In a classic cocktail or served neat, however you take yours, we can all agree there’s nothing like that perfect pour of whisky. And we owe it all to Scotland.

Specifically Lindores Abbey, if you were curious. Widely accepted to be the birthplace of Scotch whiskies, Lindores Abbey is not far from attractions including the River Tay and just shy of an hour away from Edinburgh. And it is where, in 1494, Friar John Cor was commissioned to make aqua vitae - the water of life.

From the historical record, the Exchequer Scrolls, the friar received “eight bolls of malt” to produce the elixir. The first record of whisky distillation - and now Scotland is home to nearly 150 active distilleries that produce whiskies full of diverse character, explorative tastes and unparalleled quality.

Today, Scotland’s distilleries are grouped into five whisky producing regions: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. The region’s distinctions - from weather conditions to traditions - inform the flavour and spirit of the whisky. One reason to come to Scotland is to learn more about this for yourself.

With distillery tours unlocking centuries of heritage and history, plus giving you the chance to learn from the masters and savour private tasting experiences, wherever you are in Scotland, the water of life flows through.

The other benefit of taking a trip to Scotland and some of its distilleries yourself? Many offer limited edition and location-exclusive bottles and collections. That’s the kind of souvenir that beats a postcard or a fridge magnet.

A fine whisky deserves a fine feast - and Scotland is a place where the two come as the perfect match.

Scottish specialities are primed for the cold season - which demands hearty servings and warming combinations. If you want to brave the country’s signature dish to go with its national drink, tuck into a hot plate of haggis, usually served with mashed potatoes, turnips and a whisky sauce.

Chances are, you can ask your local waiters or barmen to recommend a whisky that’ll pair perfectly with the flavours, seasoning and sauces. If you’re not quite ready for haggis, Scotland is also known for comforting classics like Aberdeen Angus beef, Scottish wild salmon and other fresh seafood - a benefit of so many seaports and coastal towns.

There’s no doubt about it - Scotland will take your breath away. Sweeping vistas, rolling hills, dramatic peaks, meandering lochs, snow capped mountains, and magnificent monuments of architecture make up the tapestry of the country, a visual feast you’ll want to consume just as much as Scotland’s finest whiskies and comfort foods.

Depending on where you decide to visit, and how long you’re there, we’ve picked out just some of the many majestic marvels to behold.

The Isle of Skye

• The Fairy Pools are a series of natural pools and waterfalls in Glen Brittle on the Isle of Skye

• Dunvegan Castle - one of the oldest, inhabited castles in Scotland

• The Cuillin - soak up the sight of sprawling jagged, black mountains that dominate the island's landscape.

The Highlands

• Loch Ness - monster sightings not guaranteed

• The town of Oban - with another enchanting distillery to whisk you away on a journey of whisky’s past, present and future, Oban is also a charming, quaint village with a pier and a stunning bay

• Cairngorms National Park.

The Lowlands

• Vibrant nightlife and cosmopolitan culture at cities including Edinburgh and Glasgow

• The Scottish Borders - open countryside, coastal escapes and a rich history with abbeys, mills and more

• Loch Lomond.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, hoping to surprise them with a perfect Christmas gift or just looking for some time together, Scotland is an ideal winter getaway for romance.

The bracing cold invites you to get cosy by a fire, and the abundance of castles that you can either visit or even stay in feels ripped from the pages of a fairy tale romance.

Another romantic draw for visiting Scotland is the opportunity for stargazing.

Due to low levels of light pollution and the stretching skies, Scotland is often considered one of the leading destinations for stargazing - and it isn’t unheard of to witness the Northern Lights. Prime locations for seeing the Aurora Borealis include Applecross, Lochinver and north of Ullapool on the far north west coast of Scotland.

And even if you don’t consider yourself an avid astronomer, it might just be nice to curl up under a blanket, pour out a couple of your favourite drams and look up to the night skies. (And what better way to warm up on a clear, cold night than with a hot toddy?)

To try and sum up Scotland would need more than one article. It would need more than one hundred. Like its national drink, Scotland’s regions are full of different notes, personalities, and flavours, all waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Start your journey and don’t forget to include a distillery tour.