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This cliff-edge castle was remodelled into a magnificent home for the Earls of Cassillis in 1777 by Georgian architectural master Robert Adam (see Culzean Castle) .

In 1820, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, factory owner Robert Owen recognized the need for safe and efficient working conditions, matched by good quality housing for his workers. New Lanark was the result, a modern industrial town that also boasted an education system (including the world’s first nursery school) and free healthcare. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this living museum is still pioneering.

This castle of turrets and spiked domes is home to the Duke of Buccleuch. Begun in 1676, it was such a lavish undertaking that it almost ruined the family, but they bounced back and filled it with treasures. Particularly enticing are the silverware and rich oak panelling. Great walks and cycleways in the vicinity.

This massive triangle of crafted stone, still standing within a filled moat, is exceptional. Its towers and walls are remarkably complete, despite having lain in ruin for 400 years (see Caerlaverock Castle) .

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.

One of only four royal palaces in Scotland, Linlithgow was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and provided a temporary safe haven for Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite Rebellion (see Moments in History) . Solid and fortress-like on the banks of Linlithgow Loch, the palace still looks majestic in its semi-ruined state. This was the finest building of its day, and its master masons have left a wealth of carvings. Look around the Great Hall and chapel and marvel at the expertise of the craftsmen who laboured upon this wonderful building.

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.

The tall lancet windows of this impressive ruin must have appeared miraculous to medieval worshippers. And today, it’s hard to believe that such monuments could have been built as early as 1136. Over the centuries, the abbey succumbed to pillage and war damage, and now stands as a beleaguered but romantic spot for the ghost of Robert the Bruce (see North and West of Glasgow) , whose heart is believed to reside within these grounds.

Located on a bend in the River Tweed, these are the most beautiful and evocative ruins in Southern Scotland. Founded in 1152, the abbey was destroyed by the English in 1322, 1344 and again in 1385, but each time it rose to magnificence once more, until it was finally consumed by fire in 1544. Despite having lain in ruin for 500 years, it is remarkably complete, and the quality of masonry is unbelievable. See it when shadows fall for the most spectacular views.

Scotland’s most splendid Georgian house (early 18th century) is another creation by architect Robert Adam. A vast edifice of perfect symmetry on the outside contains rooms of perfect proportions within. The delicate plasterwork of the library, resembling fine china, is considered one of Adam’s greatest accomplishments. Exquisite details abound throughout the interior, while, outside, splendid terraced gardens run down to an ornamental lake.