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Twelve luxury-on-a-budget one-bedroom apartments in the heart of town. Simple, modern furnishings and fully serviced: minimum 6 nights’ stay.

Beside a pristine length of beach, this grassy caravan site has a prime location. The Cameron family are low on rules and high on visitor enjoyment. Camp, caravan or hire a wooden sheiling (hut). The splendours of Torridon, Inverewe and Loch Maree are nearby.

Perhaps it’s the colourful strata patterning the rocks (Lewisian gneiss, among the world’s oldest) or the quality of the sand. Perhaps it’s the huge stack that stands sentinel at one end like some antediluvian shepherd. Or the Atlantic waves that charge in with billowing crests. Or is it the fact that so often you can have this mind-stretching expanse of beach to yourself?

A grassy patch, with 30 pitches for caravans or tents, a beach of its own and an adjacent golf course. Spotless amenities, a licensed shop and take-away snacks are all sources of pride to the owners, the Gillespie family. Spectacular walks and smugglers’ caves nearby.

An exploration of the bay of Scapa Flow, where, in 1917, the captive German Navy scuttled 74 ships.

A much-loved mountain between lochs Tay and Rannoch, Schiehallion is most easily climbed from the pretty road connecting Aberfeldy with Tummel Bridge. An easy and rewarding munro with which to launch your bagging campaign.

Myriad puzzles, experiments and demonstrations to entertain and inform. There’s also an IMAX screen and a revolving tower – a sensational place (see Glasgow Science Centre) .

A light soup made from mutton or beef stock, pearl barley and various vegetables such as carrots and leeks.

Formerly home of the Scotsman newspaper, this solid building has been transformed into rather a stylish hotel, especially in regard to its leisure facilities, which feature a sleek, steel and granite pool. Well-appointed bedrooms, superbly situated (looking north over the New Town) and with a fine restaurant, Vermilion.