A Visit to Scotland ... any suggestions?

**WJJagFan** · 14th February 07, 11:03 AM

My wife, my youngest son (11 years old) and I will be visiting Scotland in May (the 12th to the 27th). My wife and son are drummers (tenor and snare respectively) and I am a piper. We have put together a list of some must see things, but we would like suggestions from those who might have visited or who live there. At this point we will be visiting Edinburgh, Glasgow and possibly Inverness. We are also looking for suggestions on transportation and inexpensive lodging. Also, if you were tight on space, other than a t-shirt that says "I visited Scotland", what one thing would you bring back as a souvenir.

**Kilted KT** · 14th February 07, 11:06 AM

have a nice long talk with Pour1Malt before leaving...best advice you can get.

**Chef** · 14th February 07, 11:38 AM

For lodging check with the local tourist board office (Visit Scotland) for B&B's. My prefered way is to arrive in town and go to the office personally because in smaller towns they tend to know the inn keepers personally. In the larger cities that won't happen so you can call Visit Scotland and book. If you give them your budget they will find you someplace at that time of year.

Personally I stay at the Caledonian when I am in Edinburgh but I don't recomend it for a family on a budget (I'm not rich, just usually on business).

Best way to get around in the big towns is by bus. In Glasgow and Edinburgh you can get route maps and then you can buy day passes for the bus. In Edinburgh ther is a bus info shop for the Lothian busses on Hanover St. which is just off of Princes St. Taxis are fine but they can be expensive. If you are staying mostly in towns forget renting a car as it is more trouble than it is worth. If you are touring the countryside then get a car.

In Edinburgh take your son (and wife if she wants to go) and climb Arthur's Seat. It is a park that is only 10-15 minutes from Princes St. by bus (#31 or 33 if memory serves me right). The view is wonderful in all directions. When i was a boy my granfather and I used to climb it at least once a week. Unfortunately the sheep are no longer there, but it is still fun. I do it with my son when we are in Edinburgh.

Have fun and let me know if I can help. In case you didn't figure it out I grew up in Edinburgh and I am there frequently.

**WJJagFan** · 15th February 07, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by Chef

In Edinburgh take your son (and wife if she wants to go) and climb Arthur's Seat. It is a park that is only 10-15 minutes from Princes St. by bus (#31 or 33 if memory serves me right). The view is wonderful in all directions. When i was a boy my granfather and I used to climb it at least once a week. Unfortunately the sheep are no longer there, but it is still fun. I do it with my son when we are in Edinburgh.

Thank you for your suggestions they have been most helpful. Arthur's Seat is now on our list and I'm certain my wife will hike it as well.

Here is our list so far:
Edinburgh Castle
Arthur's Seat
Princes Street (and gardens)
Bannockburn Heritage Center
Luss and Glen Fruin (Colquhoun Clan)
Scotland Pipe Band Championships
Spend a night in a Castle (don't know which yet)
Culloden Battlefield
?????

**McClef** · 20th February 07, 01:15 PM

If you are going to the Bannockburn Heritage Centre you should certainly visit Stirling Castle (and the Wallace Monument) as well.

I'll be posting some piccies of my visit last Friday very shortly.

And if going to Culloden then Inverness and Loch Ness are very close.

**Pour1Malt** · 21st February 07, 04:30 AM

Originally Posted by Chef

For lodging check with the local tourist board office (Visit Scotland) for B&B's.

beware!

VisitScotland with tak £3 aff ya- for each an every bookin' they mak fur ya....

AN' they tak 10% aff the B&B's....

durin the summer the best B&B's tell VisitScotland that they arr fully booked...

it is maistly lower end B&B's that need VisitScotland fur summer bookin's...

you will fin better accomodation fur less money if ya book yursel' through the web....

**McClef** · 21st February 07, 04:49 AM

When I booked my accomodation in Stirling (The Neidpath) Visit Scotland took a £2.00 booking fee.

I didn't realise they also took a 10% "cut" so will book direct in future though I will no doubt use their site to find B&B's that I can then book direct with.

**Pour1Malt** · 21st February 07, 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

When I booked my accomodation in Stirling (The Neidpath) Visit Scotland took a £2.00 booking fee.

I didn't realise they also took a 10% "cut" so will book direct in future though I will no doubt use their site to find B&B's that I can then book direct with.

aye- that's the richt idea... jus' use their site tae fin' a guid place...

the google fur that place an book direct...

ya get a better room fur less money...

cheers!

and...

WJJagfan... check this oot!

http://www.ferintosh.net/tourism.htm

ya arr missin a LOT if ya skip the Soothwest....

**Phil E. Begg** · 21st February 07, 05:58 AM

Any advice fer goin doon the Barras, in Glasgow?

Phil

**cessna152towser** · 14th February 07, 01:36 PM

Be sure to include the southern uplands, including Border reivers and Burns country too and spend a few nights in Dumfries, chez Pour1Malt. I always think Edinburgh is overrated as a tourist destination and that Glasgow is a much more interesting city.