Celtic delights
island is filled with distinctive rocks, enchanting caves and seabirds. You’ll also find puffins, black guillemots and fulmars among its volcanic rocks. nts.org.uk
After a £34.6million makeover, this gallery now boasts one of the UK’s best collections. There are 19 permanent galleries featuring the works of some of Scotland’s most famous artists, including Henry Raeburn – who once served as a portrait painter for King George IV. aberdeencity.gov.uk
The highest peak on the Isle of Arran makes a fantastic day out for hillwalkers and climbers.
You can also discover the local flora and fauna, from dwarf juniper and sweet-scented heather to tiger beetles and emperor moths. nts.org.uk
The Royal Botanic now has four sites across Scotland but this one, in the capital, is its flagship. It covers more than 28 hectares and offers a world-class collection of plants, plus several cafes and an art gallery. rbge.org.uk
With its breathtaking coastal headland and dramatic cliffs, St Abb’s is famed for its seabird colonies. Head inland to the Mire Loch in search of swans, damselflies and butterflies or discover more about its history at the Nature Centre. nts.org.uk
The first V&A museum in the world outside London and the first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland, V&A Dundee has permanent displays and changing exhibitions showcasing the very best of design from around the world. Tartan, an exhibition showcasing one of the world’s bestknown textiles, is on all summer. vam.ac.uk
The estate that’s now the country park was established in 1732 by the Scottish architect William Adam. It was originally a hunting lodge for the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton but today, it’s a fine open space for everyone to enjoy. The country park offers a fun-packed programme of events and activities throughout the year, including children’s craft workshops, guided walks and treasure hunts.
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen
Goatfell, Isle of Arran
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
V&A Dundee, Dundee
Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton
Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow
GoMA, located in the centre of Glasgow, has four galleries with art from across the world, as well as a library and gallery shop. A new exhibition of works on paper, fabric and sculpture by local artists Helen de Main and Mandy McIntosh will be on display this summer. glasgowlife.org.uk
Ben Lomond, Scottish Highlands
This is one of the most popular munros – or mountains – in Scotland. And if you make it to the top, you will be treated to truly fantastic views spanning the length of Loch Lomond with climbers visiting all year round, come rain or shine. If you can’t face the summit, there’s also a wealth of history and wildlife to be discovered on the lower slopes. Keep your eyes peeled for ptarmigan, ravens, skylarks, wheatears, black grouse and even pine martens.