The contours of Edinburgh make it a visually stunning city with the skyline dominated by the castle perched apon an extinct volcano. The city is divided into two districts, the Old and New Towns. The Old Town clustered on castle rock as a series of winding cobbled alleyways spreading from the grandeur of the Royal Mile still maintains its medieval charm. Began in the 18th century the New Town is an exemplar of the grid system of town planning and abounds with stunning Georgian architecture. The city prides itself on its culture and cosmopolitan make-up perhaps best evidenced every August with the world renowned Edinburgh Festival of the arts (one of the biggest in the world).

Edinburgh Castle
Perched high on an extinct volcanic outcrop this seat of Scottish kings in many ways the history of the castle is the history of Scotland itself. Over the centuries, the castle was often besieged and came close to being completely destroyed on numerous occassions, but always managed to survive.Highlights include: the Royal Apartments with a permanent exhibition, in the form of a series of stunning tableaux, depicting important milestones in Scotland's story and the Crown Room with the ancient Honours of Scotland - the crown, sceptre and sword of state.However perhaps the highlight of any visit is the magnificent panorama afforded from the battlements of the the city spread out below.

Holyroodhouse Palace
Holyroodhouse is British Royal family's official residence in Scotland. Originally a monastery founded in 1128, it is located at the end of the Royal Mile. The Palace is deeply intertwined with Scotland's tumultuous history, including that of Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here between 1561 and 1567 and Bonnie Prince Charlie who used it as hisheadquarters during the 1745 uprising. Today, the palace is used for official receptions and State ceremonies. It is possible for visitors to see the Royal Apartments with their lavish furnishings and works of art from the Royal Collection, most famously the famous collection of Brussels tapestries. Additionally Mary, Queen of Scots' Chambers are on view to the public.

St Giles Cathedral
With it's magnificent crown spire dominating Edinburgh's skyline for over 500 years the history of St Giles stretches back 900 years with the four large central pillars thought to date from about 1120. The church has witnessed executions, riots and celebrations.

Scott Monument
Officially inaugurated in 1846 the monument was built to commemorate the popular writer and patriot Sir Walter Scott. It stands at 200 ft. high with 287 steps to the top. It was made from Binnie stone containing natural oils said to aid its preservation. The statue was executed in Carrara marble and is more than double life-size.

Loch Ness
Part of the Great Glen, a natural fault line which traverses the highlands. The loch is over 750 feet deep and 23 miles long. Yet despite its natural beauty it is most famous as the home of the elusive Loch Ness Monster or Nessie. Myths of the monster date back to the 7th century but were reignited in the 1930s with sightings reported during the building of a road. Numerous evidence has been proffered since with inconclusive results. The Loch Ness Exhibition centre provides detailed information on the science as well as the legend of Nessie.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs have been awarded the status of Scotland's first National Park due to the area's outstanding beauty.

Stirling Castle
Straddling the lowlands laid out below to the south, and the monumental highland mountains rising to the north the castle is intwined with Scotland's history. It was regularly besieged over the centuries as Scotland struggled against domination by the English. It also overlooks the site of some of the most important battles in Scottish history.

It was here that William Wallace (Brave Heart) won his famous victory over the English at Stirling Bridge in 1297 and also where Robert the Bruce (later to become King Robert I of Scotland) defeated the English army at Bannockburn in 1314. Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood in the castle and also had her coronation here in 1543.

The castle offers the visitor a rich array of architectural styles with the Great Hall dating from the and the Royal Palace, the early Renaissance.

St Andrews
St Andrews holds a special place in Scotland's national identity. The name comes from the Apostle of legend, later adopted as the patron saint taking his saltire cross for the flag. Prior to the Reformation, with the shrine to the Saint St Andrews became of the great centres of religion in medieval Europe, and a place of pilgrimage. St Andrews is also a famous as a centre of learning. The university, founded in 1410-11, is the third oldest in Britain and still retains the same rarefied allure of Oxford and Cambridge.

Visitor attractions include the ruins of St Andrews Castle, witness to many conflicts and seiges and St Andrews Cathedral dating from around 1160 and consecrated in the presence of Robert the Bruce in July 1318. The Cathedral was destroyed by a mob incensed by the preaching of John Knox during the Reformation. It's Tower also offers stunning views with a visitor centre providing historical context.