On a visit to Glasgow Print Studio, Fiona Hyslop unveiled a map representing our creative nation by artist Murray Robertson as she confirmed more details of the 2012 programme.

The Year of Creative Scotland 2012 will begin with a bang this Hogmanay, with a spectacular fireworks display in Scotland’s capital, and will continue until December 31, 2012. Through an exciting programme celebrating our world-class events, festivals, culture and heritage, the year puts Scotland’s creativity in the global spotlight with a focus on cultural tourism and developing our creative sector and events industry.

Creative Scotland will invest £6.5 million of National Lottery funds in the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 programme, and the first of their funded projects have been announced today by Ms Hyslop..”

You can read much more about the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 here (new window).

For those of you who have yet to experience Edinburgh in the festive period, it is something to behold. Take a look at our Edinburgh hotels page to find somewhere to stay during your visit. You can read more about what Edinburgh has to offer this Christmas here.

Whether you are going to Edinburgh or Glasgow for example, there are many boutique hotels on offer and there are so many things to do in these Scottish cities. By checking out Glasgow or Edinburgh classifieds you can also find hundreds of activities on offer in both of these cities.

The historical city of Edinburgh houses some stunning boutique hotels including the Missoni Hotel. This central hotel oozes style from every pore, from the kilt clad doormen to the enormous urns by the door. Every room is kitted out in the Missoni style, with brightly coloured walls and stunning furniture, all adding to the ambient atmosphere of your stay. The Edinburgh hotel promises a weekend of shopping, fine dining and above all an excellent night’s sleep. Tiger Lilly is on one of the most luxurious accommodation options in Edinburgh, and The George Street hotel is not just a great place to spend the night, it is houses a top notch restaurant and bar.

Le Monde hotel has a total of 18 individually designed rooms, which are all completed to the highest standard. Bathrooms in this hotel all feature rainfall showers and every room has its own personality. Every detail has been carefully thought out and designed to the highest standard.

Number Ten Edinburgh is the ultimate boutique hotel. By using only luxury bedding this hotel is guaranteed to provide a good night’s sleep. With furniture specially sourced from China this hotel screams opulence. The most luxurious room features a Jacuzzi suite, which would help create one of the most magical romantic weekends.

Malmaison, a former house of ill-repute, is a stunning example of how old buildings can be restored to create beautiful hotels. The careful renovation of the waterfront building in Leith was taken on by architects Jestico + Whiles. The stunning shore area has undergone a major revamp in recent years and now boasts several top class restaurants and bars.

Glasgow does not let the side down, with top notch boutique hotels on offer including the Marks hotel, a visit to the area can be combined with a trip to the theatre district of the city or even a bit of shopping. With shows running throughout the winter there is no better excuse to pamper yourself.

Saint Judes boutique hotel, who have won several awards for their stunning hotel, are ideally located for the main shopping area of the city. The inconspicuous hotel blends well into the surrounding area and the opulent inside in no way reflects the house like exterior.

Why not try one of these exclusive hotels for your weekend away? You will be overwhelmed by luxury.

The site is endorsed by NHS Scotland, promotes healthy living and persuits and includes details of activities and events taking place across Scotland. You can even enter your postcode and view things to do close to home.

The trials run 18th – 21st August and you can see full details on the official site here.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of attending, the Edinburgh festival (actually a group of festivals) brings together hundreds of performers and shows throughout the month of August. Many shows are free and the atmosphere across the city is truly awesome, in fact the population of Edinburgh can double during this time.

To find out more about the festival and find shows to attend, take a look a the official site here, and if you are looking for accommodation, simply jump to our Edinburgh accommodation page here.

If you are lucky enough to attend, enjoy !

Due to the popularity of the Loch and the area around it you will find many hotels near Loch Ness, including luxury accommodatin as well as cheaper bed & breakfasts and guest houses. If you prefer to live a little closer to nature there are also a large number of campsites nearby.

Elgin is an exceptionally friendly place, and you will be made most welcome at the many guest houses which are popular accommodation options amongst regular visitors. If you would rather have a few more creature comforts at hand, there are of course a selection of Elgin hotels to choose from.

There is much to see and do in the amazingly cosmopolitan city of Glasgow, including but by no means limited to; The Glasgow Science Centre, The Gallery of Modern Art, The Botanic Gardens and of course the many retail spaces which make Glasgow the best destination in Scotland for eager shoppers.

Take a look at the Glasgow hotels on offer, or for more information on the city, see our guide to Glasgow.

The accommodation available is also varied, you will find not only hotels in Dundee, but many smaller guest houses and Bed and Breakfasts too.

If you want to know more about Dundee, take a look at our handy Dundee Guide which gives visitor information as well as a map of Dundee.