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Want to win 6 brilliant moments in Scotland? Here's your chance

Whisky, golf and amazing sights… What’s not to like?

VISITSCOTLAND AND AER Lingus Regional have teamed up to offer one lucky winner the chance to win a luxury trip to Edinburgh.

So in the spirit of celebrating all things Scottish, we’re bringing you a selection of the best things to do on a break to Scotland. And, hey, who knows? If you win the competition, it could be you jetting off.

1. Gazing up at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle towers above Scotland’s capital city, dominating the skyline as it rises up from the Castle Rock. It is Scotland’s most-visited paid tourist attraction – with over 1.2 million visitors in 2011. And that many people can’t be wrong!

The view of Edinburgh Castle VisitScotland VisitScotland

2. Whisky sampling

And, of course, it’d be almost rude not to sample some famous Scotch whisky while you’re there, right? Right. Scottish whiskys are aged in oak barrels for at least three years, giving them their distinctive – and great – taste. First written mention of whisky in Scotland dates back to 1495, so you could say that the Scots have had a lot of time to get it right. (And you’ll notice that the Scots spell it different to Irish distilleries – ours is “whiskey”.)

The Scotch Whisky Experience The Scotch Whisky Experience - home to the largest collection of whisky in the world ayustety ayustety

3. Shopping in Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland’s city of style. Works by designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh mingle with one of the best city shopping experiences in the UK – a bustling high street spotted with amazing architecture. George Square, pictured below, features a wonderful selection of statues and monuments, including those dedicated to Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott.

shutterstock_105819311 George Square in Glasgow Shutterstock Shutterstock

4. Teeing off

Scotland is renowned as a golfing destination, with the Ryder Cup coming to Gleneagles in September of this year. The Old Course at St Andrews is one of the oldest golf courses in the world – often dubbed the “home of golf” due to the sport first being played on the Links there in the early 1400s. (The Open Championships are due to be played there in 2015, for those who like to plan their trips well in advance!)

shutterstock_95739565 The Old Course at St Andrews, Fife Shutterstock Shutterstock

5. The sea views in Aberdeen

If you’re looking for a seaside city with a rich maritime heritage, then look no further than the beautiful Aberdeen. The Aberdeen Art Gallery is housed in an elegant 19th century building, containing works by Raeburn, Ramsey, Monet and Damien Hirst. The British Royal Family have been holidaying in and around Aberdeen for many years – Queen Victoria’s love for Scotland led to Prince Albert building Balmoral Castle as a retreat for them in the mid-19th century.

Aberdeen Shutterstock Shutterstock

6. Exploring the Highlands

When most people think of Scotland, they think of the stunning vistas and rugged landscapes of the Highlands. Mountains, glens, lakes, islands, wildlife – what more could you ask for?

Loch_Long Loch Long in the Highlands Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons

And now it’s your chance to win a break to Edinburgh, thanks to Aer Lingus Regional and VisitScotland.

And as for the prize? Well, you and a partner will enjoy a two night stay at luxury 4-star boutique Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, with breakfast on both mornings and dinner on one evening in Elliot’s Restaurant.  You’ll also receive two Edinburgh Bus Tours Grand Tickets. You’ll be able to discover all the city has to offer with access to all five city tours – and with the opportunity to hop on and off for two days, Edinburgh’s finest attractions are just a ride away. Enter the competition now here.

Visiting Scotland has never been easier than with Aer Lingus Regional‘s direct routes to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen – from just €24.99 one-way including taxes and charges.

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