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.

Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace

The best-preserved charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain. Learn how iron was made here in 1753 in this lovely setting by Loch Etive.
Border Abbeys Way

A circular route that combines historical interest with the irresistible appeal of the gentle Borders landscape, with its rounded hills, rivers and forests. The track connects the four magnificent abbeys of Kelso, Melrose, Dryburgh and Jedburgh.
Borders Rugby Sevens

Skill, passion and mud. In rugby’s heartland, each border town takes a day as host (Apr/May).
Borough

Pick of the budget hotels – fantastic value for a modern chic hotel. Unfussy décor and large windows give a convincing illusion of space in bedrooms that come with all the minimalist frills: that is, fancy TV, DVD player and full-on waterfall-type shower in the bathroom.
Botanical Gardens

Positively bulging with greenery and colour, these gardens are a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The highlights are the glasshouses – the main structure named Kibble Palace – famous for their orchids and tropicana (see Botanical Gardens, Glasgow) .
Botanical Gardens, Glasgow

The city’s magnificent gardens are especially noted for their glass-houses, packed with exotic plants. Foremost among these is the curved iron framework of the Kibble Palace. A wonderful oasis of palm trees, ferns, orchids and begonias is found inside (see Botanical Gardens) .
Bow Bar

Lush red and cream gloss paintwork envelops this modest room of a pub, where the sounds are provided by the jovial babble of conversation and clinking glasses.
Brian Maule at Chardon D’Or

A masterful use of traditional French techniques and textures, combined with the very best of Scottish produce, are used here to create some of the best food in Scotland. Worth every penny (see Brian Maule at Chardon D’Or) .
Brian Maule at Chardon D’Or

A true fine dining experience that should not be missed. The chef Brian Maule combines the greatness of classic french cuisine with modern dishes that use top quality Scottish produce.
Brodick Castle, Arran

Originally a Viking keep before the Dukes of Hamilton claimed it, this 13th-century fortified tower was extended by Oliver Cromwell and then transformed into a stately home in Victorian times. The last Hamilton moved out only in 1957. A solid red sandstone building with fanciful trimmings, it contains a noted collection of silver, porcelain and paintings. The gardens are beautifully maintained (try to catch the rhododendrons in spring bloom), as are the woodland trails. The main ferry to Arran (just under an hour) is from Ardrossan, on the mainland coast, just north of Irvine.

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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