Argyll, The Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

This is the birthplace of Scotland, the cradle of its Christianity and nationhood, and the focal point of much of its dramatic history.

Here you can savour the atmosphere of Hebridean islands, the charm of rural villages and the natural frontier which separates the rugged grandeur of the West Highlands from the gentler beauty of the Lowlands.

Here too, you can trace the footsteps of heroes like St Columba, Sir William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots ... and of outlaws like Rob Roy.

These are lands where you can glimpse an eagle, an osprey, a wildcat, a fine antlered stag or even whales and dolphins. And if the fancy takes you, you can enjoy the spectacle of a Highland Games, the warmth of a traditional folk night or the flavour of a local food festival.

Scotland's first great travel writer, Sir Walter Scott, was captivated by the beauty of this fascinating area. In his best-selling poem, 'The Lady of the Lake', he wrote of the landscapes around Loch Katrine:

'From Kintyre to Killin and Tobermory to Tillicoultry, an open invitation awaits you in these heartlands of Scotland.'

The same is as true today as it was in Scott's time.