Scotland: What You Absolutely Must See

At first glance, the Scottish landscape is harsh: omens of fortresses on hilltops and cliffs, the desolate moors... But spending some time here, you will realise that Scotland has a unique beauty of its own: breathtaking highlands for walking and strolling, steep coasts, monuments that are reminders of ancient battles, and blue lochs and rivers ideal for fishing. Scotland is a land of legends and romance, from Robert the Bruce and Macbeth to lake monsters and the tragic Mary Queen of Scots. And, yes, real men wear skirts here. An overview of the best places to visit in Scotland:

1Edinburgh

Situated on the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and has been home to Parliament since the 15th century. The city has a great deal to see and do, and is the second most popular tourist destination after London in Great Britain. Of course, you will want to see its famous castle and the Royal Mile, the main street that crosses the old town. Edinburgh is a city famous for its many festivals, including the Fringe, the world's largest international arts festival, and the Military Tattoo. You might recognise the city as the setting for several films, including The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Da Vinci Code.

2Loch Ness

Most travellers visit Loch Ness with one thing in mind: they want to see Nessie, the legendary lady of the lake. You probably won't see the Loch Ness Monster, but a cruise on the loch is a fun way to look for it. Loch Ness is quite deep, more than 230 metres in places, offering plenty of hiding places for Nessie. It is also enormous, with more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Take a walk along the loch or visit picturesque villages, including Drumnadrochit, home to the Loch Ness exhibition centre, scattered around the loch.

3Hebrides

If you like Scottish Gaelic literature and music, the Hebrides Islands are the ideal place to indulge your passions. An archipelago off the west coast of Scotland, the Hebrides are famous for this culture. This is where George Orwell wrote 1984. The windswept islands have a unique beauty. More than 50 islands, including the Isle of Skye, make up the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The islands have great beaches and you will probably see seals and seabirds. Get your boots ready, because the Hebrides are ideal for walks in the great outdoors.

4Inverness

The northernmost city in Great Britain, Inverness, is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Located at the northern end of Loch Ness, Inverness is a good place to visit in Scotland if you like walking. Stroll along the River Ness towards the Ness Islands, the Caledonian Canal or the churches along the river. Also wander around the old town with its old stone buildings and a Victorian market where you can buy handicrafts. Take a walk around the 19th-century Inverness Castle, but don't expect to see the interior unless you have been convicted, as it houses the local sheriff court. In that case, you might want to say a prayer in the delightful Inverness Cathedral.