Neolithic standing stones on the Orkney Islands

Floating a few miles off the northeast tip of mainland Scotland, the Orkneys are an archipelago of 70 blustery islands of which only 17 are inhabited.

St Andrews is an architectural gem

This refined, historic student town is picturesquely positioned on Fife's northeast coast.

Its prestigious university - established in 1412 - is where Prince William spent four years partying, sorry - studying.

Making the most of the Scottish summer in Fort William

If you're looking for extremes you've come to the right place.

Sitting at the foot of Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the United Kingdom - Fort William was originally a station for English Redcoat soldiers built by and named after William of Orange.

The view over Edinburgh across to Arthur's Seat

Oh, Edinburgh! If only every city were as drop-dead gorgeous as you.

All Georgian townhouses, hilly cobbled streets, manicured gardens and dramatic peaks, just when the eye candy couldn't get sweeter, the 1,000-year-old Edinburgh Castle rises up as its fairytale crown.

Glasgow's Armadillo concernt hall has pride of place on its waterfront

Scotland's largest city, gritty Glasgow sports an upbeat work-hard, play-hard attitude.

In contrast to aloof Edinburgh, Glasgow prides itself on its friendliness. Indeed, you'd be hard-pressed to find a warmer welcome in any other British city.