Visions of Scotland

Taking the concept of Visions of England and moving it north, Visions of Scotland is a treat for fans of the country or anyone who loves spectacular scenery. The gently gliding aerial footage (shot from a helicopter) captures the rolling hills and classic architecture of the Scots, traveling from Edinburgh's Royal Mile to St. Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club, to Perth, the northern Lochs (including Loch Ness, of course, and its famous ruins of Urquhart Castle), Duart Castle, McCaig's Towers, and many other points. The sights range from the sublime (a lone bird soaring over the highlands) to the mundane (the Friday commute in Glasgow). Narration provides brief and helpful descriptions of the locations plus small dabs of history, such as John Knox, Robert the Bruce, and William Wallace. The music is pleasant, both classical and regional (though the bagpipes sound slightly electronic), and what else besides the famous folk song could accompany the sight of Loch Lomond? In addition to the hourlong main program, there's 25 minutes of narrator-less bonus footage, including the charming sight of tiny sheep scampering across the Isle of Kerrera. --David Horiuchi