europeannovice

To add to Gordon's list in Edinburgh, there is the beautiful St Giles Cathedral where we heard the choir practicing the day we visited.

In addition, there is the wonderful little writer's museum which houses information on three great Scottish writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. It is located in Lady Stairs Close which is near the very fun and informative Real Mary King's Close.

Then there is the merchant house also along the Royal Mile.

Plus right outside the Castle is Camera Obscura--I highly recommend you check it out.

The National Museum of Scotland mentioned above is really informative and a good way to spend a few hours. As you can see there is enough to do in Edinburgh to occupy a few days.

PalenQ

In Stirling we enjoyed the Old Town Jail, right close to the castle - a Victorian jail in all its grimy comfort.

http://www.oldtownjail.com/

jj100

janisj - I was reading your response to PageTX's post about having to go to Skye 3 times before actually seeing anything. Now I am rethinking my itinerary. Since we probably will not be back to Scotland, I would be extremely disappointed if we spend 3 days of our trip going to Skye and then not seeing anything. In your opinion, do you think it might be a better (safer) plan to take some one day tours instead of 3 days to Skye? Thanks.

jj100

I guess what I am trying to find out is whether, in your opinion, there are other (equally/almost equally satisfying) places we can visit that are day trips from Edinburgh. Thanks again.

Nikki

I would not forego the trip to Skye because of concerns that the weather might not be good. I have been to Scotland only twice. The first time we spent three nights on Islay and the second time we spent three nights on Skye. These were among the highlights of the trips for us. Weather is unpredictable everywhere in Scotland.

Also, since you are going to the Military Tattoo, you will be in Edinburgh during festival season. It is an incredibly stimulating scene in Edinburgh in August. Performances all day long in every conceivable space in the city, as well as street performers throughout the city, especially on the Royal Mile. I would go every year if I could.

PalenQ

http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/i...nburgh-p266991

the Edinburgh Tourist Office seems to highlight this tour as their offering.

janisj

jj100: I agree w/ Nikki. The weather is unpredictable <i>everywhere</i> in Scotland, not just on Skye.

True -- evil/wet weather could be more of a problem on Skye or in the Highlands than in Edinburgh because there are more inside things to do. But I wouldn't change your plans because of what the weather might do. Just cross your fingers and hope for nice days.

artstuff

Planning a trip for September 2015. Thanks everyone for taking the time to post all these suggestions.

Robyn

PalenQ

September should be a perfect time for Scotland - Edinburgh August crowds thinned out and the weather not deteriorated much yet as it can in later autumn.