Things to Do in Scotland

The wooded hilltop of Tomnahurich, or the "˜Hill of the Yews', is one of Inverness' most prominent landmarks, a glacial esker located a mile out of the city center. The summit, a steep 67-meter peak overlooking the Caledonian Canal, is home to a war memorial and the 18th and 19th century cemetery of the same name, with notable burials including Major-General Sir Robert Adams and submariner Rear Admiral Sir Anthony Capel Miers "“ both holders of the Victorian Cross medal.

Despite its poignant memorials, Tomnahurich remains most famous for its folklore legends. If you believe the myths, the hill is the seat of the Fairy Queen and a local fairytale tells the tall tale of the two traveling fiddlers who were tricked into playing for the fairies and disappeared for a hundred years. Another legend dictates that the 13th-century seer Thomas the Rymer was buried beneath the summit with his army of men and horses, ready to be resurrected in Scotland's hour of need. Far fetched though the legends may be, there's no doubting the enchanted Tomnahurich holds a special place in the hearts of locals and climbing to its peak is one of the city's most popular walks, affording pleasant views over the surrounding countryside.

Surrounded by castles, beaches and west coast islands, the seaside town of Oban is bursting with visitors enjoying fish and chips and peeking into the town's tearooms and craft shops.

Looking down on the city from St Michael's Mount on the banks of the River Ness, the historic Old High Church is the oldest church in Inverness and famed as the seat of the first congregation in Inverness, with roots dating back to Celtic times. Legend has it that St Columba of Iona, the Irish monk who introduced Christianity to Inverness, once preached from the hilltop on the very spot where the church stands today.

Despite its Celtic roots, the present church building mostly dates back to the 18th century, although parts of the Bell tower from the 14th century remain, and is notable for its restored Willis Organ and Iona marble chancel. Along with its long history of worship, the church was also used as a prison and execution ground after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Regular Sunday services are held in the Church year round.

An enormous telescope-shaped tower perched 456 foot above sea level on the summit of Calton Hill; the Nelson Monument is one of Edinburgh's most instantly recognizable landmarks, dedicated to the revered Admiral Lord Nelson. Designed by Robert Burn to appear like Nelson's naval spyglass, the 106 foot tall monument was built in 1816 to commemorate his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Climbing the tower is a popular pastime for visitors, affording spectacular views over the city, but with a 170-step spiral staircase and a small trapdoor leading to the observation deck, it's a feat best left to those fit enough.

The tower isn't just monumental "“ it was designed to double up as a signal mast for ships coming into Leith harbor and in 1852 a 762kg mechanized time ball was installed to help ship captains reset their chronometers. Today, the ball still rises and falls at precisely 1pm each day, synchronized with the One O'clock Gun fired from Edinburgh Castle. Restored in 2009 as part of Edinburgh's Twelve Monuments Restoration Project, the Nelson monument is now a category A listed building and still flies the famous Trafalgar flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty' each year to mark Trafalgar Day (21st October).