When thinking of Scotland, you often think of the country’s rolling green Highlands and its rugged cliffs. Of misty mornings, bagpipes and the mythical Lock Ness monster. Fans of the TV series The Crown might think of the holidays taken by the British royal family at Balmoral Castle, where the show wasn’t actually filmed, because the Queen would not allow it. But don’t forget the Lowlands, where city life unfolds in the centuries-old streets of Edinburgh and the unique city of Glasgow. Here you eat fish and chips out of a newspaper and are sure to adopt the Scottish accent as your own after a glass (or two) of Scotch whiskey. ‘Wur tearin’ the tartan,’ the Scots will say then, the ultimate sign that you’re engaged in a profound discussion.

Speaking of a profound discussion – urban legend or not – the Loch Ness monster continues to captivate. Lovingly known as Nessie, legend says it hides in the enormous loch, which is 36.3 kilometers long, 1.6 kilometers wide, and 226 meters deep. More than enough room to hide. The loch remains a major attraction for tourists and locals hoping to glimpse the mysterious creature. Speculation about Nessie’s existence dates back to an Irish monk's sighting in 565. A married couple revived the legend in 1933 with another sighting, sparking many more reports. Nessie hunters use drones, underwater cameras, and thermal scanners, but hard evidence is still lacking. Nevertheless, Summum’s photoshoot team heard from a great many locals in the local pub and the hotel that they had, in fact, seen the monster once. So could it be true...? We can neither confirm nor deny, but we suspect there's something in the water!

Do like Queen Elizabeth and tie a scarf around your head, put on your rain boots and get into a Land Rover to go explore the Scottish Highlands. The Highlands are mountainous but offer more than just hiking. Enjoy island hopping, castle visits, and dramatic scenery under often grey skies. You'll see plenty of sheep and might spot a Scottish Highlander. Note: Scotland isn’t known for its weather. Summer temperatures reach only 14°C, and rain is frequent. This wet climate creates lush, green hills, ideal for biodiversity and stunning views. Summers feature long daylight, lasting up to eleven o'clock, while winters are dark with sunset as early as three o'clock.

So you’ve enjoyed the countryside, but now it’s time to seek out the urban hustle and bustle? Head to Edinburgh! Practice saying ‘eddin-burrah’ to avoid any blunders. Despite its location in the Lowlands, Edinburgh offers varied altitudes. Climb Arthur’s Seat for a great view of the city from the 251-meter former volcano, where Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline. Don’t miss the daily cannon shot heard throughout the city. Both the Old Town and New Town are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stay at Gleneagles Townhouse Hotel with a rooftop bar, then enjoy barista coffee at Cairngorm Coffee or shop local design at Bard Scotland.

In Glasgow, explore art at the Gallery of Modern Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and the Hunterian. Stay at Native, an Edwardian building with Art Deco features. In Finnieston, check out Dockyard Social, the Finnieston Food Market, and the statue of architect Mackintosh. Visit The Hidden Lane for creative talents and follow the Mural Trail to see 30 street artworks reflecting Scotland’s past and present.