A STUNNING photograph of upper Loch Torridon in Wester Ross has been drawing admiring glances – in London. The picture was the lead-in image for a South Bank exhibition, Britain on View, which featured images of beautiful landscapes and cinematic countryside.

I BELONG tae Glasgae! I don’t actually, but I always feel as if I do when I visit that great city. Glasgow is the place to go when you want a bit of everything – culture, shopping, eating, drinking, strolling in green space and, of course, enjoying the craic with the friendliest folk on the planet.

A NORTH-EAST resort and golf club has completed the final phase of an £8million scheme to provide luxury, serviced accommodation for visitors to the area.

MAJESTIC mountains, fairy-tale castles and miles of unspoiled beaches are the perfect combination for a relaxing romantic break, and all can be found on the enchanting island of Arran. Just 20 miles long, it is an ideal choice for a short break with easy accessibility from the mainland.

ON A cold winter’s night, four wet and travel-weary visitors trudged up to the front door of the Four Seasons Hotel in the Perthshire hamlet of St Fillans – and made history.

THE north-east’s diverse and rich food larder is to be celebrated in style this summer by two celebrity chefs.

THERE is an old ditty that goes, “Rome was built on seven hills, Dufftown was built on seven stills”.

BEFORE our break to Peebles, I had always felt a little sorry for the Scottish Borders. After all, competing against the grandeur of tourist attractions such as the Cairngorms, Skye or Glencoe must be hard work. But after a weekend’s stay at the Peebles Hydro, I am more than willing to admit that this beautiful corner of Scotland can more than hold its own against any other part of the country.

STAFF at Macdonald Pittodrie House Hotel are celebrating after scooping a new star from the AA, launching the hotel into the luxury four-star category.

1 Celebrations of Turriff is Aberdeenshire’s premier furniture and department store, restaurant and coffee parlour – with everything for the home including gifts for all occasions, classic menswear and smart ladieswear. A top seller in Celebrations’ new gift range are these delightful Matryoshka Dolls (£6.99), pictured below right. These intricate collectibles originate in Moscow but are proving a hit in the north-east of Scotland. Also available is a range of colourful glass Teardrop Paperweights, ideal for brightening any desk.

DISCOVER the magic behind the Hollywood blockbuster, The Water Horse, with an exciting family package at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.

WHETHER your preference is for a sea view or a garden, an intrinsic part of the beauty of caravanning is that the great outdoors greets you from your very waking moment.

AS THE north-east of Scotland looks forward to being home to several luxury golf resorts, the recently opened golfscape, an indoor golfing facility housed on Aberdeen’s Union Street, has given golfers of all abilities the perfect opportunity to practise their swing, come rain or shine.

COTTAGES and Castles, Scotland’s specialist holiday lettings company, has announced a dramatic increase in lettings taken during the first two months of the year from last year’s figures.

THE Majestic Line is offering an impressive spring discount on cruises around the western coast and isles of Scotland throughout April.

WHETHER your chocolate egg of choice is a white, a dark, a milk or a fondant-filled, immerse yourself and the family in all things chocolatey this Easter with an egg-stra special short break.

ISLAY’S Kilchoman Farm Distillery is offering connoisseurs the chance to secure whisky from its first bottling.

OVER the past 17 years, Tartan Day celebrations on April 6 commemorating the very best of Scotland and the Scots, at home and away, have grown to become high-profile events on the international calendar.