Quote Originally Posted by ctbuchanan View Post
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.