There are some fantastic places on the way to Edinburgh - North-east coast - Lindesfarne, Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, Warksworth.
In Scotland I love Achiltibuie (esp the Summer Isles Hotel) Ullapool. Skye is dramatic, though I prefer Mull. The A82 has to be the most beautiful road in Britain. Or you could head to the top to Cape Wrath and Durness. cape Wrath is the most northerly point on the mainland (don't let them tell you it's John O'Groats).
One thing - don't underestimate the distances. Especially if travelling in remote places on single track roads with passing places and highland cattle sitting in the way.
Also never mention 1745.