New Lanark Heritage Centre is a must for those who appreciate the authenticity of living and working in the 1800s. The centre has so much to offer, shops selling local crafts, a museum full of historic items relating to the cotton industry of yester year, a hotel which can be the launch pad for a weekend away, walks, beautiful scenery for the discerning photographer. Most importantly plenty of car parking spaces. The Centre can be found south of Glasgow and near Lanark. Routes to the location are well sign posted. However, for a taste of what not to miss please visit the Heritage Centre website at www.newlanark.org.

The Falkirk Wheel is a masterpiece of engineering which has brought new life to the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. The Wheel was built to help transport the boats/barges etc along the route of these canals. The Canals had once been brought together by a combination of 11 locks at Falkirk but these locks were dismantled in 1933. The project was named the Millenium Link. Not only does this venue offer the opportunity for boat trips, there is a visitor centre which includes viewing gallery, shops, cafes and also facilities for special functions. The venue re-opens on 5th February after scheduled maintenance is completed. For further information please visit www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk

Oakwood House, which is run as a Bed and Breakfast establishment by Maureen and Ken Richards can be found in Buccleugh Road, Hawick, Scottish Borders. The excellent accommodation is full of victorian memorabelia and the front of the property looks out over the local Bowling Green where locals enjoy their game. Oakwood is open all year round and provides ample off street parking. Why not visit their website on www.smoothhound.co.uk, telephone 01450 37814, or e-mail oakwood.hawick@amserve.net for availability and bookings.

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