Scotland the Brave has fired the imagination of writers and artists for centuries, with tales of history and legend, and the wild beauty of lochs and glens. From the Trossachs, with tree-covered mountains embracing deep waters and bonny banks, to picturesque lochs and castles: the romantic 18th century Eilean Donan on Loch Duich and Inverary Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne. Or head to Loch Ness to admire Urquhart Castle, and try to catch a glimpse of the legendary monster that is said to swim its still deep waters. 

The beaches of the Outer Hebrides are heated by the Gulf Stream, creating a tropical paradise right here in Britain, with white sands, turquoise water and even palm trees. On a sunny day you could believe you were the other side of the world. All manner of exotic plants flourish in Inverewe Garden, cut into a craggy hillside on the water's edge of Loch Ewe, from Chinese rhododendrons to Tasmanian eucalyptus and New Zealand daisy bushes, as well, of course, as woodlands of Scots Pine.

And there are so many ways to take in the stunning scenery. We can arrange a Wildlife Cruise from John O'Groats, and there's the Firth, rich in marine wild life, seals and whales. Why not explore the Orkney Islands, travelling from Scrabster to Stromness to island hop the Eastern boundary of Scapa Flow. Visit the capital town, Kirkwall, home to the magnificent Viking cathedral of St Magnus, then step back 3,000 years as you enter the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, hidden under sand dunes, perfectly preserved, until uncovered 150 years ago during a winter storm. You can take a boat trip from the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool to the Summer Islands to see seals and porpoises. Then go offshore island hopping from Oban, Mull, then Iona, or Arran, "Scotland in miniature". It's all aboard the Jacobite Steam Railway to Mallaig, overlooking the Isle of Skye, to admire the glens, forests and beaches of Glen Nevis where Highlander, Rob Roy and Braveheart were all filmed. Head to Fort William and Inverness to taste life in the highlands, and the local whisky. And the Highlands meet the Lowlands in Stirling, a wonderful 19th century old town that winds upwards to the ancient Stirling Castle, where you see where Braveheart William Wallace won his historic victory over the English, and climb the Wallace Monument to enjoy panoramic views of Stirling and the ancient battlefield.

Take in the history of Edinburgh; walk down the Royal Mile – the ancient cobbled streets linking the Castle at the top with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, once home to Mary Queen of Scots and now the Queen's official residence. Browse Grassmarket and the historic area of the Old Town, rich in specialist shops catering for every taste, from whisky to the occult. Then it's just a hop and skip to it's brasher neighbour Glasgow for museums, art and some serious retail therapy. 

Explore the royal connections in Scotland, from the dazzling crown jewels in Edinburgh Castle to the historic Castle of Mey, favourite home to the Queen Mother, or see the picturesque village of Braemar and visit Balmoral Castle, the Queen's highland home, and Ballataer, where "by Royal Appointment" crests decorate most of the shop fronts.

And, whichever aspect of Scotland you choose, from culture to heritage to the staggering scenery, make sure you go home with happy memories, good quality tartans, single malt and delicious shortbread.