My question is about Scotland. We're taking my mother-in-law who has difficulty walking distances due to arthritis. After reading a little about it, we are getting concerned that she would have to walk too much <BR>there. We could get a wheelchair, but would it work out there? Could we do most of it by car? We're not even sure where yet besides Edinburgh. She's very excited about going.

I love Scotland and would highly recommend a visit. But I must warn you that Edinburgh is quite hilly. It's a fairly steep climb from Princes Street up to the Royal Mile and this is just one example. That said, there are tour buses that you can take to all of the highlights which would prevent you from doing so much walking or pushing the wheelchair. <BR> <BR>While I was there, I also took a 12 hour van tour through the Highlands which was absolutely breathtaking. <BR> <BR>Just be sure to check with hotels when booking to make sure that there is access to the upper floors for wheelchairs. I was staying at a nice hotel, but there was a hike up the stairs just to get to the lobby and then another flight of stairs to get to the elevators to the rooms.

Like Tina, I also loved my visit to Scotland. Edinburgh was enchanting and the people were so friendly. <BR> <BR>Yes, the city is definitely hilly and would be hard to maneuver in a wheelchair. But there are lots of taxis and tour buses. I wouldn't recommend trying to get around Edinburgh in a car. The traffic can be pretty hectic and not a lot of parking.

As the others said - it will be difficult but it certainly doable. The climb to Edinburgh castle is steep and the route within the castle is as well. But there is are two excelent hop-on-hop-off bus companies that cover all of the major sights. <BR> <BR>Touring in the highlands/Islands/Borders etc will not be a problem - just rent an estate car (station wagon) and a wheel chair. You can get pretty much anywhere by car. Of course some places will be inaccessible to your mother in law but the scenery is outstanding.

I doubt you'd have serious problems if you planned for them. Please don't hesitate to be in touch if I can give you some "on the ground" advice. <BR> <BR>Incidentally I have 20 years' experience as the daughter-in-law of a wheelchairbound man

I don't have any personal experience in this but I do know the UK tourist areas and attractions all seem to provide for the handicapped traveler, much more so than we do here. Special entrances and some of the properties even have wheelchairs available. we were both impressed with the considerations given older and impaired persons on all our trips. <BR> <BR>