Highland Games
Highland Games, which take place from Cowal to Tomintoul and all points in between, are a unique mix of the sporting, the cultural and the social. They usually comprise a programme of field and track events, piping and Highland dancing competitions and 'heavy events' like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber.
North East Scotland
The North East of Scotland is home to more Castles than anywhere in the UK. Speyside itself contains over half the Distilleries in Scotland, and the Spey and the Dee are, of course, some of the best fly-fishing waters in the world.
The capital of the region is the 'Granite City' of Aberdeen. A busy, prosperous, hard-working city with an international population and a thriving oil industry. With its sparkling granite buildings, Aberdeen has one of Scotland's most enchanting skylines, while the city's Old Town has a magical air of time gone by. A fantastic range of first-class restaurants and a vibrant nightlife combined with a thriving cultural calendar and shops galore all help make Scotland's third largest city a modern and lively destination that's well worth the trip.
The coast around Aberdeen moves from rocky cliffs to the south to a long stretch of sandy beach that starts at the city and stretches north up to the Ythan Estuary. The majestic Grampian Mountains dominate the skyline to the west of the region whilst miles of unspoiled and often dramatic coastline frame the area in the east. Vast empty beaches, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages and dramatic cliff top scenery are waiting to be explored.
Hit the ski slopes, play on championship golf courses or follow in Queen Victoria's footsteps - the choice is yours.
Central Scotland East
Central Scotland East covers the spectacular regions of Perthshire, Fife, and Dundee. Perthshire's spectacular, diverse countryside is steeped in history: the stories of Mary Queen of Scots, Rob Roy and William Wallace all have their chapters here. In Fife you will find some of the UK's best kept beaches, delightful fishing villages, and in Dundee a revitalised cultural centre.
Perthshire is the irrefutable adventure capital of Scotland. This area sits astride the Highland Boundary Fault, the natural phenomenon which fused the Highlands and Lowlands together many thousands of years ago. Today this same 'Fault' provides the area with the terrific mix of terrain that forms the playground for many of the outdoor pursuits on land, water and in the air: world-class fishing, walking routes ranging from waymarked forest trails to lofty treks in the mountains, great cycling routes both on -and off-road and an unsurpassed range of golf courses to satisfy all abilities.
Home to Scotland's capital for six centuries, Fife has always been at the heart of the nation's history, evidence of which can still be found in its wealth of castles, cathedrals, and places of historic interest. The Kingdom of Fife is also known throughout the world as the Home of Golf and boasts more than forty courses, from the famed fairways of St Andrews and several traditional seaside links to beautifully landscaped parkland and heathland courses suitable for golfers of all levels.
Head north of Fife and you hit the city of Dundee. The city has a lively arts scene and a blossoming cultural quarter where thought-provoking art and literature sit alongside cosmopolitan cinema and theatre. As you visit the city today, you could bump into Desperate Dan, circle around a dragon, become a polar explorer, shop 'till you drop, test your senses, visit the theatre, go ice skating, swimming, or have a game of golf. Whatever appeals, Scotland,s City of Discovery promises you a fantastic day out.