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Unprecedented comfort on rough roads was achieved in 1887, with John Dunlop’s first air-filled tyre.

Whilst working at the National Physical Laboratory, Watson-Watt developed a short-wave radio system that could locate aeroplanes. He called it “Radio Detection And Ranging”. In 1940, he became scientific adviser to the Air Ministry, and radar quickly proved its value in World War II.

In a 1997 referendum, the Scots emphatically voted for the reestablishment of a Scottish Parliament. This opened in 1999, returning the political forum to the heart of Scotland after an absence of 292 years.

The national poet whose worldwide acclaim has titled him “the bard of humanity”.

Best remembered for Treasure Island , this revered Edinburgh author travelled widely and died in Samoa.

As extraordinary as it is mysterious. You’d be hard pushed to cram more carvings into such a small place – and what carvings! Built in 1446, it seems that every master mason had to do a turn here, such is the variety of styles and subjects. Most curious of all are the carvings of New World plants. They predate Columbus’s transatlantic voyage of discovery by one hundred years – experts are dumbfounded, but the results speak for themselves.

While repairing a working model of a steam engine, Watt noticed deficiencies in its operation and hit upon a way to increase its efficiency threefold. His greatly improved engine had radical consequences for mechanical transport and industrialization.

By virtue of its age, design and deep-water moat (one of only two remaining in Scotland), this is a remarkable medieval castle. Built around 1098 in the days of Norse occupation, it was restyled in the 13th century and fitted with high curtain walls and drum towers. Its circular courtyard is a curious feature and unique in Scotland. Bute itself is a mere 35-minute crossing from Wemyss Bay – north of Largs on the A78 – to Rothesay Bay; an even shorter crossing is from Colintraive to Rhubodach, on the north coast of the island.

Scotland’s premier garden with trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world. Everything from hothouse palm trees and gigantic lilies to dwarf cacti and orchids. Look out for special events, and the guided tours will feed a curiosity you may never have realized you had (see Royal Botanic Garden) .

Celebrating the biggest, best and most cultivated in the farming world (Jun, Edinburgh).