10 ways to make the most of Scotland's sunniest month

It's May, Scotland's sunniest month. Not only that, but the days are lengthening far beyond anything you will enjoy further south, so here are 10 ways to enjoy sunny Scotland.

We might be being optimistic, after all, Scotland is known for its four-seasons-in-a-day weather, but records tell us that Scotland typically gets more sunshine in May than in any other month of the year. And the further north you go the longer days are as summer arrives.

It's time to make an executive decision - down tools and make hay while the sun shines. With a few cabins still available at Ardgartan Argyll and Strathyre, here's how to fill those long sunny days.

1. Bag a Munro

With longer, lighter days you have time to climb a Scottish mountain. The Munros are the 282 mountains of Scotland over 3,000 ft (914 m). Stay at our cabins in Ardgartan Argyll and bag one (or all) of the five Munros in the Arrochar Alps.

2. Go loch hopping

Lochs are one of the defining characteristics of the Scottish landscape. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Scotland's largest loch by area, Loch Lomond, take a trip on the world-famous steamboat, the Sir Walter Scott, on Loch Katrine or go canoeing on Loch Long, our loch at Ardgartan Argyll.

3. Celebrate Whisky Month

May is Whisky Month, in honour of Scotland's national tipple. Take a scenic drive from Strathyre to Edradour, Scotland's smallest distillery, drop in for a dram at the Village Inn at Arrochar, near our Ardgartan Argyll cabins, or simply relax beneath the trees with the May sunshine glinting through the amber bead in your glass. The celebration reaches its peak on 20 May for World Whisky Day. We'll drink to that!

4. Let the Highland games begin…

May marks the start of the Highland games season. The first gathering is at Gourock on 14 May and on 28 May the Blackford and the Atholl Gatherings take place. Savour a truly Scottish experience as you enjoy the marching bands, watch the kilted strongmen battle it out and see traditional Scottish dancing.

5. Celebrate Scotland's year of history, heritage and archaeology

Scotland's history is etched into the glacial landscape, written across epic battle sites and waymarked by castles, keeps and ancient monuments. This is celebrated in 2017 with the Scotland Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Discover myths and legends, uncover hidden histories and learn about a past that has made the Scotland of today.

6. Head for the beach

Scotland has some of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in the world and there is no better time to explore them than sunny May. If you are staying with us at Ardgartan Argyll, strike out for Oban, where you will find Ganavan Sands, with views out to Mull and Tralee Beach where you can dive to the wreck of the Breda, just offshore.

7. Visit the glorious gardens of Argyll and Bute

May is all about flowers. Surround yourself with the colours and scents of a profusion of May blossoms in the Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute. The Bluebells still carpet the ground at Inveraray Castle and Ardkinglas Gardens and the Rhododendron Festival takes place throughout May, with these flamboyant blooms competing for your attention.

8. Feel the festival fever

The Strathyre Music Festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend, 26 - 28 May, promises a "fantastic family-friendly atmosphere in a beautiful setting". For a taste of Scotland, the Loch Fyne Food Fair, 13 - 14 May, brings together a feast of the finest Scottish produce and the Mhor Festival, also over the bank holiday at Balquiddir invites you to "come, play, sing, dance, sit, learn, chill". Perfect!

9. Go for a picnic - with a difference

Have you heard about our Picnic Butler? In full Scottish regalia, he will accompany you through the forest, sharing with you his wealth of natural knowledge. At an idyllic picnic spot, he will set before you a hamper of the finest Scottish produce which of course includes Tunnock's tea cakes and tablet. This feast is served up by the butler and washed down with Champagne, Prosecco - or Irn Bru!

10. Stay in a forest cabin

Soak up the Scottish sunshine and linger longer over the barbecue as the days lengthen this month at a cabin in Strathyre or Ardgartan Argyll.

Book now - May is moving along and who knows what the weather will be in June!