A charming market town in the heart of the Borders, Melrose features a ruined abbey, a classic market square and some good walks in the surrounding countryside. The abbey ruins are pure Gothic, with particularly decorative stonework. Sir Walter Scott had a hand in their repair in the 19th century. The Trimontium Exhibition tells the story of the Roman fort of Trimontium at nearby Newstead and its associated archaeological dig. Gardens and a motor museum round off the attractive town's sights.

Dramatic coastal scenery, abundant marine bird life and Europe's greatest concentration of prehistoric sites are just 10km (6mi) off the north coast of Scotland. Twenty of the 70 Orkney Islands are inhabited, and the climate is surprisingly mild (for the Scottish isles!)

The largest island is known as Mainland, home to the islands' main town, Kirkwall, and major port, Stromness. Kirkwall features one of Scotland's finest medieval cathedrals and an interesting distillery tour. The ferry port of Stromness is smaller, with a working fishing village atmosphere.

These islands have a bleakness that comes from being the first major obstacle to any Atlantic gale sweeping in from the west. And yet the wide horizons, white beaches, peat moors and long, low vistas of sky provide their own special brand of beauty.

Tiny Barra is just 19km (12mi) around and easily explored on foot. It encapsulates the Outer Hebridean experience, with its beautiful beaches, Neolithic remains and strong sense of community. Heading north, expansive South Uist is the second-largest island in the group.

This is the place to be if you like both a good yarn and a bit of isolation. The Shetland Islands are remote, windswept and treeless; their nearest neighbour is Bergen in Norway; only 15 of the 100 islands are inhabited; there is a powerful lot of birds; and the islands are awash in knitters (eg, Fair Isle's textiles) and twitters.

Birds play a large part in the islands' appeal, along with a 4000-year-old archaeological heritage and an indented coastline which is perfect for walking. Lerwick, the only sizable place in Shetland, has a fort, museum, Viking exhibition and a fortified tower dating from the 7th century BC.