marcan, with 8 days, you will be able to get a good taste of Scotland. You will be somewhat limited by public transportation, but I have enjoyed the train rides that I have taken. There are also tour operators or driver/guide services that you could use for transportation.

As for the weather, I have spent a total of 8 weeks in Scotland in August (over 3 visits) and have had very good luck with the weather. I don't think we have had rain even 20% of the days. Usually warm and pleasant. At home our summers are like a blast furnace, so I love to travel anywhere that requires a wrap in the evening!

I would suggest that you consider spending a few days in Stirling (assuming you will not be in Edinburgh). You can do a day trip or two from Stirling to Edinburgh. Two of the best castles in Scotland are Edinburgh and Stirling. Doune castle is near Stirling; this is the castle in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Also, you could visit the Wallace Monument.

Other great history sights are Glen Coe, Culloden battlefield, and Rob Roy country in the Trossachs. There are lots of Neolithic sites in Scotland, here is a thread about that:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34788193

When we are in York, we plan to see the Minster, and the wall, as well as the Shambles. My husband has been to York before, and he hopes to see the railway museum and the Eden Camp (WWII). We will skip the Jorvik, as it seems a little hokey to me (although I am interested in the Vikings also).

I did not find Jorvik very interesting although it certainly has an authentic smell.

If you have time, try to go to Castle Howard. Eden Camp is very interesting.