Top five Scottish experience gift ideas

FINDING a unique gift, especially for the fussiest of family members, is often the cause of Christmas quandary.

Stobo castle, nestled deep in the Scottish borders, provides a world of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Picture: Contributed

From adventurous flights to exhilarating spa days, our pick of top 5 Scottish experience gifts will help you make sure you have something special all wrapped for the times when a typical gift just won’t do.

1. Microlight flight experience

For anyone pursuing the dream of flight, this other dimensional experience is too exhilarating and exciting to miss. Swoop the skies above the Clyde Valley, New Lanark and Bothwell Castle, or take off on an island adventure to Bute. Said to be as close as it gets to the real thing, the unique sensation of freedom from riding in the open cockpit, with exposure to the elements and bird’s eye views of unspoiled landscapes, guarantees a natural high.

Swoop the skies above Bothwell Castle, Clyde Valley and New Lanark. Picture: hemedia

Available from: http://www.microlightscotland.com/

2. Shark diving

An encounter with the ocean’s fiercest predators in the shark-infested waters at Deep Sea World may not be the desired experience of many, but it might just be the perfect gift to quicken the pulse of the most hardened adrenalin junkies. Willing prey can don their scuba gear and breathing apparatus for an underwater safari along the sea bed, before coming face to face with the most magnificent beasts of the deep while friends and family spectate from the safety of the underwater walkway.

Available from: http://www.deepseaworld.com/shark-dives

East Kilbrides new attraction AirSpace. Picture: Airspace

3. Stobo Castle Spa experience

For those who favour a more soothing and subdued experience, Stobo castle, nestled deep in the Scottish borders, provides a world of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With a range of essential therapies to ease the mind and body, ranging from sensual Indian massages to reflexology and full access to a range of invigorating spa facilities, this luxurious treat is a heavenly way to indulge your loved ones.

Available from: http://www.stobocastle.co.uk/spa_breaks

4. Airspace freestyle jumping

Swimming with sharks at Deep Sea World. Picture: TSPL

Freestyle jumping is fast becoming a revolution and with over 100 inter-connected trampolines, East Kilbride’s new attraction AirSpace is proud to serve as the sport’s spring-loaded playground. The vast network of trampolines in the main arena are not the only off-ground activity on offer though, there is plenty of other aerial fun to be had playing football, basketball and dodgeball all on super-sprung pitches, making this high-rise experience one which is guaranteed to have someone jumping for joy. Available to book online at: http://air-space.co.uk/

5. Highland lochs, Whisky and Wallace tour

This one day experience tour takes in the beauty of the Scottish countryside from the scenic glens of Perthshire to the stunning panoramic views at Loch Achray in the Trossachs. Moving on to Crieff, home of the country’s oldest distillery Glenturret, visitors will enjoy an exclusive tasting of the Alpha Black Grouse and a range of tasty lunch options. The tour concludes in Stirling, the heartland of the nation’s most prominent historical figures where guests can tread the paths once walked by Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace.

Available from: www.giftexperiencescotland.com