Paisley, just five minutes from Johnstone, is Scotland's largest town and has an identity despite being adjacent to Scotland's largest city. Make sure you take in a few sights, including:

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, founded in 1163. Magnificent stained glass windows, Barochan Cross. Tearoom & gift shop. Closed Sundays.

Coats Observatory, 49 Oakshaw Street West, designed by John Honeyman in 1883.

Paisley Museum & Art Gallery, High Street. The world's largest collection of Paisley pattern shawls. Closed Sundays.

Glasgow is Scotland's commercial capital and also provides the best shopping in the UK outside of London. The cultural and entertainment scenes are buzzing, whether your tastes run to fine arts or clubbing.

Among the attractions:

The Burrell Collection, at Pollok Estate, a priceless & iconoclastic treasure trove of art and antiquities housed in its own award-winning building.

Museum of Transport, Kelvin Hall, a free-wheeling ride through history.

The People's Palace, Glasgow Green, the everyday lives of everyday people through the centuries.

The Piping Centre, 30-34 McPhater Street, a new museum and specialist school devoted entirely to Scotland's Highland art.

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art, 3 Castle Street, a multicultural collection, nearby Glasgow Cathedral and Provand's Lordship.