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A city in name but a bustling town by nature, Inverness is redeemed from the blight of its shamefully dull modern architecture by the majestic red sandstone castle (now the court house), fine old houses and the beauty of the River Ness. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery invites “hands on the Highland Heritage” (but you have to leave the artifacts behind), and the Aquadome is a fun-packed swimming centre. The Islands Walk is sublimely peaceful.

Iona is a sparkling island of white sand beaches with an active crofting community. Visitors come in their hundreds daily in summer to visit the famous restored abbey (avoid 10am–4pm for a chance of peace). It was here that Columba came in 563 to establish a missionary centre (see St Columba Founds a Monastery on Iona) . Staffa contains Scotland’s greatest natural wonder: Fingal’s Cave, formed by thousands of basalt “organ pipes”, which inspired Mendelssohn to compose his famous Hebrides Overture .

Best-selling cult author of street culture in Scotland. Made his mark in 1993 with Trainspotting .

A thriving island with eight distilleries producing peaty malts. Bowmore, the island’s capital, has an unusual circular church, designed to deprive the devil of corners to hide in! And Britain’s most impressive 8th-century Celtic cross can be found at Kildalton. More than 250 species of birds have been recorded on Islay’s varied landscapes.

A tiny “Isle of Sanctuary”, on which stands a superlative hotel: a baronial castle with as many down feathers and soothing fabrics as comfort could desire. A golf course, swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis courts and the freedom of the wildlife reserve are all at hand. Badgers turn up for milk at the bar most nights.

Extravagant luxury on an island sanctuary near the mouth of Loch Linnhe. This should be the definition of good living (see Isle of Eriska Hotel) .

Although geographically one island, the northern half is called Lewis and the southern half, Harris. Together, they are world-famous for producing tweed. One thing you absolutely must see in Lewis is the spectacular 4,500-year-old stone circle of Calanish, which resonates with a deep sense of spirituality. Arnol has an engaging traditional “black-house” (blackened by smoke) and Carloway a fine stone fort. Harris is more mountainous. Drive the “Golden Road” for the best scenery, and stop at Luskentyre beach, where you could imagine you were in Australia.