Fly & Drive Schotland Harry

About the destination: West Dunbartonshire is one of the 32 local government council areas of Scotland. The area lies to the west of the City of Glasgow and contains many of Glasgow's commuter towns and villages. West Dunbartonshire also borders Argyll and Bute, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and Stirling. The area was formed on 1 April 1996 from part of the former Strathclyde Region, namely the entire district of Clydebank, and the Dumbarton district less the Helensburgh area. In the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 that created the council area its name was Dumbarton and Clydebank; however the council, elected as a shadow authority in 1995, resolved to change the name of the area to West Dunbartonshire. The West Dunbartonshire area is essentially composed of three parts: the towns of Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven District. The council is administered from Dumbarton, although Clydebank is the largest town.

About the destination: "Oban is a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Despite its small size, it is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William and during the tourist season the town can play host to up to 25,000 people. Oban occupies a beautiful setting in the Firth of Lorn. The bay is a near perfect horseshoe, protected by the island of Kerrera, and beyond Kerrera the Isle of Mull. To the north is the long low island of Lismore, and the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • McCaig’s Tower. This tower looks over the Oban bay. It takes about 15 minutes to walk up the hill by one of several signposted routes on roads, or by steps. There are good views of Kerrera and Mull and looking up the Sound of Mull. • Dunollie Castle. Also known as Dunoille Castle. Ancient seat of the MacDougalls of Lorn. A small castle situated at the far end of the bay from the station. • Dunstaffnage Castle. A castle about three miles North of Oban • War & Peace Museum. Museum detailing Oban's role in world wars. On Corran Esplanade, just North of the North Pier, next the Regent Hotel. Open daily 10.00 - 16.00 Mar - Nov. Free admission, donations accepted. "

About the destination: Skye often referred to as the Isle of Skye, is the largest of the Inner Hebridean islands located off the west coast of Scotland. The capital and largest town on the island is the picturesque port of Portree. The island is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, and its abundant wildlife including the Golden Eagle, Red Deer and Salmon. Trotternish Peninsula, including The Old Man of Storr and The Quirang has a beautiful coastline with numerous viewpoints and the many interesting rock formations of the Trotternish Ridge. A minor road follows its coast from Staffin to Uig and offers some of the best scenery on Skye. The Isle of Skye will take your breath away. It is the best developed island in the Hebridean archipelago. The landscape is spectacular and dramatic. Skye is almost other-worldly.

About the destination: The picturesque fishing town of Ullapool, nestled on the shores of Lochbroom, is a great holiday destination and a gateway to the Northern Highlands. Situated in one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK, the town boasts a wealth of things to see and do. There is a great choice of varied walks in the area including mountains, rocky coasts and long inland footpaths with a good portion of the finest summits in the north west Highlands too. The town makes a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and touring Wester Ross and the Highlands with Inverness being only an hour’s drive south and Stornoway and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides are just a short ferry ride away. Described as an outdoor paradise with a ‘Scandinavian twinkle in winter and Canadian-style adrenaline in summer’ and voted one of the UK’s top 10 outdoor destinations by Outdoor Fitness magazine, the town guarantees a truly unforgettable experience. To the west of Ullapool is the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, home to pine martens, wildcats, buzzards and golden eagles as well as the unique shape of Stac Pollaidh (sometimes written Stack Polly), one of the most photographed hills in the area. South from Ullapool are attractions such as Leckmelm Shrubbery and Arboretum, Lael Forest Garden, and the dizzying depths of Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. Along the Road to Poolewe are great views out to sea over golden beaches and green, rocky islands, and famous Inverewe Garden overlooking Loch Ewe.

About the destination: The most northerly town in mainland Scotland, Thurso is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. There’s plenty to see and do in and around the delightful town of Thurso. The town is a hive of lovely traditional shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Other great ‘must-sees’ are the circular wellhouse of Meadow Well, a fine public library and the impressive Janet Street overlooking the River Thurso close to Thurso Bridge. Check out the Swanson Gallery which hosts year round exhibitions of fine artwork, or discover the magical world of Glass Creations by artist Ian Pearson. Caithness Horizons is also well worth a visit with fascinating museum exhibits and a changing annual gallery programme. Thurso is also a major surfing area and a premier heavy cold surf destination which hosts surfing championships, including two World Championships for Kayak surfing. The plentiful reefs, points, river mouths and beaches, on top of the consistent year-round surfing opportunities, make the location a paradise for watersports lovers. West of Thurso is the Dounreay nuclear power station and its story is explained in an exhibition within the Caithness Horizons visitor centre. The dramatic north coast stretches away to the west, while inland is the vast area of blanket bog known as the ‘Flow Country’.

About the destination: Inverness is the nerve centre and tourist capital of the Highlands. A bustling port city located on the picturesque banks of the Ness River is a fantastic base to explore this Scottish region that contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. But this city is worth a visit in its own right. Inverness is an interesting and attractive city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do; from ancient castles to restaurants to a cruise on Loch Ness or a stroll along the river. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around. The castle in town, perched picturesquely above the river, dominates the horizon. The castle’s present day structure is a 19th century imposing Neo-Norman red stone fortress still surrounded by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery gives a good general overview of the development of the Highlands while medieval Church Street is home to the town’s oldest-surviving buildings. Contrary to the lore, Inverness castle is not where Macbeth murdered King Duncan; the actual site is a moat-and-drawbridge dream, Cawdor Castle, located just east of Inverness. The beautiful gothic construction is well worth a visit if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national icon and one of the most photographed sites of the region, are on the north side of the Loch. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have occurred. Nowadays, Inverness is a modern city, with all the modern accommodations and amenities one could expect from a major city. There are many lovely riverside restaurants and bustling pavement cafes as well as a wide range of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether it’s roaming the streets of the city itself or heading out into the Highlands of Scotland for a day trip, Inverness definitely stands as one of those ultimately must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

About the destination: Aberdeen, often called the “Granite City,” sits on Scotland’s northeast coast where the Rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea. Its historic center is built from locally quarried grey stone that glitters with a silvery sheen in the sun, giving the city a striking, almost regal appearance. Stroll along Union Street, Aberdeen’s main thoroughfare, to get a feel for the city’s mix of Victorian architecture, modern shops, cozy cafés, and traditional pubs. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, with a strong student presence thanks to the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University. Culture and history lovers will find plenty to explore. Start at Aberdeen Maritime Museum to understand the city’s long relationship with the sea and the North Sea oil industry. Then visit the 15th‑century King’s College in Old Aberdeen, with its cobbled streets, ancient kirks, and tranquil campus. Art enthusiasts should head to the Aberdeen Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Scottish and international works in a beautifully renovated building. Nature is never far away here. Take a walk along the long, sandy Aberdeen Beach promenade, dotted with cafés and amusement arcades, or head to the picturesque fishing village of Footdee (locally known as “Fittie”), with its colorful cottages and quirky decorations. Within a short drive, you can reach dramatic coastal cliffs, the windswept dunes of Balmedie Beach, and the Royal Deeside area, home to castles like Balmoral and enchanting woodland walks. Food and drink in Aberdeen reflect both land and sea. Sample fresh seafood—especially locally landed haddock, langoustines, and mussels—in one of the city’s many restaurants, or try classic Scottish dishes such as Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) and haggis. In the evening, dip into Aberdeen’s pub and live‑music scene, or join a whisky tour to explore Speyside’s famous distilleries, which are close enough for an easy day trip and offer a perfect taste of northeast Scotland’s rich heritage.

About the destination: Pitlochry is a village on the council of Perth and Kinross, Scotland, with an estimated population as of mid-2016 of 2950. It is located in the north-north centre of Scotland, north of the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and west of Dundee and Aberdeen.

About the destination: Capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Still the centre of Scotland’s autonomous administrative establishments, Edinburg has become neither too modernized to be cold nor too large to be unattractive. Medieval alleyways cluster around an imposing castle, elegant 18th century townhouses sweep around lush parks, and culture thrives. Unquestioned centrepiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle looms into view around street corners for miles around. 11th century Queen Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburg, is contained within the castle walls. Walking towards the palace, you’ll pass the medieval dwelling called Gladstone’s Land, and Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century town house containing memorabilia of Scotland’s literary trinity of Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The final lap of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth that houses the People's Story Museum and is one of its most recognizable landmarks. For a sweeping view of the city, climb Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill offers, as well, beautiful views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than sightseeing. For some urban flair check in to Stockbridge, a quaint community full of students, coffeeshops and good pubs. Every August the city celebrates the Edinburgh International Festival, three weeks of the finest music, theatre, opera and dance. Thousands of culture-minded visitors congregate here and the city does its best to keep them happy.