DK Travel : Scotland : Places of interest

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Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

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) .
Skara Brae, Orkney

Another World Heritage Site, and one that predates the Egyptian pyramids. In 1850, a storm revealed some ruins in the sands. Archaeologists excavated and were astonished to find a 5,000-year-old Stone Age village, which had been abandoned so suddenly that most of the rooms and furnishings were left intact. Today, you can see the stone beds and sideboards of these Neolithic people, and discover how and what they cooked. A visitor centre explains all.
Skye

Mountainous, misty and magical, Skye is an island of dramatic scenery, with an ancient castle, an idolized distillery and plenty more attractions (see Isle of Skye) .
Small Isles

While Canna and Muck are home to traditional farming communities, Rum was once the private playground of a rich industrialist; you can visit his incredible fantasy home, Kinloch Castle, as well as wander the island’s towering mountains. Eigg was a landmark community buyout, and the islander-owners now run a crafts shop and tours. Their ceilidhs (see Ceilidhs) are legendary! The Sgurr of Eigg, a sugar-loaf spur, yields fabulous views.
St Andrews

The “home of golf” (see Golf Courses) has the oldest university in Scotland, and red-robed students add a colourful, carefree atmosphere to this pretty town. Once the ecclesiastical capital of the country, its cathedral is still a proud ruin, with a wealth of sculpture, and its castle has unrivalled examples of siege tunnels and a curious “bottle dungeon”. There’s also a mile of beach for fine walks, and plenty of hip cafés and bistros.
Stirling Castle

A commanding rock-top castle, concealing architecture of an exceptional quality, most notably the restored Great Hall and the Royal Palace (see Stirling Castle) .
Storybook Glen

One for the younger visitors. A family theme park with giant-sized models of storybook characters for kids to crawl over and enter make-believe worlds. Nursery rhymes feature highly: Humpty-Dumpty, Pooh and Postman Pat are some of the happy characters present.
The Whisky Trail

Seven of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries invite you inside. Apart from the magic of the shining copper stills, the once-secretive process of whisky-making is revealed, enthusiasm infused and uisge beatha (“water of life”) consumed (see Malt Whisky Trail) .
Torridon

Just when you think mountains can’t get any better, you come to Torridon! Flanked by a long sea loch, the red sandstone buttresses of Beinn Alligin, Ben Dearg, Liathach (the highest, (see Liathach)) and Beinn Eighe rise up into arresting outlines. From Little Diabaig you can walk a delightful coastal path to Alligin Shuas, or to Craig (see Sunset from Craig Youth Hostel) . The National Trust runs an informative Countryside Centre with nearby herds of red deer and Highland cattle.
Wallace Monument

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.