St Kilda is a small group of islands some 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides off the northwest coast of Scotland (Photo: Jim Richardson) Head to Dundee this year, the UK’s only UNESCO city of design. You can start at the V & A Dundee and explore both design heritage and contemporary design. 2022 will see V&A Dundee curate its first major exhibition, running from April to September and focused on the chequered history of tartan; encompassing tradition and rebellion, and exploring its influence on everything from architecture and fashion to product design and performance. In 2000 Peter Irvine was given the Thistle award for his personal contribution to tourism in Scotland and in 2002 gained another Thistle award for the Glasgow Art Fair.

Loch Fyne extends some 40 miles inland from the Sound of Bute. At the head of the loch is Cairndow, surrounded by hills and home to both Loch Fyne Oysters and Fyne Ales - making it the ideal place for a food-focused trip in a beautiful location. Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet, as it still uses a traditional malting floor – the smell is glorious! From the town, you are just moments away from making memories. The Annandale Distilleryis a short drive away and makes one of the newest whiskies in Scotland, with a state-of-the-art visitor centre and delicious café.Featured art will include Luke Jerram's 'Gaia' and 'Museum of the Moon', and Lucid Creates will bring 'Together', an immersive large-scale light and sound experience - featuring stories and memories from the community. To celebrate the Year of Stories, 'Writ Large' will project prose and poetry from Scotland' s best storytellers across the city. Wigtown became Scotland’s National Book Town in 1998 to help revitalise a town that had lost its major industries. Today more than 20 book-related businesses are based here, and with more than a quarter of a million books to choose from this is a real paradise for bibliophiles. The coastal road to the south of the island takes you to Mount Stuart, a 19th century Gothic Revival style mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive gardens to explore. The ancestral home of the Marquess of Bute has self catering cottages to rent on the estate, including the six-bedroom Kean’s Cottage overlooking Loch Fad.

Equally popular with Scots and tourists, this is the biggest version yet of the book that helps you decide how best to enjoy Scotland.Staffa is the island of volcanic basalt columns on the west coast of the Isle of Mull, made famous by Fingal’s Cave. A sentinel in the Firth of Clyde, facing the coast of Ayrshire, Arran has been welcoming visitors since the 6th century. During the Viking Age it belonged to the Norwegian crown before being absorbed into Scotland in the 13th century. Local shareholders, hundreds of Crowdfunder supporters and a signific ant pay-out from the Scottish Land Fund are all helping make this a reality. The community aims to take ownership in 2022, so this year may be the perfect time to visit for a congratulatory pint.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas (and the Northern Lights). 13. Follow the River Spey on a Speyside whisky tour Best place for whisky tasting Travel:Linlithgow is well served by rail routes connecting with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, Stirling and Cumbernauld. The Kintyre Peninsula is home to a long stretch of deserted coastline, perfect for an escape from reality.Raasayis the isle on everyone’s wish list at the moment with its recent award from Conde Nast Travelleras one of the ‘Best Islands to Visit’. Food & Drink:Make a reservation at The Waggon Inn . This family restaurant caters for all tastes and budgets.