There is a border between England and Scotland, but it’s easy to miss. Driving north you’ll know it only by the 'Welcome To Scotland' signs.

But welcome to what? It’s all the same country, isn’t it?

Don’t let the Scots hear you say that! They may concede that yes, Scotland is one of the four entities that make up the United Kingdom. But they will politely remind you that it was once an independent country, and may be one again in the not-too-distant future.

But for now, all a visitor needs to know is that Scotland is utterly distinctive in just about every way. There are the cities, buzzing, hyper-active, at the cutting edge of culture and the arts; the Scottish Highlands and Islands with scenery as stunning as anywhere on the planet; the wildlife; the burgeoning food scene with some of the finest seafood anywhere, and of course the world-famous whiskies.

In short, Scotland is so much more than kilts and bagpipes, although you’ll find them too. The only problem with visiting Scotland is the thought of having to leave. But those Scots who welcomed you so warmly will wave you off with the immortal words, “Haste ye back!”