Edinburgh has a lot to offer, choosing is often the hardest decision you'll have to make. From museums and galleries in the city to the fun of tree-top adventure parks in the countryside, there's something for every taste and every age-group.

he city of Edinburgh is renowned world-wide for its history, architecture, scenery and cultural attractions. Built on a set of hills, it is situated between the Firth of Forth to the north, the Pentland Hills to the south, and the council areas of East Lothian and West Lothian to the east and west. The population today is estimated at over 450,000 and is growing rapidly predominantly through migration. The economy is oriented to services, particularly in the areas of finance, science and the professions.

Today Aberdeen is a centre of administration, education and industry with a seaport trade and ferry links to the Northern Isles, Scandinavia and the Continent. It is one of Scotland's leading fishing ports and also a coastal resort with a two-mile-long beach, a Beach Leisure Centre, a golf complex on the King's Links and Pittodrie Stadium, the home of Aberdeen Football Club. Throughout the year the city hosts a number of festivals including a Winter Festival and an International Youth Festival.

Aberdeen makes an ideal base for exploring the beautiful castles and countryside of Royal Deeside. Visit one of or more of the many whisky distilleries on "The Whisky Trail". In the winter months the famous Grampian Mountains offer superb ski-ing facilities.

Glasgow is known as 'The Friendly City', thanks mainly to the warmth, vibrancy and energy of its inhabitants. In 1990, it was elected European City of Culture and, in 1999, served as the UK's City of Architecture and Design. Currently, Glasgow is the third most popular destination in Britain for foreign tourists, after London and Edinburgh.

Situated astride the River Clyde in the west Central Lowlands, Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and the unitary authority with the largest population. Its cathedral, dedicated to St Mungo, was built in the 12th century, but the city owes much of its growth first to the 17th-18th century tobacco trade and later to shipbuilding during the colonial era. Much of Glasgow's heavy industry has been replaced by modern hi-tech and commercial business and the city now flourishes as a cultural centre with an annual festival of the arts.