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.

Continuous Electric Light: Bowman Lindsay (1799–1862)

This prolific inventor devised an electric telegraph, recognized the potential for electric welding, proposed the first transatlantic submarine cable and demonstrated wireless telegraphy through water. However, he is best remembered as the man who gave us the light bulb, the first creation of continuous electric light.
Cowal Way

If you like things a little wilder, try this one. The route is only partially marked, so take a good map. Start on the coast west of Glasgow at Portavadie and cross the hills to Glendaruel, Strachur and Arrochar.
Craigievar Castle

A delicate tower house with the grace and detail of porcelain. Scottish Baronial style at its best, and with some lovely monkey-puzzle trees in the grounds (see Craigievar Castle) .
Craigievar Castle

For sheer elegance, few castles can match Craigievar. Its cluster of towers held atop the slender tower house (1626) is a masterpiece of baronial architecture and poise. The interior retains the appearance of the original Forbes family home.
Crannog Seafood Restaurant

Fresh seafood is served, a panoramic loch view and generous helpings. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service efficient.
Crarae Gardens

You don’t have to be a rhododendron specialist to be bowled over by this beautifully manicured orchestration of colour. An outstanding and rare collection, which is at its best in spring (see Crarae Gardens) .
Crarae Gardens

A superb woodland garden with one of the country’s most diverse collections of rhododendrons. Many of the seeds were originally gathered on private expeditions around the world and some species are now rare. In May the garden bursts into a brilliant mass of blooms and is worth travelling a long way to see (see Crarae Gardens) .
Crathes Castle

Another exemplary 16th-century tower house, with original features in the Great Hall. Wonderful topiary in the ancient yew hedge.
Creagan House

Winning awards left, right and centre, this converted 17th-century farmhouse is a secret about to break. From quail to local lamb, this is good food at a surprisingly low price.
Creel Inn, Orkney

Multi-award-winning seafront restaurant in a timeless stone village. Imaginative cooking with Orcadian produce – try the wolf-fish broth.

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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