Visit Scotland in 2013

(Shetland ponies pose in specially created winter woollen outfits to mark the Year of Natural Scotland 2013)

Scotland's outstanding natural beauty will be celebrated this year as the country showcases the best of its historic landscapes, natural playgrounds and fascinating wildlife as part of the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.

Visitors can sample some of the best of Scotland's natural larder at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in May, while the famous Royal Highland Show in June celebrates its 173rd birthday and showcases the very best of rural life with activities from axe throwing to sheep shearing. Later in the year, Scotland's Food and Drink Fortnight sees food and flower festivals and a host of markets taking place in September.

Other developments that span the length and breadth of the country include John Muir Day on April 21. Celebrations will mark the life of the Scots-born American conservationist and precede the extension of the John Muir Way, which will continue to Helensburgh in Western Scotland in 2014 to create a coast to coast trail.

In addition, The Helix , a sustainable new gateway in Central Scotland, is set to be launched in the summer. The site will be home to two 20 metre high statues of supernatural water horses known as Kelpies, and will include a canal hub, walkways, lagoon and woodland area. The UNESCO Heritage Site of the Antonine Wall also cuts through the development, which will be transformed into a new visitor destination on completion.

Further activities on offer include stargazing in the UK's first Dark Sky Park in Dumfries and Galloway, Bear Grylls first Survival Academy in the Scottish Highlands, celebrating the 10th birthday of Britain's largest National Park at the Cairngorms National Park, and golfing on Machrihanish Dunes; one of the world's top eco golf courses.

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