Finally getting to travel to Scotland!

[Standard]

Well, it's finally official. Mrs. Standard and I along with another couple are finally going to get our holiday in Scotland to come to fruition. We've been talking about this trip for literally 6 or 7 years, and for various reasons haven't been able to do it yet. However, on Tuesday we sat down and got our airline tickets purchased.

We're going to be in Scotland for almost two weeks. We'll start in Glasgow, head over to Islay, up to Fort William, Skye, Inverness, Edinburgh, and finish up at our friend's bed and breakfast in Denholm before flying back to the States. Needless to say we are very excited about our trip finally taking shape.

If any of you have suggestions on sights to see in the areas we'll be please feel free to leave a comment and let me know.

[figheadair]

Will you be driving? That will have a bearing on recommendations.

As a starter for 10, the West Highland Museum in Fort William. It has loads of intesting stuff.

[tpa]

Well done, best wishes for your visit. The dates may also be relevant to proposed activities.

[cessna152towser]

Denholm is only five miles from my home here in Hawick.
Let me know when you will be here and I will see if it will be possible to arrange some sightseeing for you.
If you want some do-it-yourself sightseeing you should be able to borrow the keys of Fatlips Castle from Oliver's Garage adjacent to Denholm Village Green. I believe there is a £10 deposit of which you get £5 back when you return the key and the other £5 goes towards the upkeep of the castle. You need to be reasonably fit as although the castle is not far from the road, the approach to it is a fairly steep and rough path through woodland.

[CameronCat]

Needless to say we are very excited about our trip finally taking shape.

As you should be. I hope it will be one of many for you but you'll always remember the first one.

It looks as if you're setting your own routes and itinerary rather than using a package or bus tour. Good on ya! but plan carefully because there is SO much to see.

One tip we've learned the hard way from our visits: Do not overschedule! Allow time for the pleasant surprise and the sense of wonder. You'll gain way-more "essence of Scotland" by stopping for morning tea in some small village than by galloping from one touristy-place to the next.

Also, with a two week trip you should plan a day off, roughly in the middle. Just stay wherever you are for the extra day. Walk the town. Take a bus ride to the end of the line and back. Do your laundry. Buy some food and go for a picnic. Relax, read, chat with the neighbors. Visit the small library or museum. Go to the local for dinner and a pint.
It'll help break the "gotta' see this and that and those" mentality that sets in while touring. It definitely is NOT a wasted day and you'll get a chance to make some new friends.

Another tip: Whatever camera(s) you're taking, learn them now and become reasonably adept at handling them. When traveling, keep 'em around your neck and available on the instant...you'll be amazed at what you see and a quick shot from the car can save it for you. And with today's photo editors, most common errors can be easily corrected. Pixels are cheap; get the photo now and fix it later.

Keep an open mind, an easy-going attitude and have a great time.
(Naturally, a full report will be expected here on your return.)

[neloon]

You may not have enough time this trip but, next time, do consider the Northeast
https://www.visitscotland.com/destin...en-city-shire/
Alan

[Standard]

As you should be. I hope it will be one of many for you but you'll always remember the first one.

It looks as if you're setting your own routes and itinerary rather than using a package or bus tour. Good on ya! but plan carefully because there is SO much to see.

One tip we've learned the hard way from our visits: Do not overschedule! Allow time for the pleasant surprise and the sense of wonder. You'll gain way-more "essence of Scotland" by stopping for morning tea in some small village than by galloping from one touristy-place to the next.

Also, with a two week trip you should plan a day off, roughly in the middle. Just stay wherever you are for the extra day. Walk the town. Take a bus ride to the end of the line and back. Do your laundry. Buy some food and go for a picnic. Relax, read, chat with the neighbors. Visit the small library or museum. Go to the local for dinner and a pint.
It'll help break the "gotta' see this and that and those" mentality that sets in while touring. It definitely is NOT a wasted day and you'll get a chance to make some new friends.

Another tip: Whatever camera(s) you're taking, learn them now and become reasonably adept at handling them. When traveling, keep 'em around your neck and available on the instant...you'll be amazed at what you see and a quick shot from the car can save it for you. And with today's photo editors, most common errors can be easily corrected. Pixels are cheap; get the photo now and fix it later.

Keep an open mind, an easy-going attitude and have a great time.
(Naturally, a full report will be expected here on your return.)

All great advice. We do plan to not have to rush between touristy stops and get to enjoy the local life along the way. That was one aspect of my wife and my trip last year to Ireland. While we definitely did see a lot we also took the time to have tea, eat in the pub, chat with the locals, etc. As you said about the camera, my motto is that USB cards are cheap, take lots of photos and sort them out when you get home. You never know what you'll get a shot of by chance that will be the perfect memory of your trip.

[Kanati]

Denholm is only five miles from my home here in Hawick.
Let me know when you will be here and I will see if it will be possible to arrange some sightseeing for you.
If you want some do-it-yourself sightseeing you should be able to borrow the keys of Fatlips Castle from Oliver's Garage adjacent to Denholm Village Green. I believe there is a £10 deposit of which you get £5 back when you return the key and the other £5 goes towards the upkeep of the castle. You need to be reasonably fit as although the castle is not far from the road, the approach to it is a fairly steep and rough path through woodland.

"Fatlips Castle"
I am going to have to put this on my list for my trip later this year. This meets the requirements of a truly " off the beaten path" experience.

[ThistleDown]

What dates will you be at Fort William and Inverness, Standard? I'm sure Jock Scot and I would love to see you if your travels match our at-homes.

[Standard]

Denholm is only five miles from my home here in Hawick.
Let me know when you will be here and I will see if it will be possible to arrange some sightseeing for you.
If you want some do-it-yourself sightseeing you should be able to borrow the keys of Fatlips Castle from Oliver's Garage adjacent to Denholm Village Green. I believe there is a £10 deposit of which you get £5 back when you return the key and the other £5 goes towards the upkeep of the castle. You need to be reasonably fit as although the castle is not far from the road, the approach to it is a fairly steep and rough path through woodland.

Fatlip's Castle sounds very interesting. We'll definitely have to check into that one! We'll be in Denholm the end of the first week in October.