Well, not everyone is coming. Had 3 week trip to the Outer Hebrides planned for July and have been run off by midges, or rather tales of midges from all of you here. We are usually there in May, so the notion of bugs did not occur to me. DH and I decided we COULD manage them, but why? Staying stateside, will try earlier in 2014.

there were no midges in the Outer Isles last year. It was too dry. Come to think of it, I don't think of them as an outer Isles problem. Too flat and sandy and too windy.

nice! I'm going this year, it's been four years!!

I'm heading to Scotland in July, 1st time back since I was on a study exchange there 35 years ago. I'll be splitting time between the Edinburgh area with my old host family and Arran with some highland games thrown in at the end before heading to Cambridge for the week of our son's graduation. So many places I'd love to return to but just picked 2 since we only have ~10 days in Scotland this time 'round. Happy trails, all!

I am planning to spend a few days in the Outer Hebrides in early-mid May. Time will tell if this will work out.

I thought everyone was going to Ireland this year for The Gathering.

http://www.thegatheringireland.com/A...x#.UPeThvJWKYQ
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gathering_Ireland_2013

Heading to Scotland this April - first time, can't wait!

I'll be there this summer as the planning began months ago. We will be in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders to show my immediate family members where our family came from.

Sheila; I lived on an outer Orkney island and there were almost always midges. Only the wind helped; and here in ireland is as bad.

bluestar; gatherings galore here... Met a man up at Torc Waterfall sticking big signs up to take photos of and even Sneem is having a Gathering of the O'Sullivans

My daughter is going to Scotland for her honeymoon.

I've been reading a disproportionate number of Scottish authors lately; Peter May, Ian Rankin, Ian Banks... Enjoying them very much.

It's a lot less bloody than the books would have you believe!

Hello, Sheila! Scotland is indeed getting invaded by a group from the US as we are planning a wedding in Scotland in October! In fact, I'm flying over the first week of May to start the wedding planning process. We are going to tour Scotland in search of the right area and venue for the clan event.
I sent you a note, through your profile here at Fodors but now don't think that's an option? I may have sent it to the admins? This shows how long its been since I've been here!

Anyway, your beautiful country has been on my short list for so long, I can't wait to be there! I have your email address, look for a note from me or drop me a line?
Cheers!
Gigi

I'm thinking of going in 2015. Had a trip planned for 2009 that never happened due to my dog's ill health and it's been pushed back every year for one thing or another.

Next year just might be the year! Of course, airfares are much higher than they were in 2009!!

GigiPaints: I haven't seen sheila posting in a few months ( but she has taken short hiatus in the past so hopefully she'll be back.

But there are lots of other Scotland 'pros' on here so may e start a new thread w/ your own specific questions.

Hi, janisj, thank you for this information! I do have Sheila's email and will drop her a note as I'll be in Scotland in a few weeks. I will start my own thread, too, that is very good advice. Thank you for taking the time to write this. It's appreciated!

Cheers,
Gigi

Scotland the best country in the world (bias comment, yes haha)
Anyone thinking of visiting Scotland, PLEASE do not neglect the Highlands! Whilst the cities are exciting, fun and offer history, the rural Highland villages where I've grown up is so rich in culture and has so much to offer.
In particular visit Oban, Mull, the small isles (Eigg, Muck..), the Ardnamurchan penisula, and Mallaig and Morar. Whilst similar, these places all provide activites, and if you visit in summer there is local music and traditional Scottish ceilidh dances frequently. Locals are wonderful (cough cough), and as for the wildlife and scenery - best in Scotland.

Next year maybe they can drop the Scotland, United Kingdom part and just say Scotland! Lots of Scots will drink to that (or anything else!)

Yes. And many more won't

Gigi, I had no email. Where ARE you?