1. T in the Park - for two days in July every year Scotland rocks to the sounds of the best bands around. For 2006, local boys Franz Ferdinand join the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who, The Strokes, the Kaiser Chiefs and many, many more. The 12,000-capacity Slam Tent adds the best dance artists to the mix. www.tinthepark.com

2. The West Highland Line - if it's scenery you're after, this train ride is hard to beat. Mountains and glens, lochs and canals all thrown in for free as you roll along. If the Glenfinnan viaduct looks familiar, think Harry Potter heading to Hogwart's. www.scotrail.co.uk/scotrwhl.htm

3. The West Highland Way - one of those things to do before you leave this world: attempt some, if not all, of the 95 walking miles from Glasgow to Fort William. Rob Roy's cave, Glencoe, Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis are all there to egg you on along the way. www.west-highland-way.co.uk

4. Fisher & Donaldson - there are bakeries and then there's Fisher & Donaldson, a Scottish institution since 1919 and still providing cakes, pies, tarts and chocolates to the folks of Cupar, St Andrews and Dundee (and many an Edinburgh café.) Sit back and indulge in the Cupar or Dundee tearooms attached to the shops or stock up for savouring later on. www.fisheranddonaldson.com

5. The Falkirk Wheel - recently voted on of Scotland's Wonders by readers of The Scotsman, you'll easily see why. The Falkirk Wheel boat lift allows vessels to move from the Forth and Clyde Canals to the Union Canal. It's engineering, it's sculpture, it's amazing! www.falkirk-wheel.com

6 .Arbroath Smokies - head for this east coast fishing village to sample the famous local haddock smoked over wood chips. The Arbroath Smokie name is now protected by the EU in the same way as champagne. There's even a new tartan to mark its improved status. www.arbroath-smokie.co.uk

7. Anstruther Fish Suppers - just over the Forth Bridge is the East Neuk village of Anstruther. The Anstruther Fish Bar has won as many awards as are out there for its fish and chips. It's not hard to find -the frequent queues are a helpful hint.

8. Loch Ness - Scotland's longest loch draws people in their thousands every year intrigued by what might lie beneath. Great views and photos from nearby Urquhart Castle or head to Drumnadrochit for a model of the 'real' thing. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk www.lochness-centre.com

9. Whisky Distilleries - wherever you go in Scotland, chances are you'll come across a distillery. Speyside has quite a concentration of them all helpfully contained on a Malt Whisky Trail map. Names like Glenlivet and Glenfiddich are included and you can learn about everything the grain has to go through before it gets to your glass. www.maltwhiskytrail.com

10. Highland Games - you'd be excused for thinking this is something just for tourists but one look at the determination on the competitors' faces assures you it's not. Local pride and personal bests are at stake at Highland Games around Scotland throughout the summer. The biggest is the Cowal Highland Gathering for a feast of tossing cabers, throwing hammers and sword dancing. www.cowalgathering.com