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This astonishingly secret off-shoot of the National Galleries of Scotland is housed in an exquisite Georgian mansion. The collection includes works by Scottish greats Ramsay and Raeburn, as well as El Greco.

This imposing farmhouse with a stately round tower overlooks the sea and is gazed upon by shaggy Highland cattle. A fine B&B that welcomes all, except smokers and pets.

Founded in the 11th century by Queen (later St) Margaret (see St Margaret’s Chapel) , the abbey’s stunning feature is the 12th-century Romanesque nave. This was the burial place of Robert the Bruce – without his heart, which he requested be taken on a crusade to the Holy Land. A skeleton with the heart chamber cut open was discovered in a grave here in 1818; the site is now marked by a plaque to honour the hero of Bannockburn (see Battle of Bannockburn) .

A village of great charm and character, with its restored historic street, the noble ruins of its 14th-century cathedral and gorgeous riverside walks.

The UK’s most northerly mainland tearoom with a cornucopia of home baking.

Few castles can match Dunottar’s magnificent setting – it stands heroically isolated on a stupendous rock – and few castles have endured such intense bombardments. In 1651, while harbouring the Scottish regalia (which were secretly smuggled out by a brave woman), it withstood an eight-month siege by the English. It’s dungeons, too, have witnessed exceptional sufferings and deaths. 800 years of attack have taken their toll, but Dunottar remains an almost mythical sight, especially at sunrise.

Britain’s highest waterfall drops 200 m (650 ft) at the end of Loch Glencoul.

This former slate quarry has been transformed into a picturesque village. Surrounded by holes and fragmented rocks, it is bizarre and fascinating – a living museum.