Think of famous Scottish Olympic sportepeople and names that come to mind might include Chris Hoy, Eric Liddell, David Wilkie... Yet inspiring Scottish women have also triumphed in Olympic sports - have you heard of Stephanie Cook, Katherine Grainger and Shirley Robertson?

Queen Margaret - Anglo-Saxon, born in Hungary in the eleventh century, brought up in the English court of her kinsman Edward the Confessor. She died in 1093 in Edinburgh Castle, where a chapel still bears her name. Her deep faith led to the church conferring sainthood on this medieval queen.

Mainland Scotland is surrounded on three sides by sea. Scotland’s islands have historically been populated by inhabitants who were largely self sufficient. Thus fishing has always been a major Scottish pastime – whilst a popular leisure pursuit now, it has often been crucial for survival.

Substantial soups, often a meal in themselves, are frequently made on cold Scottish days. Three Scottish staples are Cock-a-Leekie soup, Cullen Skink and Scotch Broth.

Wiilam Wallace had a short time in the eye of history. The Battle of Stirling Bridge was his crowning achievement on 11 September 1297.

Inverness - population roughly 65,000 – gained city status in 2000. Find out about some of the attractions, ancient and modern, that draw tourists to this Highland city.

Music is a part of Scotland’s soul, the heartbeat of the land. This article features a few of the highly popular music festivals which take place in Scotland, from Celtic Connections to Rockness.

On the western edge of the Outer Hebrides lies the remotest of Scottish islands, cradled by the Atlantic Ocean, frequented by gannets, seabirds and puffins. Thousands of years ago settlers came to these islands blessed by weather temperate for such northern climes.

The Skye Boat Song is a music that stays with you – eminently singable and hummable. It tells the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s journey from the Uist to Skye. The song carries the optimism and hope of the Jacobites – men who believed in an independent Scotland.

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has a rich creative heritage, having spawned many famous actors, artists and musicians over generations. The city is also rich in history – from the prehistoric tree stumps at Fossil Grove to the city’s coat of arms.