The Lowlands, situated in the southern and eastern parts of Scotland, are characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys. This region contains the majority of the country's population and agricultural activities, including the cultivation of crops such as barley and wheat. The Central Lowlands, also known as the Midland Valley, are particularly significant as they encompass the country's two largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh. AD: Severus dies early in the year (February). The main legionary forces are still south in winter quarters outwith the main area of operations. Caracalla abandons campaigning apparently coming to an agreement with and no doubt favourable to the northern tribes. Caracalla hurriedly withdraws to Rome to secure an uncontested succession which he further consolidates by murdering his brother Geta in 212. The Severan bases at Carpow, Cramond and Carriden may have soldiered on into the 220s but are eventually abandoned, imperial interest having drifted elsewhere.

Most people who arrive at one of the international airports in Glasgow or Edinburgh can only think about one thing: going north. They have been dreaming of the Scottish Highlands, the mountains and the valleys that they have seen all over blogs, in TV shows and on billboards. Begin the day in Wigtown, Scotland’s first “National Book Town.” Sheer heaven for bookworms, this village has no fewer than a dozen book-related businesses within very close proximity, including The Bookshop, the largest secondhand one in Scotland. In between browsing, it would be a crime against cakes not to visit ReadingLasses Bookshop and Café for a hot drink and a decadent delight. (The huge, ever-changing selection here might include masterpieces like ras el hanout sponge cake topped with rosewater glace icing.)We chose to stay in two central locationsnear Melrose and Newton Stewart and did day trips from there. It is also possible to travel around the south road trip-style, i.e. changing accommodation every night or two. Distances are so feasible though, that this is not necessary if you prefer a more relaxed travel style. There are not many large roads going from east to west in the south of Scotland. We followed the winding A708 from Selkirk to Moffat. This road runs right through the Moffat Hills, a range within the Southern Uplands, and is a scenic experience that rivals that of a Highlands road trip. Stop 1: Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve Ayrshire is rich farming country, with fewer sights than its neighbours; almost everything of interest is confined to the coast. The golf courses along its gentle coastline are among the finest links courses in the country, while fans of Robert Burns could happily spend several days exploring the author’s old haunts, especially at Ayr, the county town, and the nearby village of Alloway, the poet’s birthplace.

AD: Flavius Stilicho, famed general and guardian of the young emperor Honorius campaigns in the north, as recorded by Claudian in 400: “Then spoke Britannia……Stillicho defended me when I too was about to be destroyed by peoples across the frontier, and the Scots stirred up all Hibernia, and the sea foamed with the pull of their oars. Thanks to Stillichos attentions, I would not fear the spears and javelins of the Scots, nor quake before the Picts”. Gildas however mentions the wall of stone and it appears that any occupation of southern Scotland was either given up or left in the hands of the allied buffer states after a season or two of campaigning at the most. Any remaining outlying forts are finally abandoned and Hadrian’s Wall given rough and ready repair. Uncover the marvellous collection of unusual, beautiful and exotic plants that the family will love. You might also like: Responsible Tourism in Scotland – 14 Travel Tips for a Positive Impact 2. The South is Incredibly DiverseAD: With Stillicho preoccupied on the eastern frontiers the British garrison acclaims as emperor Marcus, whom they murder then Gratian who shares a similar fate. He is replaced as emperor elect by Constantine III. Following the successful breaching of the Rhine frontier by swarms of Alans, Vandals and Suevi Constantine crosses to the continent and enjoys considerable success against these recent invaders as well as forces sent against him by the legitimate emperor Honorius. In 408 he sets up his permanent headquarters at Arles in southern Gaul, never to return to Britain. Today, you can visit Abbotsford House and wander the surrounding estate and gardens. There is an exhibition and a cafe at the visitor centre and an audio tour leads you through the ground floor of the house, including Scott’s impressive library and his intimate study.