DK Travel : Scotland

Scotland has an overwhelming abundance of natural beauty, hundreds of castles stand proud from its long and turbulent past, and an innate flair for enterprise and travel has endowed the nation with artistic treasures from around the world. The culture remains vibrant today, and there’s much to celebrate. Here’s a distillation of Scotland’s best.

Caerlaverock Castle

A triangular ruin with immense towers, Caerlaverock still sits within a filled moat. Its history spans a siege by Edward I in 1300 and a luxurious upgrading shortly before its fall in 1640. Its yellow sandstone walls glow beautifully pink and orange in the afternoon light (see Caerlaverock Castle) .
Café Gondolfi

Café in the broadest sense: breakfast, coffee, afternoon tea and all main meals and snacks in between. A seasonal evening menu scampers the larders of Europe.
Café Royal Circle Bar

Swirling ceilings, brass lamps and a convivial atmosphere of both young and old, at lunchtime enjoying simple seafood dishes from the kitchen of the Oyster Bar next door (see Café Royal Oyster Bar) .
Café Royal Oyster Bar

Seafood classics – oysters on ice, soups and delicately cooked fillets. All amid Victorian splendour.
Cairngorms

A superb range of mountain peaks surrounded by pine forests and lochs. Ideal for testing walks, lively watersports and inspiring scenery (see The Cairngorms) .
Caledonian Brewery

Intriguing tour of Edinburgh’s famous brewery. Great copper vats and (smaller) samples.
Caledonian Hilton

With its very formal Pompadour restaurant and the Cally Bar for shooting the breeze with friends, the Caledonian is something of an institution. Opulence, indulgence and great views at a price.
Calton Hill

Rising above the town, Calton Hill is crowned by a gathering of Classical buildings: the Pantheon-like National Monument for the dead of the Napoleonic Wars, the Nelson Monument, commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar and the Old City Observatory.
Cameron House, Loch Lomond

An enduring favourite to which many stars hop by helicopter from Glasgow. Right on Loch Lomond, this turreted mansion has extensive leisure facilities, including a large pool, tennis courts and a marina. Three AA-rosette dining room, plus an allday Marina Bar restaurant.
Camping in Breachacha Castle grounds on Coll

Loch Breachacha, and a corner of Utopia for £2 a night! Okay, you have to provide the canvas, but you get to live on a beach with views over the bay to Breachacha Castle. Simple facilities but this includes showers and you need no more on this wonderful island.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £50
- £50–100
- £100–150
- £150–200
- over £200