Many potential visitors will already be familiar with classic Scotland before they arrive: a land of tranquil lochs, heathery glens, hilltop castles, brooding mountains, idyllic beaches, pretty coastal villages, and homey pubs serving fine single-malt whiskies.

These are all easy enough to track down too, but of course there's far more besides, particularly in Scotland's two great and happening cities: Edinburgh and Glasgow. These and Scotland's main regions are outlined below.

Edinburgh & Glasgow

Between Scotland's two great cities, Edinburgh, the country's capital, has the edge for beauty, thanks to its hilly topography and coastal location. It's also often the obvious destination for a visit, thanks to its spectacular, all-consuming festivals.