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.

Abbotsford House

Wonderfully eccentric collection of weaponry and historical bric-a-brac, collected by the great novelist Sir Walter Scott and displayed in his dream home.
Aberdeen

The “Granite City” has beautiful buildings, year-round floral displays and a long beach fringed with entertainments, including the Beach Leisure Centre and the Satrosphere, a science discovery complex. Provost Skene’s House (once home of a 17th-century provost, or mayor, of Aberdeen) is the oldest building, dating from 1545, while Marischal College is one of the world’s largest granite edifices. The Maritime Museum (charting the nautical world from ship-building to ship wrecks) is outstanding, as is the Art Gallery, which mixes temporary contemporary shows with a collection spanning the 18th–20th centuries.
Afternoon Tea at the Road Hole, Old Course St Andrews

If you are visiting St Andrews take the time out to have afternoon tea at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. Served in the 17th Road Hole Bar which is located on the top floor of the hotel with spectacular views over the Old Course and St Andrew's coastline.

The afternoon tea is fab and with a varied selsction of sandwiches, scones, cakes and pancakes. Well worth the trip.
Airds Hotel

The Michelin star first stopped overhead in 1990, and this country hotel restaurant hasn’t looked back since (see Airds Hotel) .
Airds Hotel

This fine country hotel has held a Michelin star since 1990. Seafood and game feature prominently but not exclusively, and Airds prides itself on the use of the freshest Highland foods, including Aberdeen Angus beef. They also do a wonderful poached-pear shortcake (see Airds Hotel) .
Albany

Three Georgian houses in the New Town, joined to form a smartly decked-out hotel. The Albany’s restaurant, Haldanes, is one of the main draws, with a reputation for great Scottish fare.
Amarone

Right on Buchanan Street, Glasgow's main shopping area this is a great pitstop. An Italian with a great selection of pizzas and pasta, many with a twist, as well as an impressive range of meat and seafood dishes - there is something for everyone.
An East Coast Drive

Morning

If your budget allows, book ahead for dinner at the Peat Inn (Cupar) or the Old Course (St Andrews).

Leave Edinburgh around 9am, cross the Forth Road Bridge (£1 toll) and visit Deep Sea World at North Queensferry (see Deep Sea World) . The fish will enthral you, so allow at least 90 minutes here.

Follow the coast road to Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Falkland. Here, have some refreshment in the deliciously organic Greenhouse Restaurant before visiting Falkland Palace. Remember to see the Royal Tennis Court before you leave – it’s unique.

You may be hungry by now, but resist, as it’s only a short drive via Glenrothes and the A915 to Upper Largo, where the famous East Neuk begins. Every village from here on is enchanting. Lunch in Elie at the Ship Inn .

Afternoon

From here it’s pointless trying to advise you further because – as you continue along the coast to St Andrews, passing through Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail – you are bound to become distracted by this medley of coastal idylls and end up doing your very own thing regardless.

But don’t forget your reservation if you’ve booked dinner, and leave all the delights of St Andrews for another day. All this in just 95 miles (150 km)!
An Tuireann

Swish, modern arts exhibition centre. Part of the draw is the delicious vegetarian meals and snacks served in the café.
Anaesthetics in Midwifery

Sir James Young, the founder of modern gynaecology, first introduced ether, then chloroform as anaesthetics in midwifery in 1846.

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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