Experience Scotland’s great outdoors

Amanda Hamilton, GMTV Nutritionist and star of the BBC’s Something for the Weekend is encouraging holiday-makers throughout the UK to discover all the winter white ways they can get fit and healthy on a holiday in Scotland in 2009.

As people everywhere struggle to find ways of sticking to their New Year’s resolutions, the celebrity nutritionist has shared her top ten tips on how to beat those January blues and make the most of Scotland’s great outdoors with visitscotland.com/white.

Amanda’s winter white top 10 is as follows:

Winter white skiing in Scotland
I love skiing in Scotland and take the opportunity to tackle the slopes whenever I can. Cairngorm Mountain and Nevis Range offer fantastic opportunities for families and couples to learn to ski.

Scotland’s winter white wildlife
Winter is a brilliant time to spot white wildlife in Scotland. Species that are around on the hills include, the magical mountain hare, the ptarmigan, snow bunting and barnacle geese. Living close to the Scottish Seabird Centre I regularly see gannets flying overhead.

White candlelit dinner
Scotland's larder has always overflowed with some of the finest produce to be found anywhere in the British Isles. I always feel spoiled for choice, quality and service here in Scotland, from Michelin star quality to more intimate, traditional Scottish fare. My favourite restaurant is Martin Wishart’s at Loch Lomond in Cameron House Hotel.

Relax on a gentle white pony trek
My daughter loves pony trekking so any chance we have to go we take. She particularly loves the Highland Pony which is native to the Highlands and Islands. This horse has adapted over the centuries to the Scottish climate and is known as one of the worlds most versatile breeds.

White diamonds
I am on the lookout for some white diamond earrings to match my engagement ring. Orro in Glasgow is a must for dazzling diamond-set contemporary jewellery where quality counts. Don't forget the four Cs - Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat!

Scottish knitwear
I love to indulge in luxury and wrap up in Scottish woollens whilst taking in some fresh winter air. Hawick in the Borders is internationally renowned for its cashmere and Ragamuffin on Edinburgh's Royal Mile sells the very best designer knitwear, original clothes and fantastic accessories.

East Lothian’s white beaches
All around Scotland's glorious coastline you will find many miles of powdery white sandy beaches. Scotland's beaches are something special whether it's for a romantic stroll, or to try some water activities. A particular favourite of mine is Yellowcraigs which has magnificent views towards Fife and Fidra Lighthouse.

Crisp white linen
There’s nothing better on holiday than sinking into crisp white linen after a long walk on the Scottish hills. One place I like to do this is the Macdonald Marine and Spa in North Berwick.

White flowers
I love white flowers and in winter the only flower that matters is the snowdrop. Scottish snowdrops are enchanting as they cover vast areas with their beauty and I love to wander through woodlands of white snowdrop carpets during the Scottish Snowdrop Festival.

Winter detox
The purity of white snow is one thing but unless the body is pure on the inside it starts to tell its tale on the outside! A winter detox is all about rejuvenating rather than hibernating. My five day detox and wellbeing retreats combine pure food, luxury therapies and a purifying health programme under the guidance of world leading experts in the comfort of two of Scotland’s leading spa hotels.

VisitScotland’s Group Product Manager, Suzanne Casey said:

“Scotland is famed for the great outdoors, from walking and mountain biking to skiing and sea kayaking- all of which have tremendous health benefits and are incredible to experience over the winter months.

“A more gentle activity to try over winter is to visit one of the many gardens that are open specifically for the Scottish Snowdrop Festival. All over Scotland you will find blankets of white flowers that are a sight to behold.

“As well as being active it is important to eat healthily too. Stoats Porridge Oats is an ideal way to get your body ready for a day in the outdoors.

“We have partnered with Stoats to promote the Winter White message on 300,000 Oats Bars as they are a healthy snack that can be eaten throughout the day to keep you energy levels high.”

Visitors can receive a fantastic deal on a Scottish break with three night’s accommodation for £99 and two for one offers on many activities across Scotland.

For further information and to book your Winter White break to Scotland log on to visitscotland.com/white.