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For the past 14 years I have had the privilege of managing Connoisseurs Scotland.

Today our portfolio comprises twentyone of the very best hotels in Scotland, some of which are recognised as amongst the finest in the world.

We are fortunate to be in one of the most beautiful small countries in the world. When I visit these fine hotels, I often travel on quiet or even deserted roads where traffic jams are unknown.

Our guests enjoy locally produced and sourced food, often from the garden of the hotel in question, that has been carefully nurtured and nourished. Fresh langoustines from Crinan or the Moray Firth, free range eggs from a nearby farmhouse, scallops from Skye, lamb from a local farm, the finest salmon in the world and of course beef from Speyside, the historical home of the Aberdeen Angus breed, will all be found on our menus.

My journeys inevitably include a glimpse of a whisky distillery; indeed you are never far from one in Scotland. Most of them welcome visitors with a tour followed by a chance to savour a sample of ‘uisege beatha’ which we now call Scotch whisky.

After many visits I now appreciate the difference between Lowland and Highland whisky and understand why the whiskies from the west coast taste so peaty.

The origins of golf will be debated for years to come, but whatever your view, Scotland is most certainly the home of golf. To stand in the Grill Room of Old Course Hotel and look over The Old Course to the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse, where the rules of the game of golf are decided is, for any golfer, one of the most impressive and awe inspiring experiences in the world. The 9th hole on The Ailsa Course at Turnberry, looking across the sea to the lighthouse and the 13th hole of the Kings Course at Gleneagles are equally breathtaking and both represent Scotland at its best.

Scotland is renowned for golf, whether you want to play a heathland course or links golf, the choice is yours.

But Scotland is not just a land of dramatic landscapes, distilleries and golf – our cities are vibrant centres of business, arts and café culture. Glasgow is a mature and exciting city known for the warmth and friendliness of its people. It houses some of Scotland’s finest museums, including the Burrell Collection and The Glasgow Art Gallery at Kelvingrove, recently reopened after its major refurbishment.

Near Crinan you will discover standing stones, at Turnberry you can re-trace the steps of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard. Around Aberdeen you will find more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Britain.

Crathes Castle is magical, Balmoral Castle on Deeside is probably Scotland’s most famous castle, but Dunrobin, near Golspie in the Highlands is the largest and most magnificent of them all.

Scotland has over 6000 miles of coastline and the landscape is constantly buffeted and changed by the action of the waves and the sea. The little fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife are amongst my favourite places. Crail Harbour and Anstruther have distinctive and colourful architecture that is easy on the eye. The Findhorn Community, the world-renowned eco village, which is situated on the Moray Firth near Boath House enjoys the lowest rainfall and the most sunshine in Scotland.

When I drive to Pool House, I pass by such places as The Firth of Lorne, Loch Linne, The Sound of Sleat, Loch Maree and Poolewe. Their evocative names are amongst the most beautiful places on earth. Part of the charm of exploring this part of Scotland is that your journeys are punctuated with ferries or bridges that take you over the sea. You can even walk over ‘the bridge over the Atlantic’ that will take you to the Island of Seil, near Oban.