Best historical tour

1 AN EVENING AT THE PALACE

Explore the rich history and magnificent interiors of Edinburgh's Palace of Holyroodhouse after the doors have closed to the public. A new exclusive evening tour takes you through state apartments in the company of an expert guide, with a unique opportunity to go "behind the ropes" and experience the palace in a special way. A highlight is a visit to the West Drawing Room, used by members of the Royal Family as a private sitting room and not open to daytime visitors. Guides will explain the behind-the-scenes work of the royal household that ensures the smooth running of important palace events, such as garden parties and investitures.

2 CULLODEN

The battle lines have been redrawn at the new Culloden battlefield experience. With the site restored as closely as possible to that seen by the forces on that fateful day in April 1746, Culloden now welcomes visitors with an impressive new modern visitor centre and interactive display. Technology allows you to come face to face with characters that witnessed or were involved in the battle, and a hand-held device enables the user to understand further the armies' manoeuvres and tactics. This, combined with the latest historical and archaeological evidence, provides a fascinating and very moving battlefield tour.

3 ISLAND TRAILS – SHETLAND

A captivating history of Shetland tour, enlivened and enriched by the storytelling talents of operator Elma Johnson. A native of Shetland, Elma has a comprehensive knowledge and passion for its beauty that has made her one of Scotland's most noted cultural tour guides. Tours are tailored to suit individual interests, incorporating the local folk tales, traditional music and food, giving visitors a unique insight into past and present-day life.

4 NEW LANARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Unique 18th-century cotton mill village. Highlights include futuristic ride, the New Millennium Experience and theatre show Annie McLeod's Story, where ghosts from the days of Robert Owen come on stage to tell their story. Other attractions include the restored Millworkers' House, Robert Owen's House, a 1930s period store, working textile machinery, a historic classroom and a new interactive play area for children.

5 NEWHAILES HOUSE, MUSSELBURGH

This five-star visitor attraction is an amazing survival of early-18th-century decorative art and collections, set within a late-17th-century villa, and surrounded by an 18th-century designed landscape. Great care has been taken to conserve and present what history left and much original decoration and furnishing is intact.

• www.visitscotland.com