WEALTHY Americans are to be wined and dined by the Scotland's top conservation charity on a whistle-stop tour of some of the country's architectural marvels.

A tour of some of Scotland's most most spectacular homes and gardens has been organised by the national The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA (NTSUSA), which fundraises for the charity in the US.

The program, which will feature stops at historic buildings and landscapes cared for by both the Trust and others, is the first of its kind to be offered by NTSUSA.

Beginning near Edinburgh, visitors will explore the carefully conserved neo-Palladian villa of Newhailes and the fortress castle of Direlton, which dates from 1240, in addition to Edinburgh Castle.

David Mitchell, one of Scotland's foremost gardening experts, will also provide a tour of Malleny Gardens.

Art historian Dr. Evelyn Silber will lead a tour of Glasgow taking in Charles Rennie Mackintosh's buildings, including the Glasgow School of Art, while a trip will also be made to The Hill House in Helensburgh, currently the subject of an NTSUSA fundraising appeal.

Visitors will also travel to Fife to explore Falkland Palace, a favourite haunt of Mary, Queen of Scots, and one of the locations where the hit series Outlander was filmed.

The trip will then head to Aberdeen, stopping at Glamis Castle, the family home of the Earls of Strathmore since 1372 and birthplace of the Queen Mother.

Highlights in the north east will also include Pitmidden Garden, the Robert Adam-designed Haddo House, pink-turreted Fyvie Castle, and Drum Castle, which now houses a contemporary art gallery.

Kirstin Bridier, executive director of NTSUSA, said: "We are so pleased to offer an exceptional tour to Scotland designed with an American audience in mind.

"This trip combines visits to iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle with behind-the-scenes access at National Trust for Scotland treasures including Haddo House and The Hill House.

"We can't wait to share the extraordinary beauty and history of Scotland with individuals from across the US."