My Scotland: Discover the top picks of Scotland The Best author, Peter Irvine

You'll find this walk in Melrose. Image: Scotland The Best

If you are a fan of exploring Scotland and all it has to offer, you may well have one of Peter Irvine’s books on your shelves.

He recently released a new edition of his bestselling book, Scotland The Best, which is a true Scot’s insider’s guide to more than 2,000 recommendations for every type of adventure.

We asked Peter to pick three of his favourite spots from his travels so you can visit the best of the best.

Barrowland

I first discovered Barrowland when Regular Music, my concert promotions company, were looking for a venue for Simple Minds to make a live video of Waterfront from their landmark New Gold Dream album. It had been empty for years. They did three brilliant shows, the rest is rock ‘n’ roll history and it has been one of the most loved venues in the world, ever since.

Eildon Hills

The three much-loved hills or paps visible from most of the central Borders and easily climbed from the town of Melrose which nestles at their foot. Leave main square by road to station (the Dingleton road); after 100m a path begins between two pebble-dash houses on the left signed St Cuthbert’s Way. Climb the smallest first, then the highest central one (422m).

Raasay

This will always be my favourite island. A small electric (the first) car ferry (car useful, but bikes best) from Sconser (between Portree and Broadford) on Skye takes you to this, the best of places to find yourself in. The distinctive flat top of Dun Caan presides over an island whose history and natural history is Highland Scotland in microcosm. Stay at the fab Raasay House; rooms range from bunks to luxe with amazing views.

Scotland The Best (14th Edition), published by Collins, is available now. Follow Peter on his adventures at @pete.irvine on Instagram.