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.

Melrose Abbey

The tall lancet windows of this impressive ruin must have appeared miraculous to medieval worshippers. And today, it’s hard to believe that such monuments could have been built as early as 1136. Over the centuries, the abbey succumbed to pillage and war damage, and now stands as a beleaguered but romantic spot for the ghost of Robert the Bruce (see North and West of Glasgow) , whose heart is believed to reside within these grounds.
Metropolitan

A busy & bustling cocktail bar in the heart of Merchant City in Glasgow. Good atmosphere and great cocktail list.

Also has a restaurant upstairs.
Millennium Hotel Glasgow

One of the best things about this large, recently revamped hotel is the conservatory, which sits on the edge of George Sq. Breakfast here, and watch the crowds rushing to and from the neighbouring station. Elsewhere, solid, dependable rooms and services, if a bit corporate in style.
Milo’s

With a menu that reflects the crossover of a French-trained local chef, Milo’s reputation is set to rocket. From high teas to the finest à la carte dinner, the fantastic meals are served in a tiny restaurant overlooking the harbour.
Monboddo

Sharp-dressed slice of New York nightlife, set down amid the old-stone order of Edinburgh. Attached to the Point hotel (see Point) .
Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre

Internationally-important tidal basin and mecca for seafowl and waders. In autumn 35,000 pink-footed geese stop here to refuel during their southward migration.
Moray Coast Villages

These charming communities thrived in the herring boom of the 19th century, but today only Lossiemouth, Buckie (with its excellent Drifter Museum), Macduff and Fraserburgh continue as fishing ports. Crovie (pronounced “crivie”) is the pick of the bunch. Access is by foot only, its picturesque street strung out below cliffs – a fabulous setting. The walk to Gardensown is an adventure for the sure-footed (see Best-Kept Secrets) . Findhorn – famous for its spiritual community – is beautifully located on a sandy lagoon. A tour of the coastal road (highly recommended) will reveal a dozen other villages, each with its own unique character to divine.
Moray Firth Dolphins

This is the only known resident population (they number around 130) of bottlenose dolphins in the North Sea.
Moulin Hotel

A much-cherished old hotel which serves food but is most famous for its smoke-lined bar and its own brewery next door (Moulin Light and Ale of Atholl).
Mountain Biking at 7Stanes

The 7stanes are 7 mountain biking centres in the south of Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. All have varying grades of difficulty to suit alll ages and abilities and allow the chance (if you slow down occasionally) to see some beautiful scenery

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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