Scotland The Best: New and fully updated 12th edition of Scotland’s bestselling guide

Product Information

Fully revised and updated in Pete Irvine’s own unique style, the 13th edition includes over 2000 recommendations for every type of adventure.

The view from here across the city towards the Clyde, with the Finnieston Crane featuring prominently, was captured by photographer Oscar Marzaroli and later became the cover for the Deacon Blue album Raintown. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk. Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth. Over on sprawling Mull, there’s plenty to see: rainbow-colored Tobermory; lovely beaches; whales and eagles for nature-lovers; and one of Scotland’s best fortresses at Duart Castle, ancestral seat of the MacLean clan.Loch Fyne is, "a combination of the incredible scenery, the seafood and the beer plus the lovely people in the community - it' s a really special place. From Iona, it’s easy to tack on a boat trip to Staffa, where basalt-column-lined Fingal’s Cave was the inspiration for Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture – that’s three great island adventures off the back of one car-ferry journey from the mainland. The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse has views of Isle of Man and Cumbria, with porpoises and dolphins to spot close to the nearby beaches.

But it is Lewis and Harris, officially two separate islands but actually the same lump of land, which have the big ticket attractions. There are grand country houses too – Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests – and a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys – Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best – plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. It’s reputation as a haven for independent retail attracts people from across the city as well as visitors from all over. Planning tip: Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history. Below are the 10 Best Things to Do in Scotland and, above, read the best of where to eat, stay and take the family.

A peaceful place with three working distilleries, Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank, all of which offer incredible tours telling the story of the region. Featuring one of the most unspoilt environments in the UK, the town boasts a variety of things to see and do, as well as being a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset or two over the pretty harbour. The next village along, Port Wemyss, has views of the uninhabited island of Orsay and the Rhinns of Islay lighthouse, built in 1825 by the Stevenson lighthouse builders. The sleeper train from London, a time machine where you fall asleep among black cabs and wake up among red deer in the Highlands, is regularly nominated as one of the world’s best train journeys. Local pub The Old Forge is the most remote pub on the British mainland, and the last few years have seen an impressive campaign to bring it under community ownership.

It’s a haven for wildlife and not only the red deer Birds flourish here with golden and sea eagles, as well as many sea birds that nest in the cliffs on the western coast. Situated on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, between the pretty towns of Banchory and Braemar and following the River Dee, it's a beautiful part of the country well worth exploring. This was also the spot where the Book of Kells – now pride of the library at Dublin's Trinity College – was transcribed. Things to do:Take in the historical highlights that include the 700-year old Alloa Toweror Castle Campbell, the Lowland stronghold of the powerful Clan Campbell in Dollar.

Rich with Viking history and folklore, it is thought to be the first island where the Vikings landed when they sailed west, with tales of battles with the local Pictish folk before settlement began. Scotland has drama in every corner: mountains that rise straight out of the sea; remote island archipelagos; legends of fearsome bravery and terrible betrayal. When you’ve had your fill of birdlife, drop by Bobby’s Bus Shelter, converted by locals into a cozy bower, with chairs, novels, chintzy decor and its own visitors’ book. Arran Whisky has two distilleries on the island, making limited edition whiskies, single malts, and blends. Known as the Road to Applecross, the route offers epic views out across the whole of Wester Ross, the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.

This makes the neighbourhood accessible from stylish hotels including Dakota Deluxe, Radisson Red and Kimpton Blythswood Square. Enjoy accessible islands reachable by public transport from Glasgow, fascinating maritime and culturalhistory, pretty beaches and even a clifftop castle.Next door, climb aboard the RRS Discoveryat Discovery Point and follow in the footsteps of Captain Scott and his crew on their remarkable journey in the Antarctic. Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Some of the glen's finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow. When Loch Fyne Oysters was founded, the owners were looking for a sustainable business to give young people employ­ment without damaging the environment.