Twenty things not to miss in Scotland

1. Dunnottar Castle - memorably dramatic ruined fortress on the north east coast
2. Glasgow School of Art - Scotland's finest example of the unique style of Glasgow architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh
3. The West Highland Way - a spectacular 95 mile hike from Glasgow to Fort William via Loch Lomond and Glen Coe
4. Iona - the home of Celtic Christianity and place of pilgrimage for several centuries
5. Kinloch Castle - spend a night in a luxurious four-poster or the servants' quarters of this living memorial to Edwardian decadence
6. Caledonian Forest - marvel at the gnarled survivors of this great ancient Highland forest
7. National Museum of Scotland - opened in 1998 to huge acclaim for its imaginative treatment of the nation's treasures
8. Loch Shiel - this poignant and graceful loch staged the opening scene of the Jacobite uprising of 1745
9. West Highland Railway - Scotland's most famous railway line, and arguably one of the great rail journey's of the world, travels from Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William.
10. Calanais, Lewis - site of one of Scotland's most dramatic prehistoric ruins; nearly 50 monoliths stand next to the loch side on the Western Isle.
11. A nip and a hauf' - enjoying a tot of whisky and a half-pint of beer in the traditional 'public house' is an essential part of any visit to Scotland.
12. Whale-watching at Gairloch - cruise across the bay in search of the rarer forms of Highland wildlife
13. Gearrannan, Lewis - spend an unforgettable night in a restored crofter's blackhouse.
14. Maes Howe, Orkney - the most impressive Neolithic burial chambers in Europe spectacularly aligned to receive the rays of the winter solstice sun.
15. Tobermory - the island of Mull's chief town and, thanks to its clusters of brightly coloured boats and houses, the most attractive Scottish fishing port. Home to the BBC children's program 'Balamory'.
16. Holyrood Park, Edinburgh - Wild moors, extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, all in the heart of the city. Ascend the 800ft King Arthur's Seat on a clear day and you may see the mountains in the Highlands.
17. Himalayas putting green, St Andrew's - Play a round on the world's finest putting course right next to the world's finest golf course.
18. Loch Fyne Oyster Bar - Indulge in a gastronomic extravaganza at Scotland's finest smokehouse and seafood outlet
19. Hang ten at Dunnet Head - Forget John O'Groats, catch a mighty wave on this vast sandy beach whose headland is Britain's true northernmost point.
20. The Lone Piper - The emotional climax of Edinburgh's Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle — the piping of the lone piper on the castle battlements