Things To Do in Scotland

Be inspired by Burns
Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, has more fans now than during his lifetime. Guided trips to his birthplace in Alloway and landscapes which inspired his poems are popular with Burns enthusiasts.

Cycling
Scotland has an extensive network of signposted cycling routes and off-road trails for mountain biking. On small country roads there is often little traffic. Bicycle hire and cycling tours are available throughout the country.

Drink whisky
Sample Scotland's favorite export, whisky. Between Inverness and Aberdeen you can follow the malt whisky trail (www.maltwhiskytrail.com) and visit working distilleries to learn about this national icon.

Edinburgh Festival
While the Edinburgh International Festival (www.eif.co.uk) is the biggest arts festival in the world drawing the best theatrical and comedy players, it is the Fringe Festival that grabs the headlines. Drama, comedy, improv, music, dance, art installations - you name it, the choice is truly dazzling.

Explore Edinburgh
Edinburgh is easy to explore on foot. At the top of the tourist agenda is Edinburgh Castle (www.historic-scotland.gov.uk), which dominates the city skyline from its position atop a volcanic crag. The Old Town is the city's heart, with the Castle, the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket. A wander of the city's streets quickly reveals distinctive buildings, small restaurants, historic markers and inviting pubs.   

Football at Hampden Park
The national Scottish football stadium has its home in Glasgow. Guided tours are available (www.hampdenpark.co.uk). The Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers is always an interesting event, but can get a little edgy.

Get active
Outdoor activities in the Scottish highlands include hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, bird watching and camping. The Cairngorms National Park covers 3,800 k of unspoilt countryside. 

Go golfing
The Home of Golf, St Andrews (www.standrews.org.uk), attracts golfers from around the world. The country has over 500 courses nationwide including top championship courses at Carnoustie, Turnberry, Royal Troon and Muirfield.

Island hop
Island-hop by ferry between the many Hebrides (to the west), including Skye (www.skye.co.uk), Lewis and Harris (www.visithebrides.com), the Orkneys (www.visitorkney.com) and Shetlands (www.visitshetland.com) to the north.

Visit the lakes
Loch Lamond, Loch Ness and Loch Katrine are picturesque lakes miles away from the stress of city life. Book a boat ride and enjoy a blast of fresh air as you motor over black water and past tree-covered mountains.