What is your favorite places to visit in Scotland?

My wife and I are looking to have a vacation in Scotland and we're trying to figure out what we should plan. We are American but don't care for tourists traveling. I love to feel a more realistic local experience. My favorite memories of our Ireland trip are small town pubs and rural scenic places. The museums like the one in Trinity College was good too. I enjoyed walking the backstreets of Dublin and finding the Stags Head pub.

Thank you for any advice.