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The “Granite City” has beautiful buildings, year-round floral displays and a long beach fringed with entertainments, including the Beach Leisure Centre and the Satrosphere, a science discovery complex. Provost Skene’s House (once home of a 17th-century provost, or mayor, of Aberdeen) is the oldest building, dating from 1545, while Marischal College is one of the world’s largest granite edifices. The Maritime Museum (charting the nautical world from ship-building to ship wrecks) is outstanding, as is the Art Gallery, which mixes temporary contemporary shows with a collection spanning the 18th–20th centuries.

Few castles can match Dunottar’s magnificent setting – it stands heroically isolated on a stupendous rock – and few castles have endured such intense bombardments. In 1651, while harbouring the Scottish regalia (which were secretly smuggled out by a brave woman), it withstood an eight-month siege by the English. It’s dungeons, too, have witnessed exceptional sufferings and deaths. 800 years of attack have taken their toll, but Dunottar remains an almost mythical sight, especially at sunrise.

The striking patterns and symmetry of the formal Great Garden is like no other. Originally laid out in 1675, the elaborate floral designs were meticulously recreated. The effect is stunning. Also here are idyllic pond and wildlife gardens, and a Museum of Farming Life (see Pitmedden Garden) .

Dating from 1390, this formidable building is one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture. Its life through the ages is testified by the mix of contemporary panelling, 17th-century plasterwork and a treasure trove of collectable paintings. Be sure to visit the restored 18th-century walled garden, which specializes in Scottish fruit and vegetables.

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) .

Bordering the salmon pools of the River Dee, Queen Victoria bought this castle – her “dear paradise” – in 1852. Balmoral remains the holiday home of the monarch to this day and, consequently, the rolling countryside around the banks of the river has taken on the royal moniker. Cast an eye round the castle’s sumptuous ballroom, then make the most of the enchanting forest walks.

A superb range of mountain peaks surrounded by pine forests and lochs. Ideal for testing walks, lively watersports and inspiring scenery (see The Cairngorms) .

A private home, handed down through the generations since the time when Macbeth lived here … or so legend has it. Full of history and delight, creepy relics, magnificent trees and a garden maze (see Cawdor Castle) .

On a peninsula jutting into the Moray Firth is this vast fort complex, built at enormous expense 250 years ago and still used as an army barracks today. Immensely impressive defences now guard a vintage armoury. Check out the special summer events (see Fort George) .

These charming communities thrived in the herring boom of the 19th century, but today only Lossiemouth, Buckie (with its excellent Drifter Museum), Macduff and Fraserburgh continue as fishing ports. Crovie (pronounced “crivie”) is the pick of the bunch. Access is by foot only, its picturesque street strung out below cliffs – a fabulous setting. The walk to Gardensown is an adventure for the sure-footed (see Best-Kept Secrets) . Findhorn – famous for its spiritual community – is beautifully located on a sandy lagoon. A tour of the coastal road (highly recommended) will reveal a dozen other villages, each with its own unique character to divine.