Once upon a time, Scottish castles were associated with wild chieftains exacting brutal retribution on their neighbours and crofters. Then came the age of enlightenment, which saw the Scottish aristocracy trying to emulate their English neighbours and become a little more refined.

A few years ago everyone wanted to travel overseas as much as possible but now our major airports are so crowded, a lot of people are changing their minds. Why spend endless hours fighting through the masses and waiting on the tarmac, when Britain itself has so much to offer. Combine this with concerns for global warming and some pretty nice summers and it now makes increasing sense to stay home.