerably by tourists in the height of th...

After wrestling for nearly two hours with rush-hour traffic through a grey, misty morning with heavy rain in Edinburgh, I needed to chill out. I found the ideal place six minutes out from Newhaven Harbour on a tender to the understated elegance of the Viking Sun. It is one of the expanding Viking ocean fleet and stepping on board is a memorable exp...

Edinburgh, Scotland's compact, hilly capital, is fondly known as "Auld Reekie", which means "Old Smokey" in Scots. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish r...