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This middle-of-nowhere former coaching inn is now a trendy restaurant well worth crossing the moor to find. Nothing exotic, but good food at good prices.

These islands are the heartland of Scottish fiddle-playing, and this festival not only showcases the prodigious home-grown talent but also attracts the best from far afield.

Established in 1199, this venerable castle offers undiluted comfort … as well as over 90 malts in the Gun Room Bar. Eat à la carte or more cheaply in the Armoury, where the chef’s experimental dishes are offered.

This sport makes football look dull. A sort of hockey without rules, this fast-moving game is terrific entertainment (it does have rules, but they’re not apparent to the casual observer). Games take place during winter and spring in the Highlands, culminating in the Camanachd Cup Final, the nearest thing to a re-enactment of Culloden.

Plain no-nonsense food served in a converted boathouse overlooking the harbour of this much-photographed village. Bar below, bistro above.

For self-catering in style, The Northumberland St apartment offers two double rooms and a single; the two leafy Abercromby Place properties have a double, plus two beds in a screened-off section of the living room. Two/three-night booking policy.

A long-established bistro run by Didier Dejean, perched so close to the mouth of the harbour you can almost touch the passing boats. Book upstairs for views to match a menu packed with sensational food. The bent here is towards chargrilling, and seafood is the speciality (see Silver Darling) .

One of the best restaurants in the country, this is a seafood emporium with Aberdeen harbour spread out before you (see Silver Darling) .

Mastermind behind Sherlock Holmes. He was born in Edinburgh and trained as a doctor.

The first best-selling author, whose novels and poems launched a romantic tradition.