THINGS TO SEE & DO IN SCOTLAND

Its a special day when Thomas the Tank Engine and friends come to town at the Caledonain Railway in Brechin! Trains are hauled by Thomas, you can meet Sir Topham Hatt (the fat controller), and there are fairground rides and bouncy castles for the family to enjoy.

At Deep Sea World in North Queensferry there is something for the whole family to enjoy, with a captivating underwater tunnel, live exhibits, resident seals and many events on throughout the year. For the more adventurous you can even go and dive with the sharks!

The Adventure Centre in Ratho, 20 mins West of Edinburgh, hosts the biggest indoor climbing arena in the world with restaurant, café, gym facilities and accommodation, in fact everything you need for the ultimate climbing session.
Suggested by: D Cameron, Edinburgh

Witness one of the most spectacular live shows you are ever likely to see at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Now in its 59th year, the show features the largest gathering of military musicians in the UK set against the magical backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Be enthralled by the range of superb international performers and the world-famous massed Pipes and Drums - an experience not to be missed!  
Submitted by: J Carrick, Middlesbrough

Transporting you back to those black bleak times, the Edinburgh Dungeon invites you for a great day out. With live actors, an eerie ride, shows and special effects its an attraction not to be missed.

Visit the Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling. With lions, tigers, elephants, birds of prey and many more exotic animals, this is one place not to miss. There is also a pet farm, adventure play area and, for the more adventurous, the 'flying fox'!

Drummond Castle Gardens in Perthshire is known as one of the finest formal gardens in Europe. Admire the stunning mixture of fountains, terraced beds, urns, statuary, woodland walks and kitchen garden while the children can enjoy playing on the garden's huge lawns.

Visit the community owned Isle of Gigha - the most southerly of the Hebridean Isles. Explore the gardens known as the 'Jewel in the Crown', relax at the island's Gigha hotel and sample fresh fish all while enjoying the breathtaking views.

Known as Scotland's only mainland island, why not hire a boat to sail round the stunning peninsula of the Mull of Kintyre and discover why Paul McCartney was inspired to write a song about the area. Or if sailing isn't your thing then why not try one of the many other activities that the peninsula is famed for such as surfing, walking, pony trekking and much more.

In winter Edinburgh is one of Europes most romantic cities, with over a month of festivities to enjoy. See fireworks, food and craft markets, Christmas lights, The Great Scottish Santa Run, entertainment and the iconic Winter Wonderland with the ferris wheel and ice skating rink with the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.