REGIONS

Aberdeen & Grampian Highlands

North-east Scotland has its own very special personality and culture. And the Grampian Highlands & Aberdeen region is a microcosm of the best of Scotland in scenic terms, from soaring mountain tops, including the high peaks of the Cairngorm Mountains, down to a magnificent coastline, rugged moor land, breathtaking wooded valleys like Royal Deeside, and wonderful rolling farmlands.

Connoisseurs of architecture have a veritable feast of castles, grand mansions and stately houses to study and appreciate. And those interested in the traditional way of life will be fascinated with the juxtaposition of fishing, farming and whisky distilling - the region's staple industries whose quality produce and brands are exported worldwide to much acclaim. Washed by the North Sea, the coastline of Grampian Highlands is long and varied. There are sheer, high cliffs, secluded "smugglers" coves, pebbly beaches and miles of clean golden sand.

Follow the signposted Coastal Trail and discover the living history of the fishing industry in harbours and ports, fish markets and museums, from St Cyrus in the South to Findhorn in the North. And the seaside is a superb playground for watersports like yachting, water-skiing and wind-surfing. During the winter there are excellent skiing facilities. There is downhill skiing at Glenshee and The Lecht (a dry ski slope is open all year), or you can try cross-country skiing through stunning scenery and contrasting terrain. The Huntly Nordic Ski Centre is open all year.

The region is also renowned for its food and cooking. With such a choice of fresh produce from farmland, river and sea, and game from the moors, the traditional cooking of the area relies on the fresh, full flavours of the products rather than sauces.

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