Staycation

This natural sea cave is situated one mile to the East of Durness village which lies in Sutherland in the Highlands. It is thought the name “smoo” comes from the Norse word “smjugg” which refers to a hole or hiding place. In Scottish mythology, the devil himself was said to hide in the cave before one fateful encounter with the Wizard of Reay (Donald Mackay) who outfoxed him. According to Smoo Cave tours the site “is fully accessible 365 days a year public access with a walkway into the waterfall chamber, free of charge.”

Scotland's Legendary Caves: 17 Beautiful Scottish caves with curious legends

Ailsa Craig or “Paddy’s Milestone” is an island that rests approximately halfway in the sea between Glasgow and Belfast. It is said to have the third largest Gannet colony in Britain as well as Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake, Fulmar, Shag, Gulls, Black Guillemot and Puffin.

Scotland's Best Birdwatching Spots: 21 Places to see beautiful Scottish birds

Loch Ness is a freshwater loch that is located 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness. It is famed as the home of ‘Nessie” the world-famous Loch Ness monster.

17 Incredible Scottish Lochs to visit while the sun is shining in Scotland

Treat your family and friends this season with the half-price anniversary menu at Grazing by Mark Greenaway

Ad Feature Start summer in the city with Waldorf Astoria’s seasonal new offers

The luxuries of a chauffeur, champagne and 5-star dining are yours to enjoy

Ad Feature Matfen Hall: Discover the jewel in Northumberland’s crown

Royal Highland Show Pic: Ian Georgeson

Royal Highland Show 2023: 6 unmissable events

Duneside exterior Pic: Tracey Bloxham

Travel: Duneside House, Northumberland

The Ro is one of the best places to admire the picturesque surroundings of Lake Windermere. Image: Pellier Photography

The Ro Hotel: a dog-friendly retreat in the heart of the Lake District

Growing numbers of hotels are now welcoming four-legged friends as standard - or for a small extra charge to cover cleaning.

The 10 best Scottish dog-friendly hotels - according to online reviewers

Lindores Distillery still

Lindores Bear Burning 2023: We experience this modern ritual

Like long walks along the beach? Then this beach is for you as it boasts a three-mile stretch of enchanting white sands. What makes the scenery even more impressive are the famous mountains of Harris that can be seen in the background. In 2021, Lonely Planet listed this “divine” beach on its Top 20 in Europe list.

White Sand Beaches of Scotland: 13 Scottish beaches that rival tropical ones

Some of the spas that have been shortlisted to be crowned the best in Scotland.

The 8 luxurious spa hotels shortlisted to be crowned the best in Scotland

The Cathedral was built to serve as the final resting place for the relics of Saint Magnus. Built from local yellow and red sandstone, construction commenced in 1137 making it one of Scotland’s oldest cathedrals and the most northerly one in the United Kingdom.

Best of Scottish Tourism: 25 Breathtaking places in Scotland for new tourists

This Catholic chapel can be found on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands. It was constructed in World War II by Italian prisoners of war who had been housed on the island while they built the Churchill Barriers.

Scotland’s Most Beautiful Churches: 21 Scottish Churches endorsed by our readers

An ice cream van with blue sky above. Picture:StockCube/Adobe

Mr Whippy on a beach in Northumberland: my summer has started - Gaby Soutar

Some of the amazing lochside accomodation that can be booked in Scotland.

11 lochside Scottish Highland retreats

'Explore one of the UK's most beautiful destinations'

Tributes to top music icons in luxury Cotswolds hotel

Jo Malone Highlands Collection

Jo Malone launches fragrance collection inspired by the Scottish Highlands

Watch world-class golf this summer at the Genesis Scottish Open, less than an hour away from Edinburgh

Ad Feature Tickets on sale for July’s Genesis Scottish Open. Buy now

From seed to spirit – discover why The Borders Distillery in Hawick is the best of local and Scottish heritage. Book a tour

Ad Feature Summer tours are open at whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders

Schloss Roxburghe exterior Pic: Christian Laukemper

Travel: Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso, review

Thirlestane Castle is located just 30 minutes’ drive south of Edinburgh, nestled in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders.

The 16th century Borders castle that's perfect for royal getaway

Laphroaig distillery (founded in 1815) is located on the south coast of the Isle of Islay. The Gaelic behind its name means ‘the beautiful hollow by the broad bay’ although it has also been associated with the Norse “breid-vik” which means broad bay. You pronounce its name like “la-froyg”.

17 Mispronounced Scotch Whisky names, Gaelic meaning and how to pronounce

Scotland has no shortage of stunning parks and gardens.

Scotland's 10 most highly-rated parks and gardens according to online reviewers

Best sleeping bags for camping in summer 2022 UK

Best sleeping bags for camping in summer UK

Cruising on the canal brings you close to nature

Unwinding on a narrowboat adventure

Bath Hut

Fletcher's Cottage, Archerfield, review - we try a new Bamford treatment

Portobello Beach is a beautiful seaside suburb with two miles worth of sandy beaches to explore. Located only a few miles from the city centre of Edinburgh, the location is affectionately referred to as ‘Porty’ by locals and it offers some incredible views overlooking the Forth. With the right weather it is perfect for a swimming or sunbathing session.

What to do in Edinburgh for free: 13 Exciting things in Edinburgh free of charge

Fish Shop, Ballater Pic: Sim Canetty-Clarke

Fish Shop's chef Marcus Sherry tells us about the Ballater restaurant

Ancient ceremonial locations or time travelling sites? Here are the Scottish standing stones that inspired Outlander's Craigh na Dun set.

13 Scottish stone circles and standing stones that inspired Outlander's set

You can find Bobby on George IV bridge close to Chambers Street in Edinburgh. A memorial to the dog that was truly man’s best friend, it reads: “A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858 this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars Churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872.”

Statues of Scotland: The 25 Best Scottish statues starting with Greyfriars Bobby

The Balmoral's Scone & Crombie suite

Travel: The most stylish hotel rooms in Scotland

The Stilt House occupies a stunning position in the beautiful Scottish Borders.

Take a tour of a quirkly and rustic treehouse in the Scottish Borders

This is a suburb located in the north-east of Edinburgh near the famous Portobello. The name ‘Craigentinny’ is derived from ‘Creag an t-Sionnaich’ which translates to ‘the rock of the fox’. Alternatively, it has also been linked to 'Creag an teinne' which would make it 'fire crag'.

Scottish Gaelic Edinburgh Place Names: 13 locations in the city rooted in Gaelic

Dunnottar Castle can be found on a rocky outcrop in Aberdeenshire, just one and a half miles south of Stonehaven. The 160ft rock is surrounded by the North Sea which made it a well-defended fortress.

25 Beloved Scottish castles as voted by Scotsman readers starting with Dunnottar

Visit Scotland reports that the country has "over 40 glens waiting to be discovered, each unique in their own way."

Scotland’s Glorious Glens: 13 Scottish glens you must visit including Glen Etive

Some of the quirky glamping accomodation available in Scotland.

10 of the best quirky cabins, pods, wigwams and lodges to stay in Scotland

Scotland has no shortage of luxurious places to stay.

These are the 10 most highly-rated luxury hotels in Scotland in 2022

Temple Spa treatment Pic: Merilyn Beretta

Review: One Spa's Temple Spa Champagne and Truffles Treatment

A Scottish coastal town has made it to a list of the top five seaside destinations in the UK (PA)

Scottish town makes it to top five UK seaside destinations

First opened by Miss Cranston and designed by Mackintosh in 1903, the original Willow Tea Rooms building can be found at 215-217 Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. The name ‘Willow’ refers to the street name as ‘Saugh’ (from Sauchiehall) is Gaelic for ‘Willow Tree’.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh: 13 Places to discover the Scot’s famous architecture

A few simple tips can make road-tripping with your dog go smoothly.

Essential tips on travelling by car with your adorable dog

Some of Scotland's best campsites.

The 10 best camping and glamping sites in Scotland - as voted for by campers

Views of some of Scotland's largest lochs.

The 10 largest Scottish lochs by area - from Loch Lomond to Loch Ericht

Unlike the horse-drawn carriages that once graced the cobbled paths of Princes Street, these days you will be faced with a slew of chaotic busses, cars and trams. What's unchanged though is the Scott Monument in the background which has stood tall since 1840.

Edinburgh Vintage Photographs: 11 Stunning shots showing Edinburgh flourish

The Gaelic translation for Dunnottar is "fort on the shelving slope" and this is why the fortress has played such a prominent role in Scottish history back in the 18th century with the Jacobite rising because it was a defensive and strategic location. Described as a "ruined medieval fortress" today you can still explore it at the north-eastern coast of Scotland, 2 miles away from Stonehaven.

Scottish Castles and Clans: 17 Famous Castles and the Clans that occupied them

The aurora borealis is one of the most spectacular sights you can experience in the skies over Scotland.

10 of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Scotland

The cabins are tucked away in woodland, surrounded by Douglas Fir and Scots Pine trees, overlooking Loch Broom.

Stay in one of two cozy eco-cabins nestled in Highland woodland

Siskin interior

Travel Scotland: Treehouses by Leckie, Stirlingshire

The Hotel Indigo Bath. Picture Veerle Evens.

Put Bath at the top of your bucket list for a bewitching city break

The Laurie family next to one of the Mull pods.

Glamping firm behind luxury 'sustainable pods' in £1.5m Scottish expansion

The Coniston Inn rural idyll

The Coniston Inn "truly one of the most breath-taking addresses in The Lakes”

Last year, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of Robert Stevenson, the man credited with designing the majority of Scotland's lighthouses.

19 Beautiful Scottish Lighthouses built by the famous Robert Stevenson

This magical waterfall tips itself over the cliffs of Kilt Rock on the Isle of Skye. It falls from the Mealt Loch to the Sound of Raasay below. Local legend has it that mermaids wait at the bottom of the falls to either greet you or eat you. This is a windy spot in winter so be careful.

13 Gorgeous Scottish Waterfalls: Falls of Glomach crowned our ‘most beautiful’

Four of Scotland's luxurious AA five star hotels.

All 9 five AA Red Stars hotels in Scotland - and how much they cost

Cradling conked-out Labrador puppy

Puppy Yoga: Our experience at Scotland's first class

Horse riders at Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran

We're on holiday to the Isle of Arran, for the umpteenth time - Gaby Soutar

The Bothy Bistro, Burghead Pic: Elliot Roberts Shooting

Scotland's best roadside pit-stops are revealed in The Extra Mile

St Kilda became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 and it is seen as ‘the most remote island in the British Isles’, even known as the ‘islands at the edge of the world’. A solemn yet fascinating location, it lies roughly 41 miles west of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, and is considered difficult to reach due to its position surrounded by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. While it hosts the largest colony of Atlantic Puffins in the UK, it is also known as the former home of Gaelic-speaking islanders for thousands of years before their way of life became unsustainable in 1930, it has since rested chillingly uninhabited.

6 Scottish locations that earned UNESCO world heritage status including St Kilda

Glenfinnan is an area of historical and architectural significance. The banks of Loch Shiel were the location where Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his royal standard and launched the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic concrete span comprising 21 arches, overlooks the monument and Loch Shiel. The structure is a fine example of Victorian ingenuity and architecture. The two sites combined with their beautiful setting make them worthy of consideration by UNESCO.

9 Scottish locations that should be UNESCO World Heritage sites

The Isle of Soay only has one permanent resident.

The 21 populated islands in Scotland where fewest people live

Locations don't come much better than the one occupied by Portamaggie Cottage.

Stay in a quirky and romantic former telephone exchange yards from the beach

Welcome to Carnaby Street and adjoining Soho

Globally renowned areas, they remain go-to destinations for retail therapy

This Borders base offers total tranquillity, with the Borders and Edinburgh on its doorstep

Ad Feature Holiday heaven: Discover nature’s wonder just outside Edinburgh

Cromlix hotel at night

Travel: Scotland's best luxury hotel breakfasts

Four of the most populous Scottish islands.

The 10 Scottish islands where most people live

Some of the biggest lochs in Scotland - by volume of water they contain.

The 10 largest Scottish lochs by volume of water - from Loch Ness to Loch Shiel

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First Minister Humza Yousaf

Deposit return scheme: "Real possibility" scheme will be scrapped this week

Ange Postecoglou could be set to leave Celtic for Tottenham Hotspur. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Ange Postecoglou 'agrees terms' with Spurs, John Kennedy's Celtic future

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had faced criticism over his promise to block new North Sea oil and gas exploration.

Oil and gas will be part of UK energy supply for 'many years', Starmer insists