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Resembling a science-fiction film set, this engineering marvel is a “world’s first”. In order to connect two canal systems on different levels, engineers came up with the idea of using revolving scoops. Canal boats enter what is essentially a giant bucket containing 300,000 gallons of water. Gates close, the wheel revolves and boats are carried up or down to the next level. Ingenious and fascinating to watch in motion. Visitors can ride the wheel in special boats.

This great music festival takes place in a different location each year and always attracts hundreds of top competitors. Conducted in formal dress and with a great sense of dignity, these competitions focus on Gaelic song and music. Singers perform as soloists, duettists and as choirs, all aspiring to win the Mod’s highest accolade, which is the Gold Medal. The instrument competitions are for bagpipes, clarsachs (small harps), fiddles, accordions, melodions and keyboards.

Designed for storing cold gasses, Sir James Dewar’s vacuum flask (1892) soon came into everyday use.

A disastrous attempt to establish a trading colony in Panama almost bankrupted Scotland, and union with England was necessary for economic survival. The Act of Union (1707) dissolved Scotland’s parliament and the politicians moved south.

When Elizabeth I, Queen of England died without an heir, James VI of Scotland (son of Elizabeth’s cousin Mary) had the strongest claim of succession. He was crowned James I of England in 1603, and his court was moved to London. Scotland retained its parliament and independence, but would now share its monarchs with England.

An incredible fire festival. Men dress as Vikings and burn a replica longboat. (late Jan, Shetland).

Erected in 1869, this 75-m (250-ft) tower commemorates William Wallace and his valiant fight for Scotland’s independence. The climb to the top takes in Wallace’s two-handed broad-sword, but most electrifying of all is the “talking head”, which presents Wallace’s defence before his brutal execution in 1305. Splendid 360-degree views from the top.

In 1973, Stephen Salter devised a system to generate electricity from sea waves.

Astonishing sights and sounds as 3,000 pipers play on Glasgow Green (mid-Aug).

Of the two world wars, it was the 1914–18 war that claimed the most lives: 74,000 Scottish soldiers and almost as many civilians. In addition to this, between 1901 and 1961, 1.4 million Scots emigrated to seek better lives elsewhere.