I was mailed recently by someone planning to make their first visit to Scotland. She was looking for guidance on places to visit and sights to see. And she wanted to get the most out of a week long visit. Of course it is not possible to see do all of Scotlands attractions in a week but it should be possible to take in some of the highlights. Over the last couple of years I have been travelling with my son, on an occasional tour of Scotland to give him a good grounding on the history and culture of Scotland, so I felt I was in a good position to make some suggestions for touring itineries.

The places I describe here are just a few of my favourites on a grand tour of Scotland so let me know about your own experiences. How you link them up and how much you pack into your visit is up to you and your energy. Three to four weeks is a more realistic timetable to tour Scotland, especially if you intend to travel up to the north or to the islands.

Wherever you are arriving from you probably will come by air to either Glasgow Airport or Edinburgh Airport .You may wish to take a night to revive from your travels in an airport or city hotel, or get straight into the touring. In any event I am starting the route from Stirling which is centrally located in Scotland and has good trunk road connections from all locations.

If you are arriving by road from the South, then both East (M1/A1) and West (M6/A74) main routes have well signposted bypass of Glasgow or Edinburgh. We will be returning to these cities later.