"the area is full of hopeful souls setting up potteries and craft centres"

Is absolutely right but I wouldn't use the adjective "hopeful".

At this rate of migration, the towns of Rochdale, Halifax and Wakefield will be empty by 2036.

Goes something like : work 9 to 5, have a mid-life, sell the 5 bed executive in Bradford and trade for for a croft in Wester Ross, go on a pottery course and put a sign outside on the A road advertising free range eggs or a sensual massage.

The Western Highlands is simply a large red light district of bored, failed potters.

I really hope Fodors put that in the next UK guide.......

"The Western Highlands is simply a large red light district of bored, failed potters."

All in mid life? Sounds like a recipe to fail again.

Incisive travel advice, it's what we are famous for!

I can see it now. Portree as the new Pattaya.

Portree IS the new Pattaya.

Tell you now : "Free range eggs sold here". It's a code.

"put a sign outside on the A road advertising free range eggs or a sensual massage. "

Watch out for the ones that offer a sensual massage WITH free range eggs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5EA2g3nZWo

Amazing what you can do with free range.

Next!

"Watch out for the ones that offer a sensual massage WITH free range eggs"

It's the slimy ending.

Good one humpty!

I feel a staycation coming on.

The Highlands; coffee might be thin on the ground so bring a Thermos but you can easily find eggs over easy with a massage.

Fodors Scotland 2012

LOL!

Hope this helps, OP

Egg-cellent...

This is going to be some vacation!

~Liz