Summer's here, which means al fresco eating is a must...when the weather allows, of course. Glasgow and the west of Scotland has some of the loveliest picnic spots in the land - here's our pick of the best

LINN PARK

Other south side parks, like Pollok with its fancy museums and big horses, get all the attention, but Linn Park near Muirend is a gem.

It's packed with pretty picnic spots along the river bank or near the playgrounds and there are woodland and riverside trails to explore when the food has run out.

Other good things about Linn? Lots of lovely wildlife to spot, regular activities with the rangers and some excellent history - it was once owned by the 'sugar' Campbells, rich Glasgow merchants, and its impressive Lime Tree Avenue was planted to commemorate the marriage of the landowner's daughter to Black Mungo in the 1850s. (www.glasgow.gov.uk)

TOLLCROSS PARK

You don't have to go very far in Glasgow to enjoy some excellent picknicking.

Tollcross Park, in the east end, is famous for lots of things, including its children's farm, rose garden and winter gardens.

There is also a new Secret Garden, but we can't tell you where it is because it is, eh, a secret.

Once you have explored, settle down at one of the many picnic tables or find a quiet spot in the grounds and marvel at the fact there is so much beauty and tranquillity in the heart of our busy city. (www.glasgow.gov.uk)

STRATHAVEN PARK BANDSTAND

Strathaven Park, in the Lanarkshire market town which lies a few miles to the south of East Kilbride, is one of those old-fashioned, 'proper' parks from days of yore, when genteel ladies strolled with parasols and moustachioed gentlemen played bowls.

The bowling green is still there, plus a putting green, boating pond and miniature railway, but the piece de resistance when it comes to picnicking is its fabulous cast-iron 1902 bandstand.

Dream of times past as you eat and drink under its ornate roof and relax in the knowledge that if it rains, your sandwiches won't get soggy. (www.slleisureandculture.co.uk)

TROON BEACH

The joy of sand in your sandwiches as the wind whips your hair - what's not to love about a beach picnic on the west coast of Scotland?

Troon in Ayrshire is a great spot, with a wide expanse of clean sand, dunes to explore and the sea to paddle in, when it occasionally rises above freezing.

Prefer an off-beach option? There are picnic tables on grassy areas dotted along the esplanade. Kids bored? Head for the pirate ship playground or crazy golf, and finish off with ice cream from the popular kiosk. (www.visitscotland.com)

LUSS

Glasgow should regularly cheer very loudly about having Loch Lomond practically on its doorstep.

A short trip up the A82 (unless you get stuck behind a pesky caravan, in which case, just relax and enjoy the scenery), Luss is a beautiful conservation village on the banks of Scotland's largest freshwater loch.

Plenty of grassy space to pitch up with blanket and coolbox and admire the views, or settle down shoreside. Just watch out for the ducks. (www.trossachs.co.uk)