Thanks all! Lots more great info to consider: great Orkney website, time in Edinburgh, and we're feeling much better about the driving situation now. I can see where we just gained all kinds of freedom and flexibility by not being tied to air/train schedules.

Sheila - Yes, I've been going through some of the Islay blogs on the web too. The pictures there are stunning as well.

GreenDragon - It was actually your Trip Report that brought me to the Fodor site. It sounded so wonderful and gave me the basic idea for our trip. Thanks much!

Lots more work to do, but your collective inputs have been invaluable...anyone else feel guilty about the high-quality free advice here? Thanks again.

Oh, that's great! I'm glad I brought you here - this is a wonderful, helpful community. Welcome!