Right here, right now

The sun is out, the temperature is rising and there’s no better time to get out and about and appreciate what’s right on your doorstep

Fact: Scotland during the summer is the best place on earth. OK, that sunshine might not exactly be scorching but none of that matters when you’ve got loads of amazing things to see and do right on your doorstep.

For a revitalising break, head to Perthshire where you can enjoy an invigorating walk around Blairgowie, Crieff, or at the Hermitage or Falls of Bruar. As you take in the region’s stunning scenery, you’ll also pass by a variety of interesting sights, including Roman remains; historic estates such as Blair or Loch Leven castles; the Iron-Age Scottish Crannog Centre; stunning gardens, such as Branklyn or at Rossie House; and whisky distilleries, including Edradour, Glenturret and Deanston. Watersports enthusiasts can get out on the water to discover a fantastic range of water-based activities from white water rafting to kayaking and even gorge walking.

In Dundee, children and adults will enjoy visiting a range of hands-on historic centres. Step on board one of two historic ships at the city’s waterfront – RRS Discovery, known for being the vessel that took explorer Captain Scott on his first polar expedition to Antarctica, and the HM Frigate Unicorn. You can also travel back in time at museums such as Verdant Works, visit Mills Observatory (the UK’s only full-time observatory), get involved in experiments at Dundee Science Centre, or take your pick from the variety of shows available at one of the city’s cultural venues, including Dundee Rep Theatre and Dundee Contemporary Arts.

If you’re looking to get away from it all, walking is one of the best ways to lose yourself and in Angus, you’ll be swept away by the region’s majestic landscapes and sense of peace and tranquillity. Take in the natural beauty of Glen Cova; look out for ospreys in Glen Isla; or spot eagles in Glen Doll. For an afternoon of exploration, head to Kirriemuir to see the house where Peter Pan author JM Barrie was born. At Arbroath you can explore the magnificent ruined abbey where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed, while just up the coast the more adventurous can enjoy a spot of windsurfing at Lunan Bay. The enchanting ruins of Edzell Castle with its beautiful Renaissance walled garden near Brechin is also worth a visit.

Fife has plenty in store too. There are coastal gems such as the towns of Anstruther with its award-winning Scottish Fisheries Museum, or Pittenweem, which boasts charming local galleries. PIck up foodie delights from Cairnie Fruit Farm and Eden Mill Distillery and Brewery near St Andrews and take in the intriguing history of sites such as Dunfermline Abbey. You can also get up close to tiger sharks, stingrays and other sea creatures at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry, or come face to face with amazing wildlife at the Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar.

How many of our suggestions for fun days out will you be able to pack in this summer?

Loch Brandy is just one delight awaiting walkers in Glen Clova. Picture VisitScotland.