Five quiet corners of Scotland perfect for a staycation

Rosslyn Chapel became an unlikely tourism success story after featuring in Dan Brown's bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code in 2003. But few visitors to the intricately decorated 15th century building realise it is just one of several landmarks in the locality.

A short walk from the chapel lies the semi-ruinous Roslin Castle and the majestic Roslin Glen country park. Take a walk down the steep slopes and you'll find the North Esk river, gently winding its way through the woods. Wallace's Cave - said to be a hiding place for the legendary Scottish freedom fighter - is among the features to look out for.

Located nine miles south of Edinburgh, the castle and chapel are owned by the Earl of Rosslyn, but the former is available to rent as a unique holiday home.

It's famous for being the most northerly mainland settlement in the UK. But John o'Groats was in danger of quietly slipping off the tourist map after the village's only hotel closed in the 1990s.

Happily, the Victorian landmark has been comprehensively refurbished and is once again welcoming guests. It makes an ideal base to explore the rugged Caithness coastline and miles of unspoilt wilderness. A direct ferry service from John o'Groats to Orkney means you can also spend time island hopping.

This charming former county town in the south of Scotland boasts a castle, several art galleries and miles of beautiful coastline just a short drive away.

Kirkcudbright is perhaps the most picturesque of towns on the Galloway coast. Several acclaimed painters, including members of the Glasgow Boys and Scottish Colourists groups, lived in the area from 1880-1910 - establishing its reputation as a home for the arts.

The town also provided locations for the cult 1973 horror film The Wicker Man - a summer music festival of the same name is now held in nearby Dundrennan on an annual basis.

Located on the north-east corner of the Isle of Mull, modern Tobermory dates back to 1788 when it was built up as a fishing port.

The settlement of 700 people is the largest on the island and is known for the brightly coloured buildings that line Tobermory Bay. Its location makes it the ideal base to explore both Mull and neighbouring islands such as Iona.

Kyle of Lochalsh is a small village on the west coast of Scotland, set in some truly breathtaking surroundings. It was once the mainland ferry port for the Isle of Skye, a short distance across the narrows of Loch Alsh, but this service ceased in 1995 when a road bridge was opened.

The village is revered among railway enthusiasts for being the final stop on the famous Kyle of Lochalsh branch line, which runs from Inverness and includes some incredible scenery.

Its location makes it an ideal base to explore the north-west of Scotland - Plockton is a short distance away - as well as the Inner Hebrides.