Scotland at Christmas itinerary
 

My husband and I are planning to visit Scotland this Christmas through New Year's Day
and need help with an itinerary. We are planning to rent a car and have never driven on the opposite side of the road (for us as Americans)...how difficult is it? We love seeing the off the beaten path scenery of back roads. We are not that interested in visiting the distilleries (maybe just one) and are not golfers but would like to see Turnberry , St Andrews and possibly spend one night there. Also my husband would like to participate in a clay shoot at one of them castle hotels. Suggestions of places to see and or stay, any activities to participate in would be greatly appreciated!! We were in our 60s and are very active.

Turnberry is on the opposite coast from St. Andrews, so you will have to choose. However, I understand the area where St. Andrews has many very interesting fishing villages, and we're going to visit that area this fall.

Driving on the opposite side is difficult, but doable. Just be careful and take your time.

I'll let others address your other questions.

If you plan to be in Edinburgh for New Years Eve be sure to book early as Hogmanay is one of the top festivals in Edinburgh and very popular.

http://www.edinburghfestivalcity.com...urghs-hogmanay

Couple of problems

1) Weather - unpredictable.

2) Accommodation - many places outside of major tourist areas will be closed for the winter

Thanks...and I meant to put one of "the" castles, not one of "them" castles!!

Are you still in your 60s?

Are you thinking that a country that lies entirely NORTH of Edmonton (the northernmost North American city with > 1,000,000 metro-area population) is going to have golf in December?

You need to check on what is open and when - daylight will end before 5 pm.

<< We are planning to rent a car and have never driven on the opposite side of the road (for us as Americans)...how difficult is it? >>

Depends. Seems natural enough once you're behind the wheel, but it's harder in Scotland than it is for a Scot in the US because so many Scottish roads are single lane but bidirectional with no center line and your instinct will be to pass the guy coming at you on the right (which is wrong in the UK).

Don't use a car in Edinburgh. That's either (1) an old congested city (in parts) or (2) a typical UK city, which generally lacks broad thoroughfares, or (3) it's bloody congested. Add in the bus traffic and the tram line, and there's little space for cars. You should locate yourself centrally so you don't have to drive about.

Thanks...and I meant to put one of "the" castles, not one of "them" castles!!