Further north, The Trossachs are gorgeous - when its not raining.
This area has many lochs, and the fisherman is well-catered for with the rivers too.
Those wishing to escape the trappings of this modern age will find the hotels tranquil.
However, some offer "leisure" facilities, so you can still keep in trim.
I wonder why its called "leisure" when it is often far from relaxing?!
There's water-skiing facilities up there too.
Perthshire is also a little away from here.
And there's a variety of things to see: Some might find the guided tours around working distilleries of interest
- not least for the "free" nip, at the end.
In Perthshire you can find the world famous Gleneagles Hotel
- with the Jackie Stewart Shooting School and Mark Philips Riding School, along with two golf courses and extensive exercise facilities -
but do telephone ahead, if you're arriving by your helicopter...
Now, I wouldn't say it can be expensive here but..
The city of Perth has a by-pass but it really is quite a nice, clean, town and you might pick up a bargain.
Much further north, Aberdeen and the ferry to Shetland and Orkney might be of interest.
The former has a large ornathological attraction.
I've never been to the latter but used to visit Shetland every year when I was young.
The peaceful surroundings and wonderful sunsets almost made up for the occasional day of 'horizontal rain'!
Still, it wasn't always wet and the wind did die down. Occasionally.
The fishing in the hundred islands here is good and there's little need for spending the day trying to locate somebody selling a fishing permit:
Climb a fence and cross a field, If somebody objects, pack up and drive a little further and try the next loch.
Its said that you don't change your fly when you're fishing in Shetland.
You change your loch.
My Mum and her family are, and my Dad's family were from up there.
South of Edinburgh there's the beauty of The Borders, where rugby thrives.
This area is possibly more Scottish, and towns like Hawick or Melrose have a welcome awaiting the traveller.
The "natives" are friendly here too, and quite used to visitors - so don't be a stranger and ask for help if you need it.
As England's not that far away, there's the occasional castle down there - full of interest.
Eastwards there's North Berwick.
This really isn't far away from Edinburgh - especially by train. But it is really quite different from the City.
The fishing community might be less obvious to that found in my Mum's birthplace, but there is evidence of it.
There's Scottish National Trust properties, here as well as a pretty park and a good selection of shops.
Prior to this is Gullane - where millionaires reside, in the peaceful surroundings.
Westerly travel will introduce you to the 'new town' of Livingston.
Which is really a housing estate surrounding a shopping mall!
Further on is Glasgow.
Which is often mistakenly thought of as Scotland's Capital, but - of course - it isn't.
The range of shops here is excellent
and the only problem for 'the bargain hunter' is trying to locate the shop you saw your bargain in again!
Oh, and there's the odd pub..
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