I last visited Scotland 25 years ago – a number of work trips to Edinburgh and Glasgow (Trade Indemnity PLC where I worked for 2 years) and one rowdy VW Combi trip just over the Scottish border with some kiwi mates (Jeanette, Richard and Curley). I remember just loving the place and hoping I would come back someday.

From Schiphol in Amsterdam the three of us (Danielle included) flew to Edinburgh and then on by rental car to a place called Ardentinny. I know – I never heard of it either . . . a tiny village situated on the shores of Loch Long in Western Scotland. It’s within the boundaries of the Trossachs National Park. Quiet, beautiful and serene – just what we were looking for.

Incongruously a new upmarket restaurant had just opened in the village 4 weeks prior to our arrival. Set on the shores of the Loch you can sip your whiskey (being where we are, there are obviously a few to choose from) and view the ever-changing states of rain and drizzle hanging over the hills and water. I thought there is no way something like this would survive in a remote village of no more than 20 houses. But lo and behold the place was buzzing which just goes to prove the maxim . . . . “build it and they will come . . . ”

I had heard about the weather in Scotland but never quite believed it could rain all the time. Well it doesn’t – not all the time. But its does rain most of the time – well it did when we were there. We experienced a sort of misty, showery type of rain pretty much everyday. Atmospheric rather than annoying – although if I lived here all the time I suspect the weather might wind me up somewhat. Much electricity is produced by water here (not surprisingly) and the greenness of the vegetation is almost overpowering. Its dramatic and beautiful.

From tiny Ardentinny we drove to just about my favourite city in the world – Edinburgh. Booked an airbnb apartment smack back in the centre of old Edinburgh town. Turn left, walk 300m and you are at Edinburgh Castle, turn right and Holyrood Palace greets you. The place is just bursting with character. If you come to Edinburgh, don’t compromise and stay in the burbs . . .

I have to say, despite all the historical places to visit, one of my favourites was the whiskey experience just outside the gates of the Castle. The place was sort of like a Disney experience for adults. You get to ride in replica whiskey barrels and hear the story of whiskey making from a ghost with a thick Scottish accent. OK that was a bit naff . . . But the whiskey tasting afterwards was first class. Jo just about died choking on a taster of Bruichladdich from Islay – lucky I was there to finish it for her.

On the exercise front, if you find yourself with half a day free, hike up to Arthur’s Seat – the main peak of the group of hills that surround Edinburgh, described by Robert Louis Stevenson as “a hill for its magnitude, a mountain in in virtue of its bold design”. I wonder if RLS actually made it up to the top – Danielle and I did, and it’s quite a climb. The views are spectacular and the air fresh and cold – reminds me of that crystal clear air in Central Otago which bites at the back of your throat.

Just loved Scotland.