IF you’re planning a summer of staycations make sure it’s packed with brilliant places that everyone will love, wherever you are in Scotland.
You can explore hidden gems, from iconic mountains to fairytale castles, watch soaring eagles or sample delicious ice cream, all with The National Trust for Scotland.
The conservation charity preserves and maintains many of the country’s most-loved places and has more than 100 locations that you can visit this summer. Here are just some of the highlights, whether you are venturing north, south, east or west. outdoor experience, head for the Mar Lodge Estate, which is made up of more than 29,000 hectares of astonishing landscape and one of the most important areas for nature conservation in the British Isles.
Snow-capped peaks, serene lochans, a rugged coastline and panoramic views – the Highlands and Islands are where you can immerse yourself in the wildest area of Scotland.
Experience the powerful emotions of the Battle of Culloden, where a 360-degree battle immersion theatre at the visitor centre puts you right in the heart of the action.
Glen Coe is yet another iconic part of Scotland’s landscape, known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past.
Torridon, too, is a place of majestic beauty and uncompromising terrain and loved by walkers and climbers. At Kintail and Morvich, you can embark on ranger-led outdoor activities, which include sea kayaking, hill walking, or trek 12 miles to see the extraordinary Fall of Glomach – it’s worth it.
Explore Culzean Castle and Country Park, a clifftop masterpiece with woods, beaches and secret follies. You can also visit the humble thatched cottage where Robert Burns was born and there are more than 5000 artefacts including his handwritten manuscripts at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
Catch a ferry to Arran to see Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park – and make sure you experience the new interactive visitor experience in the castle.
Climbers or walkers can tackle Goat Fell or the less strenuous Glen Rosa.
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Edinburgh
Known as Scotland’s Castle Country, Aberdeenshire has more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK. Start at Crathes Castle, known for its painted ceilings inside and glorious walled gardens outside.
Just six miles away, Drum Castle has one of the finest libraries, now home to about 4000 volumes, some of which date back to the 1500s.
At Castle Fraser, kids will love the quirky features such as hidden trapdoors, secret staircases and a spy hole. Fairytales do come true, if you visit Craigievar Castle, said to have been the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Cinderella.
Haddo House is an elegant and luxurious stately home designed by William Adam and is home to an extensive art collection – perfect for a rainy day.
Pitmedden Garden, meanwhile, is known for its brilliant design and meticulous maintenance, and lovely to explore on a dry day. For the ultimate
Iconic The historic and dramatic landscape of Glen Coe
With its grand houses, gorgeous gardens and fabulous food destinations, Trust sites will help you scratch more than the surface of our capital city.
Gladstone’s Land is one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile and now has a new ice cream and coffee parlour that weaves 17th-century details into the design.
The Georgian House is another magnificently restored building where you can enjoy paintings by leading Scottish artists. Magnificent Newhailes House is a 17th century Palladian villa and another insight into life from a bygone era.
Venture further afield to the charming village of Inveresk to wander through wild meadows and woodland or visit Malleny Garden, a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of the city where heritage roses sit alongside 400-year-old yew trees.
Escape into hidden worlds of the past and of the imagination in this historically rich area. At Barry Mill, you’ll be transported back to the heart of 19th-century rural Scotland.
Step into the House of Dun to imagine how things might have been for the 13th Laird of Dun, who wanted to create the ultimate status symbol.
In Kirriemuir, you can visit the childhood home of one of the greatest imaginative writers there has ever been – JM Barrie, creator of Peter Pan, a hero loved by generations of children and adults.
Inspirational The fairytale Craigievar Castle