Things to see and do in Scotland

Blair Drummond Wildlife and Safari Park opened in 1970 in the grounds of Blair Drummond House. The land had been purchased in 1916 by a wealthy Glasgow tea merchant named Sir John Kay. As he himself had no sons, his nephew Sir John Muir inherited the park who was the father of the present owner, Jamie Muir. Today, the safari park attracts thousands of visitors who come to drive through the park enclosures (park buses take visitors that arrived on public transport) to visit crowd-favourites such as elephants, lions, tigers, bears and bison. Visitors can also travel to Chimp Island on pleasure boats. In addition to the wildlife, there are also other attractions such as a wooden play castle, adventure play area, boating lake and fairground.

The Cairngorms National Park is a mass of unspoilt countryside, featuring mountains, fivers, locks, forest and oodles of wildlife. As well as hiking and mountain climbing, visitors can enjoy bird watching, beautiful camping grounds, and great skiing in the winter.

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.

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.

Situated on the old coach route that linked London and Edinburgh, Gretna Green gained notoriety as the first village across the border from England where young lovers would flee to get married due to Scotland's marriage laws. Marriages became a lucrative business and one of the most famous marriage venues was the Old Blacksmith's Shop. Owned by a family business called the Gretna Green Group Ltd that was founded in 1886, the site has now been developed into a popular tourist attraction with a museum, restaurant and heritage shops and still retains the feel and values of a small, family business. The centre now attracts thousands of visitors each year and is one of Scotland's most-visited tourist attractions.

Proof of whether 'Nessie' exists or not doesn't deter the thousands of visitors who try and catch a glimpse of the fabled lake monster in Loch Ness. The Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, in Drumnadrochit (www.loch-ness-scotland.com) is an amusing port of call for believers and skeptics.

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

Stirling's Old Town Jail (www.oldtownjail.com) gives an unpleasant, insight into life in a Victorian prison.