Random comments:

Forget Ft William -- completely! If you notice, in every suggestion I've made I have ignored/omitted Ft William. It is nothing at all special and would be a poor use of time on an already frantic itinerary.

While Culross is interesting -- visiting there will take much time aways from more (IMO) worthwhile sites around Callander (Inchmahome, Stirling, Doune, glorious scenery). The Kelpies are a non issue since you can see them right off the road on your way to Callander.
IMO 2 nights on Skye is a waste - you'd essentially have just one day on Skye

>>I'm a little confused because, according to google maps, the Day 9 you propose-Skye to Kilmartin- would be about a 5 hour drive<<

Closer to 6 hours -- but you want to see some very far flung places -- so you will have a couple of long days (Days 6 and 9).

IMO the itinerary I laid out would be better and more satisfying and has three multi day stop overs..

But it is your trip . . .

ps: Skye isn't the only wonderful island with amazing scenery. Substituting Mull for Skye would make the whole trip easier.

Much easier.

I'm going to guess that you're finding the image of Eilean Donan castle to be quite compelling. Let me just throw out some alternatives to consider, just for visual comparisons. Any or all of these would be easily visited in a swap of Mull for Skye.

Castle Stalker. This castle, located on an island in Loch Linhe, is roughly halfway between Glencoe and Oban, where you'd catch the ferry to Mull. It was used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, if interested.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2cc9c39010.jpg


Duart Castle: This castle sits on the edge of Mull overlooking the main ferry route between Oban and Craignure on the island.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0deefaef33.jpg

Kilchurn Castle. This impressive ruin is at the head of Loch Awe, around 20 - 30 minutes drive from Inveraray.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...69c466e0b5.jpg

Moy Castle. This is a ruined castle on Mull, noteworthy for having a group of standing stones on Loch Buie very nearby.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4837116e18.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b4456d874d.jpg

Here's a map showing the location of these places in the context of the Mull-Skye exchange. https://goo.gl/maps/gbzrZjWmHVw

Thank you. I'll have to keep on planning

I am going to throw in another monkey wrench. Since you are flying from JFK, I am going to assume you live in the US, perhaps in the east. There are great highland games all over the US (and Canada). I am a fan of games, don't get me wrong ( I play in a pipe band and go to several each year), BUT they do eat up a lot of time especially on a trip such as yours. For a first time trip to Scotland, I might suggest you skip them in order to see some of your other choices. Check out offerings this summer close to where you live to get the flavour of Highland Games and perhaps decide to postpone the Scottish Games to a future trip.

I should also have mentioned that you might be spending a whole day outside in the rain. If you still want to keep the games in your itinerary, have a plan B

>>I might suggest you skip them in order to see some of your other choices. Check out offerings this summer close to where you live to get the flavour of Highland Games and perhaps decide to postpone the Scottish Games to a future trip.<<

I agree -- larger games in the States have all the same features (sometimes sans the Heilan Coos) as any of the games in Scotland. Heavy athletics, distance runs, Highland and country dancing, pipe bands, dog herding demos, Scottish gifts, food, ales, etc etc etc. And plenty of Scottish brogue to be heard.

We have decided to skip the games. Thanks!