Scotland

The evocative ruins of Dunnottar Castle occupy a large, rocky, headland jutting into the North Sea, accessed by a narrow strip from the mainland. Though the current ruins date largely from the 15th and 16th centuries, its history goes back to the early medieval period, at least. Dunnottar was attacked by the Vikings, captured from the English by William Wallace, was famously where the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's forces, and played its part in the Jacobite Rebellions of the 18th century.

NOTE: The castle can be closed to visitors in bad weather - essential that you check their website before visiting. There is also limited car parking - the castle is not in Stonehaven itself - it's about a 20 minute walk along the coast.

Duntulm Castle, once a fortress of the MacDonalds, is an unstable ruin on a dramatic rocky location at the northern end of Trotternish, with views across the Minch to the distant Isle of Lewis. There was possibly an Iron Age fort on the site, it subsequently being fortified by Norsemen, then the MacLeods, whose rivals, the MacDonalds, were in control of by the early 17th century. Duntulm was abandoned in the 18th century. Nearby is a cairn, commemorating the MacArthurs, pipers to the MacDonalds.

Duntulm is accessible with care via a footpath off the A855. Post code is very approximate.

Perched on castle rock above the old town, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland's iconic images and a must-see if you're visiting the city. Your problem will be time - the place is huge and there is a lot to see and take in. The castle was at the centre of the wars with the English and, as well as being a fortress has been a prison, Royal Palace and garrison. It was the birthplace of James VI who, as James I of England, became the first monarch of both countries in 1603.

Castle Rock was used in the Iron Age, but there is no evidence of a stronghold until the 7th century. The oldest building there now (and in Edinburgh) is the 12th century chapel dedicated to St Margaret, built by her son, David I, in his mother's memory. The Castle also includes several museums - for example the National War Museum and various regimental museums. Not to be missed - the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland.

The Edinburgh International Festival is one of several festivals that take place in the City. Beginning in 1947, it aims to offer the best in the performing arts - theatre, music, opera, dance, film etc - from around the world, as well as talks and workshops.

The spectacular ruins of Elgin Cathedral still impress.  The cathedral was established in 1224 on land granted by King Alexander II and was dedicated to the Holy Trinity.  Though suffering fire and, most famously, sacking by the Wolf of Badenoch, Alexander Stewart, the Earl of Buchan, the cathedral continued to grow and thrive, and was known as ‘the lantern of the north’, until the Scottish Reformation of in 1560, when the cathedral was abandoned.  Gradually, it fell into an ever-worsening state, until it began to receive some care and attention in the 19th C.  Highlights of a visit now include the magnificent 13th C west front, octagonal chapter house, carved stonework and Scotland’s tallest gravestone (5m high and dedicated to the Anderson family).