Scotland’s mountains and lochs dwarf those to the south, its beaches rival the best in the world, and the roads that weave between them are among the most spectacular on the planet.

Time travelling in a futuristic MG Cyberster, John Mahoney returns to a road full of memories.

Just outside Inverness, there is a hidden valley where the eagles fly and if you dare to drive off the beaten track you might just catch one in flight.

The NC 500 has been pitched as a Scottish Route 66 – although with fewer diners, giant ketchup bottles and dinosaur museums, says Luke Ponsford.