Bannockburn 2014

**TheOfficialBren** · 24th June 13, 04:16 PM

I am not the first to post about today's anniversary but I do have some questions.

I hope to visit Scotland during the Bannockburn anniversary events. What is the best way to get around? Where are some great places to see that aren't so...tourist-tatty?
[If I am able to visit I would like to see the real Scotland...not the phoney balogna tourist attractions.]

Also, where are some good places to stay on a budget (I know it depends on where I visit-Inverness, Edinburgh, Kircudbrightshire, and Stirling are all on my list of hopefuls)?

Having never visited the UK before, what should I be aware of (aside from the obvious things like respect, being a bit quieter in conversation, appreciating some cultural differences, and driving on the opposite side of the road) when planning a trip and visiting the country? [I have been outside the US but not to Europe.]

I understand that kilts are rather the exception rather than everyday wear (I plan to take my kilt but not wearing it the entire time) where would it be appropriate for a 20-something taking in some sights and larning about his ancestors' roots? Mind you, I wish to be respectful of others but I am as entitled to wear our my family's colours as the next chap.

I do not want to be viewed as an ugly tourist soiling the place. I do wish to enjoy the place and contribute a few bob into the economy, though.

What are some of the planned events for BB2014? I heard there will be a reenactment, a new visitor centre, and some (very vague) clan activities but no march(!).
Lastly, any X-Markers up for a wee dram next year?

Thank you, gentlemen. Much appreciated.

**jhockin** · 24th June 13, 08:39 PM

RE: places to stay: lots of B&B's that are online & good choice of hostels ( be aware that many hostels do not have "secure"lockers - don't take anything you can't stand to lose & have a lock on your bag(s)/ pack)
everything is basically a similar price - "just" in GBP 9 = twice as expensive - expect it, plan for it & forget it, so you can enjoy yourself

**Jock Scot** · 24th June 13, 09:42 PM

Yes B&B's are a good way to get a roof over your head and a hearty breakfast to start the day. I am sorry, whilst you may well be entitled to wear your Clan colours as much as anyone else is, do not expect all Scots to be impressed by that train of thought, best leave the entitled bit unsaid----------"entitled" is too strong a word and implies an attitude. It would be best if you just wore your "MacOnion" tartan and avoided the two hour justification lecture about your second cousin being married to the forty second cousin of the aunt of the laird of Gumby. Just remember----and keep remembering----- that most Scots do not go into the minute detail of kilt attire and general Scottishness that we do on this website-------they don't have to, they are living it in their own way. If you want to wear the kilt then just do it and be prepared that the next person you see wearing the kilt will be a visitor too. Like any visitor with half an ounce of grey matter when visiting any area in the world its, eyes and ears open, mouth shut, brain in gear and all will be well. Have fun and if you venture up to Inverness-shire then I would be delighted to share a dram with you.

**TheOfficialBren** · 24th June 13, 11:19 PM

Well said, Jock. I sincerely apologise. "Entitled" was a very poor choice of words.

:stuffs foot in mouth:

Likewise, sir, I would enjoy a dram with you.

Jhockin, b&bs, currency exchanges...duly noted. Thank you, sir.

**Jock Scot** · 24th June 13, 11:36 PM

No worries, my dear fellow.

**BCAC** · 25th June 13, 02:02 AM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

Well said, Jock. I sincerely apologise. "Entitled" was a very poor choice of words.

:stuffs foot in mouth:

Likewise, sir, I would enjoy a dram with you.

Jhockin, b&bs, currency exchanges...duly noted. Thank you, sir.

TheOfficialBren,

We all do this from time to time!

**TheOfficialBren** · 25th June 13, 02:47 AM

Here, here, BCAC!

**chewse** · 25th June 13, 07:00 AM

I don't think the last part of your OP was addressed. Here are some links that I've been following that show events for next year:
http://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/...scotland-2014/
http://www.battleofbannockburn.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thegathering2014

My wife and I hope to make it over to Scotland next year. We plan to attend Springbank's whisky school first and then head up to Stirling for the weekend Bannockburn battle reenactment. We've visited Scotland one other time a few years back during the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh (https://www.edfringe.com/) and had a fantastic time. During that trip, we also visited Glasgow where the World Pipe Band Championship (http://www.theworlds.co.uk/Pages/home.aspx) was going on; we spend the entire day just listening to pipe music and watching the events. Lastly, we took a bus tour up to Inverness and the highlands and just saw some spectacular scenery.

Good luck.