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SPONSORED: 5 businesses representing the vibrant diversity of Scotland

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Love Scotland? Well, it would be hard not to.

Our small – but mighty – country is famed worldwide for its breath-taking scenery and architecture, rugged coastlines, outstanding produce and its friendly people.

And to celebrate Scotland, we have compiled a list of some of our favourite businesses which represent its creativity, beauty, vibrancy and welcoming nature.

Have you heard of them?


Scot Box

Send a wee bit of Scotland to a fellow tartan heart – near or far!

Scot Box’s novelty Scottish scran packages are filled with Scotland’s favourite sweets
and treats. They are perfect for somebody missing home and for those with a special
occasion coming up.

Including iconic brands such as Irn Bru, Tunnock’s and Walkers, the speedy
service can ship your box across the world to USA, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand and Asia.

The company also offers free UK shipping on all Scot Boxes.

You can choose from our range of pre-made boxes or you can “Build Yer Ain”. There is a large variety of Scottish food and also souvenir options including magnets, keyrings,
socks and can coolers – all of which can be added to your box.

Check out the full range on the Scot Box website; Christmas hampers will be released very soon! Subscriptions and gift vouchers also available.

Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed® never goes out of fashion thanks to its timeless appeal, premium quality and flexibility

Tactile, soft, breathable, warm, colourful, sustainable and adaptable, the cloth has a rare character and beauty and is still handwoven to this day at the weavers’ home.

Hundreds of distinctive patterns have been developed over centuries, each one unique, but unmistakably Harris Tweed®.

You can buy cloth from as little as a quarter of a metre right up to 50 metres in length, so whether it’s for a small project or reupholstering furniture, there will be something to suit your needs.

Harris Tweed® also stocks a wide range of ladies and gents clothing, hats, footwear, bags, accessories and gifts made with real leather or vegan leather.

Be sure to visit the Harris Tweed® website to find out more.

Mains of Taymouth

The award-winning Mains of Taymouth Country Estate and Golf Course welcomes you to its family-run, luxury self-catering experience, located in the picturesque village of Kenmore, Highland Perthshire.

Its accommodation is second to none, complete with stunning views to compliment a perfect rural getaway.

Fantastic onsite facilities include Perthshire’s finest nine-hole golf course, the Courtyard Bar and Restaurant, the award winning Courtyard deli and gift shop and a well established riding stables.

Plus, within a short walk, you will find the Loch Tay Boating Centre and Paper Boat Café.

The majority of  properties allow up to two pets, are open to any day arrival, with a minimum stay of one night in many (this excludes the festive period).

For more information, visit the Mains of Taymouth website.

The Gaiety Pantomime

Jamie & The Unicorn is a fantastic pantomime written for Gaiety audiences and set in Ayrshire. It is guaranteed to make your Christmas festivities sparkle!

Filled with magic, mayhem and many a good old local shout out, this unique and specially created panto guarantees laughter with friends and family fun for all ages.

Be entertained as hilarious characters are brought to life including Dame Jinty McGuffie, the Arran Fairy, Prince Hal of Tarbolton and wee Snorty Breeks.

Be wowed by some of the country’s finest talent who have written, directed and created set designs, costumes, choreography and effects to blow you away.

So join in on ‘bringing back togetherness’ this year and gather your loved ones for this heart-warming experience we all deserve.

Book now with confidence – no quibble refunds available – for an unforgettable experience at The Gaiety’s Jamie & The Unicorn and discover why it truly is a legend of a panto!

The Playfair at Donaldson’s

Renowned as one of the most iconic buildings in Edinburgh, The Playfair at Donaldson’s is situated just moments from Haymarket station.

The striking design of the former college is the master work of world-famous architect William Henry Playfair, whose other famous work includes the National Monument and the National Gallery of Scotland.

During construction of the palatial building, it is said that The Playfair was deemed so magnificent that, at the time, Queen Victoria would have happily swapped it for The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Having been extensively restored into housing by City & Country, the UK’s leading developer of heritage buildings, the former school is now firmly established as one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious addresses.

All the new homes have been finished with brass light fittings, luxurious bespoke carpets and painted in stylish hues of dark grey, creating an elegant and homely sense of place, while emulating the feel of a boutique hotel.

A range of one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses are currently available to purchase at The Playfair at Donaldson’s, priced from £415,000 to £1,525,000.

For more information visit the City & Country website or call 0131 341 5102.