In Ayrshire

Burns Heritage Trail, Alloway - Burns Cottage and Museum, Tam O' Shanter, Brig O'Doon etc.

Crossraguel Abbey, Ayrshire - Not far from Culzean Castle.

Culzean Castle and Country Park - The most popular properties of the National Trust for Scotland.

Dean Castle and Country Park, Kilmarnock - A well preserved 14th century keep in a country park.

Dundonald Castle, Ayrshire - Built by the Stewart family in the 13th century.

Kelburn Castle and Country Park, Ayrshire - A historic castle in a lovely country park.

Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine - historic ships and boats and an excellent café as well.

Skelmorlie Aisle, Largs - Italian marble memorial built in 1636 as a shrine by a Scottish knight in memory of his wife

In Dumfries, Galloway and the Scottish Borders

Tour of the Scottish Borders - History, Borders Towns, Country Mansions, Great Outdoors

Abbotsford Sir Walter Scott's baronial mansion and garden near Melrose.

Caerlaverock Castle - An imposing, historic castle, in a lovely setting, surrounded by a moat.

Dryburgh Abbey - Its tranquil, serene setting makes it most attractive.

Floors Castle, Kelso - The largest inhabited castle in Scotland.

Jedburgh Abbey - King David I founded the Augustinian priory in 1138.

Kailzie Gardens, near Peebles - a large walled garden and a 15 acre estate with great views of the Southern Uplands.

Kelso Abbey - Sir Walter Scott described the abbey at Kelso as the most beautiful in Scotland.

Castle MacLellan - Not a fortified castle but as a house on a grand scale.

Mary Queen of Scots' House - The link with Mary makes this 16th century house interesting.

Melrose Abbey - Soaring arches, vaulted ceilings, elegant tracery - and Robert the Bruce's heart.

Mull of Galloway - the most southerly point in Scotland.

Ruthwell Cross - One of the oldest preaching crosses in Europe, from the 7th century.

Smailholm Tower - Sir Walter Scott described it as "standing stark and upright like a warden".

Sweetheart Abbey - Founded in 1273 by Lady Devorgilla in memory of her late husband.

Thirlstane Castle - Owned by the Earl of Lauderdale when he was Secretary of State for Scotland.

Threave Castle - Visitors ring a ship's bell for the boat to take them across the river to the castle.

Threave Gardens - Extensive, full of beautiful trees, shrubs and plants.

In Dunbartonshire

Baldernock Parish Countryside - a typical area of Lowland Scotland which is also within easy reach of Glasgow.

Balloch Country Park and Castle - Home of the "Maid of the Loch" and cruises on Loch Lomond.

Dumbarton Castle - A recorded history as a stronghold longer than any other fortification in Britain.

Loch Lomond Seaplanes - see Scotland from the air.

Mugdock Castle Country Park, Milngavie - Home to the Grahams since the 13th century.

In Fife

Aberdour Castle and St Fillan's Church - The castle and church both originated in the 12th century.

Balgonie Castle - Still occupied.

Culross - Many of the houses in this Fife village have been preserved from the 17th/18th century.

Deep Sea World - See sharks and other sea creatures as you walk through the aquarium.

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace - Founded in the 11th century and burial place of Robert the Bruce.

Falkland Palace - Made into a sophisticated Renaissance palace by King James V.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion and Scotstarvit Tower - An attractive house filed with treasures.

Kellie Castle - A 12th century castle - with a rocking horse in the children's nursery.

Kilconquhar Castle - Now holiday "time-share" apartments.

Kingdom of Fife - A virtual guide to the home of golf and Andrew Carnegie.

Ravenscraig Castle - One of the first castles in Scotland built to withstand cannon fire.

St Andrews Castle - Perched on top of a cliff.

St Andrews Cathedral - The longest and greatest cathedral in Scotland, consecrated in the presence of Robert the Bruce.