REGIONS

West Coast & Islands

From the long finger of Kintyre to the deep fissure of Loch Broom, the West Coast of Scotland is the region that is most romantic. There are castles, mountains, heather and stag, with many small and isolated villages.

The area is also popular with hill-walkers and includes some fine 'Munro's' (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet). One of these is mighty Ben Cruachan, which you can go 'up and under.

The waters around Oban and Lorn are a mecca for water sports enthusiasts with unrivalled sailing, sub-aqua diving, canoeing and sea angling. The local marinas are at Dunstaffnage and Kerrera, where there are also charter facilities for those who wish to explore Europe's finest unspoilt cruising grounds.

In May, Oban is the starting point for the famous Scottish Islands Peaks Race which is a gruelling test of sailing skills and fell running stamina.

Some of the loveliest scenery is only accessible by boat. The cruise from the pier at Taynuilt to the head of Loch Etive is quite breath-taking, not only for the scenery but also for the wildlife which can be seen, in the water, on the shore and soaring in the skies.

Loch Etive is one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs. At its mouth stands the thirteenth century Dunstaffnage Castle on what is said to be the site of the capital of Dalriada - the original Kingdom of the Scots. It was here that the Stone of Destiny was kept until it was taken east by Kenneth MacAlpine, the first King of the united Picts and Scots. The Stone has recently been returned to Scotland after 700 years in Westminster Abbey, and can now be seen in Edinburgh Castle.

Near at hand are the small, inner islands of Kerrera, Lismore, Seil, Shuna and Luing - romantic names, romantic places. Mull - its main town of Tobermory a brightly painted picture postcard - is much larger and offers a fine choice of attractions, activities and wildlife, not to mention spectacular bays and seascapes. Saintly Iona and musical Staffa lie offshore.

Further out in the Atlantic are Coll and Tiree, low fertile islands, steeped in history. Use your imagination and you can almost hear the creaking oars of chieftains' galleys and Viking longboats.

Things to do!