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Two adjoining museums in radically different styles and with very diverse contents. Yet together they present the nation’s most treasured historical artifacts. Worth visiting for the Lewis Chessmen alone, but don’t expect to escape in under four hours (see Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland) .

From 1953 to 1997 this was the Queen’s floating home, the honeymooning hotel of her children and Britain’s roving Royal court. Now you can wander the decks and cabins of this fabulous ship with an audio tour that tells of the life and times of Britannia.

Commonly in the Western Isles, but also across many parts of the Highlands and Islands, Sunday is still strictly observed as a day of rest. Bed-and-breakfast operators may take in their signs, and loud music or washing hanging on lines may offend local sensibilities. Visitors may suffer inconvenience if they don’t plan ahead.

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) .

This gallery only opened in 1960, but it has now amassed some 5,000 works post-1890. Here you can find the hand of such diverse figures as Picasso, Munch, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Pop-Art trio of Hamilton, Hockney and Tilson. Also check out the Dean Gallery opposite for contemporary shows (see Dean Gallery) .

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.

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.

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.

The best folk and traditional music performers gather at Fochabers (between Elgin and Buckie, ) in early Aug.