A HOLIDAY in Scotland can feel a world away from home and many regions have been left so wild and untouched, you’d question whether they’re actually in the UK.
So if you’re strapped for cash, but looking to escape to somewhere other than the classic staycation spots, this country should be top of your list.
FUN FOR UNDER A FIVER
The views of the water over Fort William are reason enough to visit this beautiful region in the Scottish Highlands, but you’ll be able to soak up even more of the area’s beauty if you buy a treasure hunt booklet from treasuretrails.co.uk.
It costs just £2.50pp, based on a family of four sharing one and will have you roaming the town, hunting for clues.
Those wandering the hills surrounding Inverness can swing by the fascinating ruins of Urquhart Castle (see visitscotland.com) where entry costs from £3.50pp, based on four sharing a daily ticket.
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Kids will love wandering the cold prison cells and climbing to the top of Grant Tower, which offers unbeatable views of the mighty loch below.
CHEAP EATS & DRINKS
Carnivores won’t be disappointed with a hog roast sarnie from Oink in Edinburgh, where a “small” bap costs just £4.95 and comes loaded with all the trimmings you could ask for.
You design your own sandwich, starting with size and bread, leading on to stuffing choice (stick to the Scottish theme and go for homemade haggis) and then sauce.
There’s three restaurants in Edinburgh so if you’re staying in the city, there’s a good chance you’ll be within walking distance.
If you’ve followed the Harry Potter trail and ventured to Fort William, swing by The Crofter bar and restaurant for outrageously cheap grub and a pint among the locals.
All main courses here cost under a tenner (bar the steaks) including toasted sandwiches, Highland venison burgers and a classic haggis dinner served with neeps and tatties and onion gravy for £8.49.
BARGAIN BEACH DAYS
Enveloped in nature, it’s no surprise that Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
Wander down to East Beach in Lossiemouth, where you’ll find both sand and pebbles, plus hordes of surfers.
Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll be in with a chance of spotting one of the Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins leaping from the water.
Families should make a beeline for Nairn Beach, a short journey east of Inverness, where the sunsets are spectacular and the night skies so dark that you may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights in winter.
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When they’re not building sandcastles or splashing in the shallow water, kids can take advantage of a play area and plethora of ice cream stalls.
AFFORDABLE ATTRACTIONS
Scotland is a haven for whisky drinkers, home to some of the best single-malt distilleries in the world, but tours can come with a hefty price tag and you don’t want to pay over the odds.
Drive 40 minutes north of Glasgow to Glengoyne for an intimate 75-minute tour and tasting for £18pp with the chance to sample two of its single malts.
If you’d like to stick a little close to the city then The Clydeside Distillery offers hour-long tours for £15pp.
Looking for something a little different? If you have a bit of spare cash to splash and you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to Ice Factor in the village of Kinlochleven, sandwiched between Ben Nevis and Glencoe.
It’s home to the (supposedly) biggest indoor ice climbing wall in the world and visitors can scale the full 12m from £29 per child and £39 per adult.
The best part is, you’ll be getting a similar experience to scaling the icy cliffs of Yosemite National Park in the States, but without shelling out on pricey flights to get there.
FREE FOR ALL
Fan of James Bond or the Harry Potter franchise?
The craggy Scottish highlands were used as the backdrop for many scenes in Skyfall while the Potter films were spread out all over the place from the hilly city of Edinburgh to the vast Fort William, overlooking Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest peak.
If you’re a proper Potter nut then follow the free four-day tour on visitscotland.com, broken down day by day with distances, pictures and details of what scenes were shot there.
Anyone in Glasgow will have their pick of completely free attractions.
Get lost among leafy trees and colourful petals in the Botanic Gardens, in the city’s West End, or marvel at bright artwork and intricate sculptures at the Gallery of Modern Art in the city centre.
