Is this a fairly easy drive? We have to leave Islay by ferry. Does anyone know how to do that. Should we plan to stop along the way? Any other suggestions for central Scotland? Thanks, Kam

ttt

Islay to Inverness will be a full day. Depending on ferry schedule, you should plan to over-night somewhere before Inverness. Try www.multimap.com for specific directions. How are you arriving in Islay to be leaving by car and not know how to catch the ferry?

It depends on the day, Kam. I know you're meaning to do this next summer. On a Wednesday, the ferry goes to Oban from Port Askaig and the drive to Inverness is easier from there. You get in about lunchtime (I don't have the Calmac site bookmarked on this computer). Thereafter you simply drive north to Fort William and east to Inverness- about 3 hours max driving. The sail is lovely and if you can get it tied in with your timetable that's what I would do.<BR><BR>However, if that doesn't work, and knowing what else you are discussing, you have 2 choices. Mine would be to miss out Inverness altogether. You can be on the mainland by lunchtime, drive east along Loch Tay and north up the A9 and be on Speyside for dinner. If you MUST do Inverness and the Loch, do it as a day trip from there.<BR><BR>Alternatively, drive from Tarbert to Lochgilphead- 45 mins- up through Kilmartin to Oban- 1- 1 1/2 hours- then as above. Longer day than the Oban one and much more driving, but still prettyy easy to do.<BR><BR>Sorry not to have emailed you. Collapse of machine at home

Thanks to both. We have decided to stay two days in Oban following Islay and then go on to Inverness and then down to Speyside. Just looks like a pretty area to poke around in. Sorry about the machine, Sheila.

If we spend two night in Oban, would you recommend going by ferry to Mull? Should we take our car or just walk around? Thanks.

Hi, Kam. Did you get the email eventually?<BR><BR>IF you go to Mull, take the car. It's a big island. Personally I think it's a bit boring as islands go, except for Tobermory which I love. If I were putting in a day based in Oban I'd take one of the boat trips past Mull and the Treshnish Islands and Staffa to Iona. That you would love.<BR><BR>But given your husband's liking for the cratur, and the fact that there is a working distillery in Tobermory you may have different views. Mind you, thee's another working distilley in Oban and after islay you may have had enough, or at least, need a break before Speyside.<BR>Where will you stay in Oban?

Hi Sheila and all, No, Sheila, I never got the email. Boohoo. In Oban the Manor House Hotel has been recommended. Any thoughts? Iona sounds good to both of us. (he doesn't need to drink whisky all the time!) Would we want a car on Iona? The history is fascinating. Met St. Columba in Donegal, might as well follow him to Scotland! I've found one extra day. After two days in Speyside at Craigellachie, we have two days to get back to Glasgow. Last night very close to airport---Drymen has been recommended. For the day in between Glasgow and Speyside---what? Perhaps a return visit to Callander? Sheila, what does cratur mean? You always come up with ones to stump me!

I'm not Sheila, but here's a clue about cratur:<BR><BR>So stick to the cratur' the best thing in nature <BR>For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys<BR><BR>Second clue: Those lines are from a traditional song called &quot;The Humours of Whisky.&quot;

KT, does it rhyme with Nature? A time ago I read an article saying that in 500 years we would not be able to understand each other at all----Americans, English, Scots and Irish, and Aussies. On the other hand, I've also read the opposite.

Despite the song, I've always heard it pronounced like &quot;crater&quot; and not to rhyme with &quot;nature.&quot; It's Gaelic (both Irish and Scots Gaelic), so it's not another case of &quot;two nations divided by a common language.&quot; It literally means &quot;creature.&quot;<BR><BR>I think I made a mistake about the title, though. I'm pretty sure that the song is actually Irish, not Scottish, so it's &quot;The Humours of Whiskey&quot; (with an &quot;e&quot, not Whisky!

I'm sorry about the email. I thought you were just being rude I'll resend in the next day or two. You would not need a car on Iona. I'm sure Colum Chille would be pleased to see you.<BR><BR>My email has some suggestions for the return journey.<BR><BR>I'm not a huge fan of Oban as a place to stay and, since you have a car, would be inclined to suggest you s tay outside it someplace. Budget? <BR><BR>KT (as always) is right on the mark

Thanks Sheila and KT, Oban looks so nice on the internet! DH would be very interested in Iona. Sheila, I will be traveling on the East Coast for the next 10 days. If I don't respond, please know I'm not being rude. Thanks.

Fine. Hear from you later. If you pass Aberdeen, drop in.