Honeymoon in Scotland, trip suggestions

[NPG]

I know this is not exactly kilt related so I hope this is ok in this subforum, though I suppose at least Scottish in nature and I'm sure we will do many kilt related things on the trip.

My fiancée, my self and our son will do taking a trip to Scotland as our honeymoon. It will be sometime after the wedding, as we want to in the spring or summer. We think we realistically have the time and finances to travel for 21 days. My personal desire would be to see more of the Highlands and Islands that I previously have and potentially make it to the Orkneys and Shetlands, but I do not want to rob my fiancée and son of some of the experiences in Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh.

The fiancée has a few must sees Edinburgh Castle, Blackness Castle (she's an Outlander fan), Dunnottar, Doune Castle (Outlander again), Culloden and Inverness. The Lad loves the outdoors and animals, part of my desire to get to the Islands and Highlands. Me I want to get to Skye, Lewis and Harris for sure, though I'd love to spend time on many more of the islands in the Hebrides. Part of my desire to get out to the Hebrides is because after doing my genealogy I discovered many of my roots trace back to the Isles. Generally speaking we have an interest in nature and history with some desire for culture (art/dining/etc...).

So to this end I have a few questions. Should I just ditch the idea of making it to the Orkneys and Shetlands and hope to make it there on another trip?

Given the interests listed above what would people suggest as must see locations? Are there islands outside of Skye, Lewis and Harris that you would say are can't miss experiences?

Final question, I've seen some people here post about wearing the kilt while in Scotland. This is something I've never done as a tourist, I just feel silly doing it, but my son may want to do so, so I thought I would ask about the etiquette of kilt wearing as a tourist. Or is it as I fear, kind of silly and out of place?

Thanks for any and all input.

[Jock Scot]

Not an easy question to answer and there will be many differing points of view. So, for want of giving you some food for thought, I wonder if you will have time to do all that you mention in your post? For example, Skye might give you a taste of what Harris and Lewis will give, do you really need to go to them?. Yes for sure Harris and Lewis are different, but not that different.

Bring some good Lightweight binoculars(10x40) with you, as there is much interesting wildlife to be seen, but often it will be at a distance.

Avoid the Tartan justification lecture and the family history story---------it has the same effect as a shark swimming into a shoal of herrings on the locals!

If you are going to wear the kilt then make sure its worn properly---hose pulled up, kilt at the correct height etc., the locals will appreciate that. And if father and son are wearing their kilt at the same time, it would be best if the kilts were of the same tartan,or at least of the same Clan.

Hope this helps and please do not hesitate to ask me for further thoughts should you require them.

[ctbuchanan]

My wife and I just got back from two weeks in Scotland. With 21 days you can cover just about anything you want - it's a wee place when compared to some others. I enjoyed Glen Coe (not because of the whole massacre thing) because it is awesome scenery. Dunkeld was very nice, as was Arbroath (the whole declaration thing I found very moving). I would limit your distillery visits if you are so inclined. It is sort of a 'if you've seen one' kind of thing, if you want to save a few pence search "Friends of the Classic Malts" join for free and download a free pass to the distillery of your choice (hey $10.00 saved is $10.00 saved). Be sure to mix in a few ancient sites (Pictish stones etc) I like the carvings and it adds to your understanding of old history.

Glasgow is my mother's birthplace so I'm partial. But we greatly enjoyed the Kelvingrove Museum and a walk about at the University of Glasgow (parts of Harry Potter were filmed there) and they are a short walk from each other. If you like art nouveau then the Rennie Mackintosh museum is nice as well.

Pubs, pubs, pubs. Enjoyed all of them and that is where you meet the real people. Don't think that they are drinking heavily, one pint was the norm but we always enjoyed the banter. Beware: in Glasgow you won't understand a word. Find a local ceilidh if you can - we had the best time in a local community center on a Saturday night.

I'll let other speak to the isles, not a place I have spent a lot of time in.

If you plan to visit a number of the more expensive sites: Edinburgh Castle, Sterling Castle etc. consider an annual pass. The entrance fees can mount up pretty quickly ($20.00 per person). Many of the other sites and ruins are free so do your research. We found some of the more obscure ruins very atmospheric i.e. Kilchurn on Loch Awe. If you are in Inverary a stop at The George's Inn pub is a must.

LAYERS- the weather is even more unpredictable than here in New England- expect anything and everything including the kitchen sink. Good waterproof walking shoes are a must as well if you plan any kind of walks. Scotland is WET.

Kilt: In the two weeks we were in Scotland we saw three kilts: one on a piper at a shop. Two on young lads at the community ceilidh. Others will disagree with me I'm sure, but I would forego it. If it were me (and I wear the kilt quite often here in the States) I would feel very awkward in it there. It just isn't done. Save the weight in your suitcase for other items. But that's just me. I did pack and wear my heavy Balmoral and was glad to have it.

Scots are friendly and welcoming. Be ready for questions about our crazy politics this year - we had dozens thrown at us. Don't be afraid to approach people as they are very willing to chat and banter.

Aye - CTBuchanan

[bdkilted]

What we did in 2009 was to spends several days in Edinburgh doing the tourist thing, then headed up the coast to Aberdeenshire (as a Keith there is more than Dunnattor to see in the Lothian, but it is great).
The up to Inverness and down the great Glen to Fort William, and Glen Coe, then back to E to catch the plane home. We didn't see everything we wanted, but we had only 10 days there and wanted to spend some time in both Keith and McDonald lands, as well as do a survey of the country. If your family is from the islands, then certainly make a point of spending a couple nights on at least one. You may want to do the reverse of our trip and fly into Glasgow, up to Lewis, back to the mainland and then over to Inverness and then down the coast to see the castles of interest to your bride. Do a day or two in Edinburgh and then back across to Glasgow to come home. There are several agencies that can help you plan the trip. We used one (out of business now) that made all reservations at B&B, hotels, etc and arranged for a car rental for us. (Be warned, they drive very small cars over there, I had to wait for my son to get out of the back seat, push the seat all the way back before I could get out).
We are planning on another trip in a couple of years and hope to see more then, as we are not planning the grande tour again.
As far as the kilt, you won't see the natives wearing one unless you happen into a wedding or graduation. My friend wore one while over there a couple years ago, and had lots of tourists wanting their picture with him, as they thought he was a native. So, as Jock suggests, wear it correctly and you will get a lot of attention.
BD

[John_Carrick]

Orkney and Shetland are especially far and expensive to get to. I've not been to the Shetland Isles but I do not regret my trip to some of the principal Orkney Islands - the naval history, the distinct culture, ancient sites, and the shear remoteness make it most interesting. I agree about leaving them to the second trip.
Skye is stunning and the entire journey there is enthralling from my way of viewing things. Spectacular lochs, and mountains and enchanting places. Don't miss Castle Eilean Dolan on the way to Skye. Book restaurants in Portree (on Skye) well in advance would be my other tip.
I hope you enjoy your visit, wear your kilt if you feel like it, don't be self conscious about it and expect to see that many others away from Edinburgh.

[NPG]

Not an easy question to answer and there will be many differing points of view. So, for want of giving you some food for thought, I wonder if you will have time to do all that you mention in your post? For example, Skye might give you a taste of what Harris and Lewis will give, do you really need to go to them?. Yes for sure Harris and Lewis are different, but not that different.

Bring some good Lightweight binoculars(10x40) with you, as there is much interesting wildlife to be seen, but often it will be at a distance.

Avoid the Tartan justification lecture and the family history story---------it has the same effect as a shark swimming into a shoal of herrings on the locals!

If you are going to wear the kilt then make sure its worn properly---hose pulled up, kilt at the correct height etc., the locals will appreciate that. And if father and son are wearing their kilt at the same time, it would best best if the kilts were of the same tartan,or at least of the same Clan.

Hope this helps and please do not hesitate to ask me for further thoughts should you require them.

Jock,

Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate the tip about the binoculars, as that is not something I would have thought of until it was probably too late. Are there any must see spots for wildlife you can recommend?

As for the kilt in my other trips the only time I've worn the kilt in Scotland before was when I was 10 years old padding about my uncle's place in Ayrshire. It was my first kilt and I didn't know any better. I think we'll only pack the kilt if we have anything on the schedule that might be an occasion to wear one (highland games or ceilidh) and if we do I'm sure we will both be wearing the custom tartan we're having made, so we will match.

[NPG]

My wife and I just got back from two weeks in Scotland. With 21 days you can cover just about anything you want - it's a wee place when compared to some others. I enjoyed Glen Coe (not because of the whole massacre thing) because it is awesome scenery. Dunkeld was very nice, as was Arbroath (the whole declaration thing I found very moving). I would limit your distillery visits if you are so inclined. It is sort of a 'if you've seen one' kind of thing, if you want to save a few pence search "Friends of the Classic Malts" join for free and download a free pass to the distillery of your choice (hey $10.00 saved is $10.00 saved). Be sure to mix in a few ancient sites (Pictish stones etc) I like the carvings and it adds to your understanding of old history.

Glasgow is my mother's birthplace so I'm partial. But we greatly enjoyed the Kelvingrove Museum and a walk about at the University of Glasgow (parts of Harry Potter were filmed there) and they are a short walk from each other. If you like art nouveau then the Rennie Mackintosh museum is nice as well.

Pubs, pubs, pubs. Enjoyed all of them and that is where you meet the real people. Don't think that they are drinking heavily, one pint was the norm but we always enjoyed the banter. Beware: in Glasgow you won't understand a word. Find a local ceilidh if you can - we had the best time in a local community center on a Saturday night.

I'll let other speak to the isles, not a place I have spent a lot of time in.

If you plan to visit a number of the more expensive sites: Edinburgh Castle, Sterling Castle etc. consider an annual pass. The entrance fees can mount up pretty quickly ($20.00 per person). Many of the other sites and ruins are free so do your research. We found some of the more obscure ruins very atmospheric i.e. Kilchurn on Loch Awe. If you are in Inverary a stop at The George's Inn pub is a must.

LAYERS- the weather is even more unpredictable than here in New England- expect anything and everything including the kitchen sink. Good waterproof walking shoes are a must as well if you plan any kind of walks. Scotland is WET.

Kilt: In the two weeks we were in Scotland we saw three kilts: one on a piper at a shop. Two on young lads at the community ceilidh. Others will disagree with me I'm sure, but I would forego it. If it were me (and I wear the kilt quite often here in the States) I would feel very awkward in it there. It just isn't done. Save the weight in your suitcase for other items. But that's just me. I did pack and wear my heavy Balmoral and was glad to have it.

Scots are friendly and welcoming. Be ready for questions about our crazy politics this year - we had dozens thrown at us. Don't be afraid to approach people as they are very willing to chat and banter.

Aye - CTBuchanan

ctbuchanan,

Thank you for the information, that's a great idea about the annual pass for some of the more expensive sites, I haven't nailed down all we plan to see, but it'll be good to keep that in mind. As for the distilleries my plan is to only go to the Talisker distillery, I don't drink any more, but this will be my one wee nip to celebrate the trip.

My last trip I was stuck in Glencoe for several hours waiting for a bus in the rain, in November. So I am hoping this trip will be a little better in that regard, I think I'll plan transportation better too.

[NPG]

What we did in 2009 was to spends several days in Edinburgh doing the tourist thing, then headed up the coast to Aberdeenshire (as a Keith there is more than Dunnattor to see in the Lothian, but it is great).
The up to Inverness and down the great Glen to Fort William, and Glen Coe, then back to E to catch the plane home. We didn't see everything we wanted, but we had only 10 days there and wanted to spend some time in both Keith and McDonald lands, as well as do a survey of the country. If your family is from the islands, then certainly make a point of spending a couple nights on at least one. You may want to do the reverse of our trip and fly into Glasgow, up to Lewis, back to the mainland and then over to Inverness and then down the coast to see the castles of interest to your bride. Do a day or two in Edinburgh and then back across to Glasgow to come home. There are several agencies that can help you plan the trip. We used one (out of business now) that made all reservations at B&B, hotels, etc and arranged for a car rental for us. (Be warned, they drive very small cars over there, I had to wait for my son to get out of the back seat, push the seat all the way back before I could get out).
We are planning on another trip in a couple of years and hope to see more then, as we are not planning the grande tour again.
As far as the kilt, you won't see the natives wearing one unless you happen into a wedding or graduation. My friend wore one while over there a couple years ago, and had lots of tourists wanting their picture with him, as they thought he was a native. So, as Jock suggests, wear it correctly and you will get a lot of attention.
BD

bdkilted,

I think we were considering a circular tour similar to either of the options you described. I think if I strike the Orkneys and Shetlands off the list it'll be much more doable.

What can you recommend in Aberdeenshire? I've not spent much time researching sites in that area.

[NPG]

Orkney and Shetland are especially far and expensive to get to. I've not been to the Shetland Isles but I do not regret my trip to some of the principal Orkney Islands - the naval history, the distinct culture, ancient sites, and the shear remoteness make it most interesting. I agree about leaving them to the second trip.
Skye is stunning and the entire journey there is enthralling from my way of viewing things. Spectacular lochs, and mountains and enchanting places. Don't miss Castle Eilean Dolan on the way to Skye. Book restaurants in Portree (on Skye) well in advance would be my other tip.
I hope you enjoy your visit, wear your kilt if you feel like it, don't be self conscious about it and expect to see that many others away from Edinburgh.

John_Carrick,

Thank you for the feedback and thank you for reminding me about Eilean Donan that certainly is a place I don't want the family to miss.

[bdkilted]

If you are planning on seeing Dunnattor, I would suggest Bayside B&B (baysidebandb.co.uk) or davjabay@gmail.com. This is in the town of Stone Haven.
I'm pretty sure that is where we stayed. Our "room" was a two bedroom apartment right on the beach, only a block from downtown and two blocks from a grocery store. It is about 2 miles from Dunnattor.
No one has air conditioning there, so it was great to have some windows open and get the sea breeze and let the sound of the waves lull me to sleep.
My wife said she would try to find the name of the other B &Bs we used. Loved the one in Edinburgh just can't remember the name and the streets change names every couple of blocks so I decided street addresses were useless there.