East Lothian, Mid-Lothian and West Lothian, the three administrative regions around Edinburgh provide the city a superb backyard for outdoorsy activities. And though it lacks the wild feel of many Scottish regions, many set-piece are here too – from Golf links to castles to a whisky distillery.

• East Lothian is known for its beaches alongside small towns like Gullane, a series of lovely Golf courses, and a bird sanctuary at the Bass Rock.

• Mid-Lothian's rolling Pentland Hills are particularly convenient and reachable by local buses from Edinburgh, yet offer real sense of the Scottish outdoors.

• West Lothian's strongpoint are it's stately homes and castles – Hopetoun House and Linlithgow Palace are particularly impressive.