Hi Ashley,

I think most of the important items have been covered. When I went to Edinburgh in 2009 I used Viatour for two trips -- a day trip to Scottish Borders (gorgeous) and the other up through the Highlands to the Isle of Skye -- which is just beyond. In terms of logistics it was painless. I just schlepped my bags to their office in Old Town and got on the small bus.
I'm a New Yorker and don’t drive and it was great to get out of the city and just stare out the windows. On the Skye trip we stopped at points along the way up to Skye and stayed two nights on the island. There were also plenty of stops on the way back including loch ness.

A dining suggestion for Edinburgh -- if you like pork (and really who doesn't?) don't skip Oink in old town. It's hard to miss -- there's usually a whole roasted pig in the window. It’s a small casual place known of its amazing roast pork sandwiches with crackling.

Thanks from a moocher. We are visiting Edinburgh for the first time in May. So we will dress nearly as warmly.