Some of the most thrilling surprises that can be experienced throughout Scotland will be premiered in a series of TV advertisements across the UK and Ireland from this week. The commercials spearhead VisitScotland’s new ‘Surprise Yourself’ campaign which challenges preconceptions about Scotland and presents some of the country’s most loved icons in a surprising way.

Directed by David Eustace, a well known Glasgow-born portrait photographer who has worked for British Vogue and Conde Nast, the ads feature a wide range of things to see and do across Scotland including:

The thrill of taking a chartered Loch Lomond Sea Plane from the River Clyde in the centre of Glasgow to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

The mystery of the iconic Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich on the road to Skye from the viewpoint of a dive.

The ultimate alternative dining experience in a treehouse at the five-star Lodge at Loch Goil, where visitors can savour a gourmet evening meal with a glass of champagne or relax and recharge as they watch the world go by with afternoon tea and home baking.

The discovery of amazing natural wonders across Scotland - from watching puffin and gannet chicks hatch at the Scottish Seabird Centre close to Edinburgh to taking the wheel of a 4x4 and discovering the majestic stags of Perthshire with Highland Safaris.

The blaze of the Stonehaven Fireball Festival at Hogmanay where 45 participants swing fireballs around their heads as they march along the streets, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

The wonder of the spectacular outdoor lights and sound show in The Enchanted Forest at the Faskally Woods near Pitlochry in Perthshire, when the woods come alive with a magical show of lights and music.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, star of BBC’s Coast and History of Scotland and the voice of the latest advertisements Neil Oliver said: “Scotland is renowned for its stunning scenery and friendly welcome, but there is more than one way to see our sights. From a 55 mile cycle route to discover the Scottish Borders’ four historic abbeys to making the most of the 19 hours of sunlight by teeing off at midnight at Shetland’s annual midsummer golf tournament - there are many fantastic surprising experiences to be discovered in Scotland.”

The ads will be shown in 40 second primetime spots across a variety of TV channels in the UK & Ireland including ITV, Sky1, MTV, E!, Living, Sky Atlantic, Comedy Central, Discovery, RTE, TV3, Sky Sports, Sky News, Channel 4, E4, More 4 and ITV2.