Edinburgh, the stunning capital city of Scotland, has an abundance of fantastic attractions

Visit the 12th Century Edinburgh Castle perched atop an extinct volcano, the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Royal Botanic Garden or shopping in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Why not visit the Palace of Holyrood House? Best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Palace was the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short reign. Today, the state apartments are used regularly by The Queen for state ceremonies and official entertaining.

The official City of Festivals, Edinburgh plays host to some of the world’s most famous events throughout the year and especially in August, with the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh Military Tattoo all taking place. All attract numerous visitors and it’s no surprise as Edinburgh becomes a haven for lovers of music, ceremony, theatre and dance, comedy, art and amazing spectacles.

The neighbouring city of Glasgow has equally as much on offer from a cultural perspective. Famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city’s 18th–20th century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding, you will be dazzled by the fine buildings that populate the city, where the influence of Glasgow’s famous son, architect and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, are on display. Today this vibrant city is a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums and a thriving music scene.

Not to be overshadowed by the bright lights of Glasgow and Edinburgh, the borders offer some fascinating sights of historical significance. The impressive Floors Castle, the largest inhabited Castle in Scotland, home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and their family. The historic town of Jedburgh, Mary Queen of Scots’ House or Jedburgh Abbey, dating back to around 1138. The home of the Scottish historian and novelist, Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford, is hailed as one of Scotland’s most fascinating places. Created almost 200 years ago, this great house was the culmination of Scott’s creative ambitions as a writer and the fount of his inspiration.