Need List of Scotland "Must See's"
Apr 25th, 2008, 07:18 AM
#22
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Ohhh...tiny bit jealous....we loved Scotland.
One of our very favorite places was the Isle of Skye. Gives you the highland experience, in places can feel extrememly remote, lots of sheep and highland cows, castles to visit, great place to take a hike, and lots of scenic ruins. There is also a great castle on the way to Skye, can't think of the name, but it's the one used in the highlander movies, and it's a nice tour and a wonderfully atmospheric place.
I am at work, so I would have to look up when I get home, but we found a local sheep dog demonstration outside of Pitlochry (which is a charming town). I am sure there are others, but we found it fascinating to watch these dogs work, each one knowing which whistle command was theirs and what to do. I think kids would probably love it.
We loved Orkney, but I know that is a hike for most. North of Skye (again, I would have to look up where exactly) we stayed in a lighthouse-- that was a wonderful evening - watching the sunset, even seeing shooting stars at night. I know there are also several castles in which you can stay-- I think an experience like that would be fascinating.
One of our very favorite places was the Isle of Skye. Gives you the highland experience, in places can feel extrememly remote, lots of sheep and highland cows, castles to visit, great place to take a hike, and lots of scenic ruins. There is also a great castle on the way to Skye, can't think of the name, but it's the one used in the highlander movies, and it's a nice tour and a wonderfully atmospheric place.
I am at work, so I would have to look up when I get home, but we found a local sheep dog demonstration outside of Pitlochry (which is a charming town). I am sure there are others, but we found it fascinating to watch these dogs work, each one knowing which whistle command was theirs and what to do. I think kids would probably love it.
We loved Orkney, but I know that is a hike for most. North of Skye (again, I would have to look up where exactly) we stayed in a lighthouse-- that was a wonderful evening - watching the sunset, even seeing shooting stars at night. I know there are also several castles in which you can stay-- I think an experience like that would be fascinating.
Apr 25th, 2008, 08:51 AM
#24
"<i>Do most places to stay in Scotland have airconditioned rooms?</i>" 
(meant in the nicest possible way 
)
Uh - no a/c and none needed. Just hope the places you stay have the heating available year round.
The castles on Skye are OK but not as dramatic as many others in other parts of the country. I'm pretty sure the castle jonesie mentioned is Eilean Donan not far from the bridge to Skye. It is an iconic view - just about every chocolate box/biscuit tin has its picture. Well worth a photo stop if you are in the area - but don't bother w/ the tour inside. There are much better/more original castles around just about every hill.
For dramatic castles check out Dunnottar, Tantallon, Edinburgh, Stirling, and others. Or if any of you are Monty Python fans - Doune is a must. The castle would be "worth" it anyway - it being the setting for Monty Python and the Holy Grail is just the cherry on top.
("bookmarking" is just when folks want to mark a thread so they can find it later. There are better ways to do that like saving a thread to their favorites or e-mailing it to themselves. But bookmarking is very common)
(meant in the nicest possible way )Uh - no a/c and none needed. Just hope the places you stay have the heating available year round.
The castles on Skye are OK but not as dramatic as many others in other parts of the country. I'm pretty sure the castle jonesie mentioned is Eilean Donan not far from the bridge to Skye. It is an iconic view - just about every chocolate box/biscuit tin has its picture. Well worth a photo stop if you are in the area - but don't bother w/ the tour inside. There are much better/more original castles around just about every hill.
For dramatic castles check out Dunnottar, Tantallon, Edinburgh, Stirling, and others. Or if any of you are Monty Python fans - Doune is a must. The castle would be "worth" it anyway - it being the setting for Monty Python and the Holy Grail is just the cherry on top.
("bookmarking" is just when folks want to mark a thread so they can find it later. There are better ways to do that like saving a thread to their favorites or e-mailing it to themselves. But bookmarking is very common)
Apr 25th, 2008, 09:08 AM
#25
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Living in Scotland, I had to chuckle at the air-con question: it's almost May and we still have our central heating on.
I know I'm biased but I hope you spend a day in Glasgow (just 40 mins on the train from Edinburgh). Apart from the stuff others have mentioned, there is a very fine cathedral and university and much splendid Victorian architecture. Glasgow was also the first city in the world to adopt the grid system of city planning now used extensively in the US.
If you do visit, I hope you enjoy Glasgow half as much as we loved Bangkok!
I know I'm biased but I hope you spend a day in Glasgow (just 40 mins on the train from Edinburgh). Apart from the stuff others have mentioned, there is a very fine cathedral and university and much splendid Victorian architecture. Glasgow was also the first city in the world to adopt the grid system of city planning now used extensively in the US.
If you do visit, I hope you enjoy Glasgow half as much as we loved Bangkok!
Apr 26th, 2008, 02:14 AM
#27
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Hey again and many thanks as well. My husband and I are diligently researching all of everyone's suggestions!This is really so much work!
Noe847: My children have grown up in the 'Concrete city' of Bangkok nearly their entire lives. I love Thailand, but... grass is rare unless you travel upcountry, or round about which we try to do often. When we went to England their first time and took them about, they were absolutely ecstatic about the green grass. It actually made me feel a bit guilty! We bought them a soccer ball and frizbee and they would play for hours. In Bangkok, even in the parks you typically are not allowed to put a ball on the grass, or even sit or lie on the grass in some places! We nearly got thrown out of a park for trying to play crochet! Grass is greatly protected in the City! That is why I know that they will adore Ireland and Scotland...and the heather as well!
I am thrilled to hear the weather will be so nice! They are not accustomed to it, but again loved it when the evenings got chilly in England.
Incidently we ordered 'Scotland the Best', and it was only $14.99 Sounds like a bargain to me.
Cheers, Reggs
Noe847: My children have grown up in the 'Concrete city' of Bangkok nearly their entire lives. I love Thailand, but... grass is rare unless you travel upcountry, or round about which we try to do often. When we went to England their first time and took them about, they were absolutely ecstatic about the green grass. It actually made me feel a bit guilty! We bought them a soccer ball and frizbee and they would play for hours. In Bangkok, even in the parks you typically are not allowed to put a ball on the grass, or even sit or lie on the grass in some places! We nearly got thrown out of a park for trying to play crochet! Grass is greatly protected in the City! That is why I know that they will adore Ireland and Scotland...and the heather as well!
I am thrilled to hear the weather will be so nice! They are not accustomed to it, but again loved it when the evenings got chilly in England.
Incidently we ordered 'Scotland the Best', and it was only $14.99 Sounds like a bargain to me.
Cheers, Reggs
Apr 29th, 2008, 03:08 PM
#28
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Less than a week away from Fodor's and wow! All these nice things being said about our own wee bit of planet earth!
Reggs, you sound like someone who is going to come here determined to have the time of your life. This means you will. And you'll come back.
A lot of Scottish history is fairy stories but the truth is even more fascinating. If you plan to visit a lot of historic sites try and read at least one reliable history of the country before you come, it will really put everything into place.
The "true culture of the country" is more of a problem. A lot of our own people still think this means kilts (which very few people wear), haggis (whch very few people eat more than a few times per year) and Scottish country dancing (a "tradition" invented in the 1930's). There's much, much more.
Must see places? Go for quality not quantity. Meaning, allow time to really experience places rather than try and cram in too many things in half hour slots. It might rain for that half hour!
Edinburgh, yes. Two days, maybe three, fill them according to your own tastes. Glasgow as well. The contrast between our two biggest cities, less than an hour apart, is unbelievable.
The far north west coast, anywhere between Kyle of Lochalsh and Cape Wrath. No words can prepare you.
Any of the islands. Skye, Arran, Gigha, Islay, Lewis, the Uists...
The East Neuk of Fife, and not just because I'm biased.
Perthshire, especially around Dunkeld and Pitlochry. A different world from the north west but still unmistakeably Scottish.
If vertigo is not a problem, walk halfway across the Forth Road Bridge, car parking and railway stations close by on both sides.
I haven't even mentioned Aberdeenshire, the Borders, Galloway, Stirling, Argyll.... How many months did you say you had?!
Travel2live2, loved the post. Get a copyright on it and the Scottish Tourist Board will pay you a fortune for it.
Reggs, you sound like someone who is going to come here determined to have the time of your life. This means you will. And you'll come back.
A lot of Scottish history is fairy stories but the truth is even more fascinating. If you plan to visit a lot of historic sites try and read at least one reliable history of the country before you come, it will really put everything into place.
The "true culture of the country" is more of a problem. A lot of our own people still think this means kilts (which very few people wear), haggis (whch very few people eat more than a few times per year) and Scottish country dancing (a "tradition" invented in the 1930's). There's much, much more.
Must see places? Go for quality not quantity. Meaning, allow time to really experience places rather than try and cram in too many things in half hour slots. It might rain for that half hour!
Edinburgh, yes. Two days, maybe three, fill them according to your own tastes. Glasgow as well. The contrast between our two biggest cities, less than an hour apart, is unbelievable.
The far north west coast, anywhere between Kyle of Lochalsh and Cape Wrath. No words can prepare you.
Any of the islands. Skye, Arran, Gigha, Islay, Lewis, the Uists...
The East Neuk of Fife, and not just because I'm biased.
Perthshire, especially around Dunkeld and Pitlochry. A different world from the north west but still unmistakeably Scottish.
If vertigo is not a problem, walk halfway across the Forth Road Bridge, car parking and railway stations close by on both sides.
I haven't even mentioned Aberdeenshire, the Borders, Galloway, Stirling, Argyll.... How many months did you say you had?!
Travel2live2, loved the post. Get a copyright on it and the Scottish Tourist Board will pay you a fortune for it.
May 16th, 2008, 05:40 AM
#29
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Hey Guys, I posted a new thread that is titled "Scotland I need advice on ares to stay please!" So please stay with me and continue to assist us! It reads as follows:
Okay, my husband and I are traveling with 3 children ages 10,12 and 18. We will arrive Scotland via Ferry from Ireland on the 20th of July 2008. We are planning on:
1) 20th and 21st:Glasco for 2 nights
2) 22nd:I need you to reccommend where we should stay between Glasco and The Isle of Skye.
3) 23rd and 24th Skye for 2 nights
4) 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th near and around Inverness for day trips, highland games etc.
5) 29th I need you all to tell me a place of interest to stay between Inverness and Edinburgh.
6) 30th, 31st, and 1st Edinburgh and we fly out of Edinburgh the 2nd of August.
I would appreciate any feedback. I have included in my itinerary many of the sites Fodorites have recommended to me already on another thread.
Also, a main factor in this itenerary is staying in places for more than one night because there are 5 of us and we really prefer not to move everyday. Thanks, Reggs
Okay, my husband and I are traveling with 3 children ages 10,12 and 18. We will arrive Scotland via Ferry from Ireland on the 20th of July 2008. We are planning on:
1) 20th and 21st:Glasco for 2 nights
2) 22nd:I need you to reccommend where we should stay between Glasco and The Isle of Skye.
3) 23rd and 24th Skye for 2 nights
4) 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th near and around Inverness for day trips, highland games etc.
5) 29th I need you all to tell me a place of interest to stay between Inverness and Edinburgh.
6) 30th, 31st, and 1st Edinburgh and we fly out of Edinburgh the 2nd of August.
I would appreciate any feedback. I have included in my itinerary many of the sites Fodorites have recommended to me already on another thread.
Also, a main factor in this itenerary is staying in places for more than one night because there are 5 of us and we really prefer not to move everyday. Thanks, Reggs
