Scotland has got to be one of the most beautiful countries in the World and I am lucky enough to call it home. It has it all, snowcapped mountains, deep lochs, white sandy beaches and pounding surf. It is also home to changeable weather and wind too, but this just adds to the drama and magic of the place rather than takes away from it in my opinion. I am lucky enough in my day job teaching SUP for Paddle Surf Scotland, so below, is a non exhaustive list of some of the best places to SUP in Bonny Scotland.

Arisaig, Lochaber – The white sands and clear blue waters on a good day you can almost believe that you are in a tropical paradise (a fall into the water will so change this though!). There are coves aplenty to explore as you look out to the many distant islands. The water can be that clear that it can look only a few feet deep even if its 30ft down.

River Quaich, Perthshire – This small river flows into the lovely Loch Freuchie and flows with so little speed that you can paddle up it. A great trip cruising up it and then you can turn and float back down it enjoying the highland scenery. A paddle under a humpback bridge brings onto the open water of the Loch and more to explore.

St Andrews, Fife – The World famous university and golf town sits perched above a cliff top between two beaches, East and West Sands. A paddle between the two beaches offers plenty to see including the little working harbour, the ruined Castle, and some lovely high tide pools underneath the cliffs.

Castle Stalker, Argyll and Bute – Famous for its starring role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a high tide paddle to Castle Stalker is a must. It sits on an island just off the shore and is surrounded by bobbing little boats, all under truly spectacular Highland mountains.

Nairn Beach , Highlands - There is a fair chance of seeing Dolphins out on the water as they move up and down the Moray firth. A huge beach that stretches as far as the eye can see and across the water you can see for miles across the Black Isle and beyond.

Loch Ness , Highlands – No trip to Scotland is complete without a bit of Nessie spotting. Even if you don't get lucky there is spectacular scenery to enjoy. Getting on near Fort Augustus normally means less winds than most of the loch too.

Loch Tay, Perthshire – This loch encompasses all that is majestic about Scotland, scenery, history, mountains along with great places to eat and drink. The eastern, Kenmore end offers a beach and two islands to land on. The western, Killin side lets you start in a canal before floating you down towards the grandeur of the loch itself.

Yellowcraigs, East Lothian – From the beach at Yellowcraigs on a calm day its a lovely paddle to the Island of Fidra which is a fantastic place to see Scotlands sea birds close up, if you are lucky including Puffins. Great views of Bass Rock and surrounds too to check out.

Rabbit Islands, Sutherland – The Rabbit Islands sit just off Scotlands north coast near the small village of Talmine. Its a spectacular journey to these sandy low lying islands and there is a fair chance to spot Seals and Dolphins too.

Loch Lomond, Argyll and Bute – Famous for the song, explore its 'bonny bonny banks' , have a picnic on its shores or paddle out to one of the numerous islands. Its a very popular, huge loch with something for everyone.