Scotland the best
A-list attractions
From manes of steel, to the bonnie, bonnie banks, four unmissable bucket-list picks
Loch Lomond
Approach via Stirling and A811 to Drymen, or from Glasgow, the A82 Dumbarton road to Balloch. Britain’s largest inland waterway and a traditional playground, especially for Glaswegians; jet-skis, showoff boats. Lomond Shores at Balloch is the heavily retail gateway to the loch and the Loch Lomond National Park which covers a vast area. Orientate and shop here. The west bank between Balloch and Tarbet is most developed: marinas, cruises, ferry to Inchmurrin Island. The road is more picturesque beyond Tarbet to Ardlui; see the less touristy Scots experience of the Drover’s Inn at Inverarnan. The east is more natural, wooded; good lochside and hill walks. The road is winding but picturesque beyond Balmaha towards Ben Lomond. Hire a rowing boat at Balmaha to Inchcailloch Island.
The Cuillin Mountains
This impressive range in the south of Skye, often shrouded in cloud or rain, is the romantic heartland of the islands. The Red Cuillin are smoother and nearer the Portree– Broadford road; the Black Cuillin gather behind, best approached from Glen Brittle.
The V&A Dundee
Architect Kengo Kuma’s consummate design makes the most of Dundee riverbank location by the steamship RRS Discovery. Through a cathedral-sized atrium, up a sweeping staircase to the Galleries. The solid but edgy edifice is in contrast to its splendid but people-friendly interior, with frequent glimpses of the Tay and its bridge – Dundee’s new “lounge”. 7 days 10am-5pm.
Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies
The splendid wheel and dramatic boat-lift at the convergence of the reinstated Union and Forth & Clyde canals. The 35-metre lift is impressive to watch and great to go on. Great network of paths to walk and cycle from here and it links to The Helix and the giant steel horses’ heads of The Kelpies.