Travelling to Scotland - advice??

**Jackson** · 1st July 12, 02:53 PM

Sounds like several X-Scotters are all making their first trips to Scotland this summer. All at different time, however. My trip is a package deal and I'm sure they hit all the common touristy sites, and that's OK. We will have some free time in some areas and I'm compiling my list. We start in Edinbourgh and our hotel is very near the castle. I have the castle and the military museums on my list, for sure. A day of touring and then it's off to Inverness, via Glamis Castle. I'm hoping that our time in Inverness includes a visit to Culloden Battlefield. I can't imagine that it won't be, but, not listed specifically. Then down the Military Road to Fort William, so I'm hoping we'll see the Commando Memorial and would be tickled pink to get to visit the Cameron Museum. This is the area of particular interest to me. There's more trip, down to the Glasgow area and then a ferry ride to Ireland.

I'm sure we'll eat very well, and I've been warned about the bakery's already. Don't leave until the 10th, but, I'm ready to pack right now--maybe a wee bit early.

Jackson

**Tartan Tess** · 1st July 12, 03:44 PM

I loved the architect and "vibes" of Edinburgh, spent two days and wanted more and I am not a shopper. The castle is a must see in my opinion.

**mexpiper** · 10th July 12, 08:10 AM

i agree, the vibes were fantastic in endiburgh, I don't care for much shopping but my travel companion did. I loved the archeticture and I have a thing for doorways (unfortunately my tablet decided to reset while uploading my photos and lost about 500 or more) just an excuse to go back. We did a tour of Mary's Close, and an unoffical night walk of 'ghost true tales of murder and mayhem.... it was free but at the end asked for an offering. He was good and at points kitchy.

**Hachiman** · 7th July 12, 07:32 AM

G'day Phil

I don't know when we'll be making it to Bonnie Scotland, but your commentary is beautifully worded, and very much appreciated! Thank you for a well-reasoned and knowledgeable piece.

regards
Hachiman

**Your Bonnie Lass** · 9th July 12, 01:53 PM

I would absolutely LOVE to visit Scotland, but I've never been to another country. The farthest I've been is to Florida and Hawaii. My mom has been to Ireland and France before. I'd really love to visit Scotland though and I have no idea what to expect, where and when to go, what to bring, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

**keith_mckirk** · 9th July 12, 05:25 PM

Visit all the big cities mentioned. I'd second Inverness and Loch Ness (not saying there is a creature in it but you could almost believe it from the size of actual fish pulled out of it). I like Oban alot MacCrig's Folly is a weird weird but interesting building that was never finished. Being a history buff I enjoyed going to the Isle of Iona but it's a bit out of the way.

I wish I'd gone to Ayr it looks like my relatives lived there a bit before shipping off to Antrim (But I didn't know that when I went).

No matter what you could never see everthing. You'll just have to plan multiple trips.

**AcuteEnigma** · 9th July 12, 06:33 PM

First things I would put on my list are those directly related to your clans. Explore those histories and castles!!!
Next though you have to think of what kinds of things you like to do. If you love being outdoors, someone's list of operas and museums won't help you that much.

Do you want to do outdoorsy stuff, see historical stuff, see ancient archaeology sites(my favorite), shop for antiques, check more birds off your birdwatching list, see a real Scottish games, travel by train, tour big old houses, look for seashells, take boat rides.....?

Can you narrow down your interests for us? We could help you better that way. Or I could just tell you MY dream vacation in Scotland and you could do that. lol

**RunTheWorldOnMac** · 9th July 12, 07:24 PM

We are taking our honeymoon to Scotland and the Green Isle at the end of September. Couple nights in Edinburgh, off to Fort William for a night before a trip on the Jacobite steam train (Harry Potter fans will know the train). Off to Glasgow for a few days then it's off to Cork and Dublin for a few days. We will spend the last 2 nights in Edinburgh.

We will take tours to Loch Ness, and a couple others. I'd like to visit Mary Kings Close too. I'm a fan of tours but do have many walking tours loaded on my iPhone to play tour guide ourselves at our own pace.

It will be jam packed but amazing! I will likely blog each day and share my trip when I'm back.

**keith_mckirk** · 9th July 12, 08:18 PM

celticall :Edinbourough has a music festival every year you could time it around that.

I really wish I'd know all the family history I know now, turns out I went close by to alot of "family" locations. Ferniehirst castle I had thought was cool as it was designed for lefty (being left-handed myself) and now I found out I'm distantly related to the Kerr's so I went to some family spots and didn't know it till later.

**Your Bonnie Lass** · 9th July 12, 09:56 PM

I just wouldn't know what to expect since I've never been outside of the US. I would love to see castles and do lots of shopping. My family is Irish, but then again I'm adopted so I can't be all too sure. I do enjoy a bit of music and good food. And is there a place when I can satisfy my kilt obsession? XD Also, do they have horses? Just curious, since I've always wanted to ride one.