Falkirk - Stirlingshire
The Antonine Wall, dating from Roman times. The ditch of this wall can be seen in Callander Park, and is still 6 - 10 feet deep. Callendar House, seat of the Livingstone family from the 14th to the 18th century, now a museum. The Parish Church, where lies buried Sir John de Graeme, follower of Wallace, who was killed at the battle of Falkirk in 1298. There is also a memorial to the Battle of Falkirk in January, 1746 - the last Jacobite victory before the defeat of Culloden.

Falkland Palace - Fife
The Royal Palace built between 1501 and 1541, was the country residence of eight Stuart monarchs; including Mary, Queen of Scots, and her son James VI, who used to hunt here frequently. The renaissance building includes the beautiful Chapel Royal surrounded by internationally renowned gardens. The Royal Tennis Court, reputedly the worlds oldest, is still used today.

Flora MacDonald's Grave - Skye
On the Uig-Staffin road, 25 miles north of Portree. A 10ft-high Celtic cross supported against the wind, high on the ridge overlooking the Uists from whence she came. Long after the legendary journey, her funeral in 1790 attracted the biggest crowd since Culloden. The present memorial replaced the original, which was chipped away by souvenir hunters. Dubious though the whole business may have been, she still helped to shape the folklore of the Highlands.

Fort William - Lochaber
Fort William derives its name from the military fort built by William of Orange to station English Redcoat soldiers. They were garrisoned here to control the Jacobite Highlanders in the 1700s. Today, Fort William is a bustling town at the foot of Ben Nevis by the shore of Loch Linnhe, a deep sea loch.
The West Highland Museum is here and the Clan Cameron Museum at nearby Achnacarry. Old Inverlochy Castle was built around 1280 by one of the Comyns, possibly at the command of Edward I of England. The castle is sited by the banks of the River Lochy, two miles north of the town centre, not far from where the river flows into Loch Linnhe, hence the name 'Inver' Lochy. This is a particularly old site and it is said that a treaty between France and the earlier Scots, the Picts was signed here in 790. There are great views of Ben Nevis and the castle ruins are a fascinating trip into Lochaber's violent past.

Fyvie Castle- Grampian
One of the grandest examples of Scottish baronial architecture dating from the 13th Century. Five towers enshrine five centuries of history, each being named after one of the five families who have owned the castle. See the finest great wheel stair in Scotland, and the arms, armour and 17th Century tapestries.

Galashiels - Selkirk
The Mercat Cross dates from 1695, and in front of the War Memorial is a representation of a Border Reiver or Mosstrooper. The Town Crest, with its motto "Sour Plums", depicted on the municipal buildings, recalls the death of some English soldiers in a border foray of 1337, after gathering plums.

Gallery of Modern Art - Glasgow
If modern art is more your style then this four-floor gallery is for you, with works by artists from all over the world. There are also interactive computers and art workshops.

Garmouth - Moray
Once a port, near which Charles II landed in 1650. The revived 'Maggie Fair', held on the last Saturday in June, recalls Lady Margaret Kerr, a 17th century Royalist.

Gatehouse-of-Fleet - Kirkcudbright
A pleasant Galloway town, the 'Kippletringan' of Scott's 'Guy Mannering', situated on the Water-of-Fleet. On the moors in the vicinity, Burns composed 'Scots Wha Hae', and the room in the Murray Arms Hotel in which he wrote it is still pointed out. To the south is Cally House, designed by Robert Mylne in 1763. The remains of 15th century Cardones Castle, and the ruined Rusco Castle, c. 1500 and once the home of the Gordons of Lochinvar.

Gibbon, Lewis Grassic - The Mearns
Although James Leslie Mitchell left the area in 1917, this is where he was born and spent his formative years. Visitor centre in Arbuthnot at the end of the village (off main A92) has details of his life and can point you in the direction of the places he writes about in his trilogy, "A Scots Quair". The first part, "Sunset Song", is generally considered to be one of the great Scots novels and this area, the Howe of the Mearns, is the place he so effectively evokes. Arbuthnot was 'Kinraddie' and the churchyard 1km away on the other side of the main road still has the atmosphere of that time of innocence before the war, which pervades the book. His ashes are here in a grave in a corner. From 1928 to when he died 6 years later at the age of only 33, he wrote an incredible 17 books.

Isle of Gigha - Argyll
A small island lying off the west of Kintyre, about 6 miles in length. The ruined Church of Kilchattan is of 13th century date. The well known 'Songs of the Hebrides' includes a verse written by Dr Kenneth MacLeod, the Gaelic scholar of Gigha parish.

Glamis - Angus
Glamis Castle, where the Old Pretender lodged for a while in 1715. The greater part of the structure dates from 1675, but the older tower, with 15 foot thick walls, survives. The drawing room, with its 1621 plaster ceiling, and the panelled chapel are also notable. The Angus Folk Museum is in the village, and should be paid a visit. In the grounds of the kirk manse is a magnificent carved Celtic stone, some 8 feet tall.

Glasgow
The oldest part of the city is to the east, around the intact Gothic masterpiece of Glasgow Cathedral (see below), St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life & Art and the oldest house in Glasgow, 15th-century Provand's Lordship. Heading back west, an interesting walk takes you through the gracious houses and commercial structures of 18th-century Merchant City. Busy Sauchiehall St is home to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Art Nouveau masterpieces of the Glasgow School of Art and the still-operational Willow Tearoom. The Tenement House(see below) is an extraordinary time capsule, providing vivid insight into middle-class city life at the turn of this century.

Glasgow Cathedral
The first stone built Glasgow Cathedral was dedicated in the presence of King David I on 1136. That building was destroyed by a fire and was consecrated in 1197. One of the most magnificent buildings of medieval Scotland, it is a rare example of a complete pre-Reformation Scottish cathedral. The lighting system reveals much of the medieval splendour.

Glenelg Brochs - Highlands
65 miles from Fortt William. Glenelg is 9 miles from the A87 at Shiel Bridge, 2 miles from Glenelg village in beautiful Glen Beag. The 2 brochs, Dun Trodden and Dun Telve, are the best preserved examples on the mainland of these mysterious 1st-century homesteads. Easy here to distinguish the twin stone walls that kept out the cold and the more disagreeable neighbours.

Glenfinnan - Inverness
One of the most beautiful and most romantic places in the Western Highlands, where the well-known 'Road to the Isles' passes the head of Loch Shiel, on its way to Morar and Mallaig. At the head of the loch, near the point where the River Finnan flows down from Glen Finnan into the loch, stands the prominent 'Prince Charles Edward' monument, set up in 1815 to commemorate the Highlanders who followed the Prince in the '45 Rising, the Royal Standard having been raised here on August 19th, 1745. A tablet commemorates the Prince in the chapel of nearby Glenfinnan House.

Gretna Green - Borders
When people hear the name Gretna Green their thoughts often step back in time to the history of runaway marriages. The World Famous Old Blacksmith's Shop is at the heart of this fascinating tradition. Runaway marriages began in 1753 when an Act was passed which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old then consent had to be given by the parents. This Act did not apply to Scotland where it was, and still is, possible to get married at 16 years old, with or without parental consent. This led to many "elopers" fleeing England and their angry parents to get married in Scotland. Gretna Green is the first village at which they arrived. The Blacksmith's Shop, the focal point of the village, became the centre of the marriage trade.

Grey Cairns of Canster - Caithness
12 miles south of Wick, a very straight road (signed for Cairns) heads west from the A9 for 5 miles. The cairns are instantly identifiable near the road and impressively complete. The 'horned cairn' is the best in the UK. In 2500 BC these stone-piled structures were used for the disposal of the dead. You can crawl inside them if you're agile.

Gunn, Neil, (1891-1973) - Caithness and Sutherland
Scotland's foremost writer on Highland life, only now receiving the recognition he deserves, was brought up in this NE fishing village and based 3 of his greatest yarns here, particularly "Highland River", which must stand in any literature as a brilliant evocation of place. The strath in which it is set is below the house (a nondescript terraced house next to the Stores) and makes for a great walk. There's a commemorative statue by the harbour, not quite the harbour you imagine from the books. Gunn also lived for many years near Dingwall and there is a memorial on the back road to Strathpeffer and a wonderful view in a place he often walked (on A834, 2 miles from Dingwall).

Haddington - East Lothian
This Royal Burgh was built in the 12th century to promote tradeand industry in this, one of the finest agricultural counties in Scotland. Fortunately Haddington has retained all its medieval charm and is now considered one of the best preserved old burghs in Scotland. The town's main attraction is St Mary's Church, a grand mid-15th century building which resembles a cathedral in size and appearance.

Hailes Castle - East Lothian
This castle, attractively built on a steep rocky outcrop above the river Tyne, is overlooked by the ancient hill fort known as Traprain Law. The earliest parts of the castle predate the Wars of Independence, however the present castle dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was heavily involved in the 'Rough Wooing' when Hertford's English force attempted invasion so to enforce the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots to the boy prince Edward, later Edward VI.

Hamilton - Strathclyde
Originally known as Cadzow, this great industrial town gained its new name from the Hamilton family who obtained a charter in 1445. Bothwell Castle is situated nearby. Also worth seeing are Cadzow Castle, the Hamilton Mausoleum and the Cameronians Regimental Museum.

Hawick - Borders
Largest of the Border burghs, and the textile capital of the south. The town's main attractions are a 50 foot high moat, and the Hawick Museum and Art Gallery. A statue marks the spot where the English reivers were routed by the young Hawick men in 1514. They not only took the victory, but the Bishop of Hexham's banner.

Helensburgh - Strathclyde
A popular 18th century boat building resort on the north banks of the Clyde. Visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh's famous Hill House.

Hermitage Castle - Borders
The daunting roofless castle stands in a remote glen off Upper Liddesdale. The castle was made forfeit from Sir William de Soulis for treason against Robert I. Later it was held by the Black Douglases until the reign of james II. James IV gave the castle to the Earl of Bothwell. The castle has a history of horrific events, such as the fate of Sir Nicholas de Soulis, who was boiled in lead by his own vassals. Sir William de Soulis murdered his dinner guests here in 1320. Sir Alexander Ramsay was starved to death in the castle by Sir William Douglas, the "Flower of Chivalry", in the 14th century.

Hill o' many Stanes - Caithness
Near Wick, this is an aptly named place with an extraordinary number of small standing stones; 200 in 22 rows. If the fan shape was complete, there would be 600. Their very purposeful layout is enigmatic and strangely stirring.

Hoddom Castle - Borders
Hoddom was built by John Maxwell, 4th Lord Herries, shortly before 1568 as his chief residential stronghold on the West March. Just to the south of the castle on Trailtow Hill stands a watchtower, which has 'Repentance' carved above its door - possibly because it was built in a burial ground on the site of a ruined church.

Hogg, James (1770-1835), Ettrick - Borders
'The Ettrick Shepherd' who wrote one of the great works of Scottish literature, "The Confessions of a Justified Sinner", was born, lived and died in the valleys of the Yarrow and the Ettrick, some of the most starkly beautiful landscapes in Scotland. Visit St Mary's Loch on the A708, 17 miles west of Selkirk: there's a commemorative statue looking over the loch and the adjacent and supernatural seeming Loch of the Lowes. On the strip of land between is Tibbie Shiel's pub (and hotel), once a gathering place for the writer and his friends (e.g. Sir Walter Scott) and still a notable hostelry. Across the valley by the road past the Gordon Arms Hotel is the remote village of Ettrick, another monument and his grave (and Tibbie Shiels') in the churchyard. He was born, lived, died and was buried within this one acre.

Hopetoun House - Lothian
This lavish building was designed by Sir William Bruce and William Adam and was built in 1699. It housed the Earls of Hopetoun. Set in 100 acres of parkland on the edge of the Firth of Forth, by South Queensferry, it features beautiful examples of its age.

Hoy - Orkney
The Old Man of Hoy, an isolated pillar of rock 450 feet high standing facing the Atlantic, helps ships at sea as a landmark. The Dwarfie Stone, a neolithic rock tomb cut out of a large block of red sandstone, is the only one of its kind both on Orkney or the mainland.

Hugh MacDiarmid Monument - Borders
A brilliant piece of modern sculpture by Jake Harvey on the hill above Langholm at the beginning of the path to the Malcolm obelisk from where there are great views. MacDiarmid, our other national poet, was born in Langholm in 1872 and, though they never liked him much after he left, the monument was commissioned and a cairn beside it raised in 1992. The bare hills surround you. The motifs of the sculpture were used by Scotland's favourite Celtic rock band, Runrig, on the cover of their 1993 album, "Amazing Things".

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery - Glasgow
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery (University of Glasgow), Scotland's first public museum (1807), is founded on Dr William Hunter's (1718-83) collections. Dr Hunter acquired fame and fortune as a physician and medical teacher in London. Displays of Romans in Scotland, coins, dinosaurs, the Mackintosh House, insects and other animals, a new temporary exhibition gallery and state-of-the-art conference venue and much more mean that there is something of interest for everyone. In separate buildings off University Avenue in Glasgow's west-end.

Huntingtower Castle - Perth
A 15th century tower of the Ruthvens, later modified into a tower house. The castle contains some fine painted ceilings, murals and plasterwork. It is situated about 3 miles west from Perth and is in good condition.

Huntly - Grampian
On the site of the 12th century 'Peel of Strathbogie' stands the 15th century Hall House known as Huntly Castle. This was the home of the Gordons Earl of Huntly, and is situated just north of the town. Part of the castle was blown up on the orders of James VI in 1594 due to the Earl plotting rebellion.

Inchcolm Island - Firth of Forth
Known as the "Iona of the East", the abbey was founded in the 12th century by Alexander I. The island is also famed for its seals, wildlife and coastal defences from two world wars. Ferry service to the island from South Queensferry, April through September.

Inverary - Argyll
When in 1743 Archibald, Earl of Islay, succeeded to the title of 3rd Duke of Argyll he initiated one of the most imaginative rebuilding projects ever undertaken in the Highlands. The old 15th century fortified tower house was replaced by the present Castle and the Royal Burgh of Inveraray was re-established nearly half a mile to the south. This most picuresque little town repays the arduous journey to reach it (the roads are not of the best). In the town itself attractions include Inveraray Jail and Inveraray Maritime Museum. Close by there are interesting and varied visitor attractions including Ardkinglas and Crarae Gardens, Auchindrain Township, the Argyll Wildlife Park and Cruachan Hydro-Electric Power Station.

Inverness - Highlands
Scotland's newest city, capital of the Highlands. The last land battle pitched on British soil took place at Culloden Moor just overlooking Inverness town - this ended the Jacobite Rising in 1746 where Prince Charles Edward Stuart was defeated. The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre is open between April to October. North-east of the town on a heavily defended peninsula, strutting out into the Moray Firth, you can visit the Fort George. This mid 18th century fort is still a military establishment and part of it is open as an ancient monument to the public. It houses the regimental museums of the Seaforth and Cameron Highlanders. In Drumnadrochit, on the west of Loch Ness, are two exhibitions exploring the theme of the fabled Loch Ness Monster, and nearby is the entrancing Urquhart Castle and a spectacular waterfall at Foyers further south. With Inverness situated along the banks of the River Ness it offers many pleasant walks along the riverside, over Edwardian footbridges onto the wooded Ness Islands. For the more energetic, a steeper walk taking the forest trail, west of the town, goes to the summit of Craig Phadrig, a rumoured site for the location of the fortress capital of the Pictish Kings.

Inverurie - Grampian
Inverurie is 17 miles north west of Aberdeen and is also an ancient Royal Burgh, the main town of the province of the Garioch, with much to show that the communities have thrived here since pre-history. There are many Bronze Age and Pictish relics and castles to be found in the vicinity as well as the sites of two decisive battles. It is a peaceful town, with surrounding countryside displaying beautiful contrasts of river valley, green or golden fields, thick forests and rough heather clad slopes. The best-loved hill in the Grampian Highlands, Bennachie, is close at hand. There are delightful gardens and country parks to visit, whilst the splendours of Upper Donside, Royal Deeside, and coastal beaches and fishing village, are within easy driving distance. One of the highlights of the year is the Doric Festival, held throughout October, focusing on local tradition and culture.
The Bass : Situated at the south end of the town within the cemetery, it is a fine defensive site between the rivers Don and Urie. Although probably fortified earlier, it became the first Norman motte and bailey castle in the north east of Scotland, when David, youngest brother of King Malcolm IV, was made Lord of the Garioch and built a timber fort upon it. (He was the ancestor of Robert the Bruce, also Lord of the Garioch).
Kinkell Church : This church was built in 1528 but is now in a ruinous state. It contains the impressive grave slab of Gilbert de Greenlaw, who was killed at the Battle of Harlaw.
Battle of Barra : Fought on the fields north of the castle on 22 May 1308, when Robert the Bruce defeated his great rival Comyn, Earl of Buchan, during the Wars of Independence. Bruce's forces then waged a punitive campaign of destruction throughout Buchan.
Battle of Harlaw : A monument, two miles north west, was erected in 1911 on the scene of the battle fought in 1411. The advance of Donald, Lord of the Isles, and his clansmen was checked by the forces of the Earl of Mar and the Provost and citizens of Aberdeen, and with great bloodshed, "Red Harlaw" ensured that Gaeldom would never regain control of Scotland.
Kinmuck : Three miles east of Inverurie off the B993, this was the scene of an earlier battle between Norsemen and Picts. In 1682 a Quaker settlement was established here to the indignation of the Bishop of Aberdeen and Earl of Haddo. The Quaker Meeting House of Kinmuck became the leading Quaker meeting place in the north east, and the community survived and flourished until this century. The meeting house remains, (not open to the public) together with the graveyard where the identical gravestones reflect a belief in the equality of all people.

Iona - Argyll
Iona, only 3 miles (4.8 km) from north to south and 1½ miles (2.4 km) east to west is steeped in history. One of Scotland's most historic and venerated sites, lona Abbey is a celebrated Christian centre and the burial place of early Scottish kings. The Abbey and Nunnery grounds house one of the most comprehensive collections of Christian carved stones in Scotland, ranging in age from 600AD to the 1600s. In AD 563 Columba and his twelve disciples landed at Port na Curaich (Harbour of the Coracle) to build a monastery and establish a school of learning, having travelled in a hide-covered craft from Ireland. They introduced a faith which was to spread far beyond Mull and indeed Scotland itself. As well as its religious importance, the island is home to a thriving local community consisting of residential properties, shops, crofts, farms, hotels and restaurants. Iona has wonderful sandy beaches, a golf course (free), an old marble quarry, interesting walks and wildlife and genuine Hebridean tranquillity. Note that no cars are allowed on the island, which can be reached by ferry, run by Caledonian MacBrayne, which leaves from Fionnphort on Mull.

Jarlshof - Shetland
In the far south next to Sumburgh airport there are spectacular remnants and ruins from Neolithic to Viking times - 18th century, with especially impressive 'wheelhouses'.

Jedburgh Abbey - Borders
The classic abbey ruin; conveys the most complete impression of the Border abbeys built under the patronage of David I in the 12th century. Its tower and remarkable Catherine window are still intact. Excavations have unearthed first example of a 12th-century comb. It's now displayed in the excellent visitor centre which brilliantly illustrates the full story of the abbey's amazing history. Best view from across the Jed in the 'Glebe'.