For those of you who think Scotland is all snow and Glasgow Celtic, let me show you more of our neighbour. A lot of you actually come from Scotland, believe it or not, I know my ancestors came from there.

The islands of Scotland are a stunning blend of beaches, machair lands and freshwater lochs interrupted by rolling dark moorland hills.

Standing majestically at the northwest edge of Europe, this 150 mile-long island chain of beaches, culture, wildlife and adventure is a haven for outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.

To go to every island would take a long time and the best way to experience them is to Island hop and you can if you plan it right (see www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk or www.visitthehebrides.com).

Scotland is one of the last unspoilt areas of Europe. The Highlands and islands take up half of it. The west coast is fed by the Gulf stream and it is here that many exotic flowers grow.

There is also a fine array of beaches, especially on the islands of Harris and Barra. Red Deer live in peace in the Highlands and so do the eagles. There are also vast lochs and rivers for the best salmon and trout fishing. The Highlands are great for the photographer and artist and seem endless in their beauty.

The Mull of Kintyre is also a great favourite of visitors. Iona is another famous island where our own monks began the Book of Kells until raiders made them flee.

Ferries are ready to take you to the islands and whales and dolphins are plentiful. The Orkneys have their own museums of whaling and fishing and are well worth a visit.

If you want to stay in Scotland, the islands offer a wide range of accommodation from hostels to camping grounds. Most hostels and other camping grounds close over winter as a Scottish winter is very rough.

Glasgow, the capital, is a very modern city. The central point is George’s Square with two huge lions sitting in it cast in bronze.

The people are great and will help as much as possible. It has its fair share of nightclubs and is a city full of life. It is built on either side of the Clyde river with a few bridges adjoining one side to the other.

Its close relative Edinburgh is only a bus journey away. Mountains are never far away and this adds to the general feeling of the Scots living with nature.