IndyCar Champ Dario Franchitti tells us about his favourite drives in Scotland. Born and raised around Edinburgh, Dario has found success in the US in the IndyCar Series, winning Indianapolis 500 in 2007 and 2010. He’s passionate about Scotland and has pulled together his most exciting routes through the country, taking you off the beaten track and through the most spectacular scenery and exciting roads. Available to download for free!

Get away from it all this summer - escape the pace of modern life and head to the golden sands and turquoise seas of Scotland’s islands. There are over 700, all different, all beautiful – the only difficulty is choosing which one to visit! Go island hopping on the West Coast, uncover the ancient prehistoric secrets of Orkney, experience Gaelic music and the white sand beaches of the Hebrides or join the Viking celebrations on Shetland.

Scotland’s larder is stocked full of natural ingredients from prime Aberdeen Angus beef and wild venison to salmon, the king of fish, and an array of seafood, often hand-dived. Encouraged by a growing awareness and request for high-quality products, events such as Food Festivals and Farmers’ Markets have mushroomed. Scottish Food Fortnight is celebrated at the beginning of September with tastings, cookery demonstrations and gourmet trails, while Food and Drink Festivals are held year-round.

After years at the British Museum in London, more than 30 of the historic Lewis chessmen go on show in an exhibition expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors. The traditional story of the chessmen tells that they were found in sand dunes at Uig on Lewis in 1831 and were made in Scandinavia in the 12th century. New thinking differs from this story. "The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked" exhibition is at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and tours Scotland until next summer.