Scotland Experience
 

I am planning a trip to Scotland this summer. I would like to find accomodations in the Inverness/Aberdeen area from which I might: <BR> play some golf on not local courses w/o advanced tee times<BR> catch a trout on a fly rod <BR> see a red grouse<BR> eat the best haggis in Scotland<BR> stay in a castle<BR>I'd appreciate any info on whether this is doable in 4 days, where it could be done, and places to do it at. Thanks!!!<BR>

Sticking to the touristy things, then...

I can recommend Bunchrew House; whilst not a castle it is a very nice Country House once the home of the Mackenzie-Frazer family.<BR><BR>Excellent food as I recall and handy to Inverness.

OK. Well, Apart from the "staying in a castle" bit about which I have serious reservations, it's actually NOT that touristy. It's the first time I ever saw anyone on here want to see a grouse. <BR><BR>Dealing first with castles, I think many of them are overdone, especially for the the American (and German) market. Now, if that's an absolute reqirement, have a look at Pittodrie House or Kildrummy Castle Hotels.But let me try to divert you to the Craigellachie Hotel on Speyside. It's a fishing hotel and will sort out your trout aspirations (although your timing is not the best). The URL is http://www.craigellachie.com/<BR><BR>I'm not sure what you mean by "not local courses w/o advanced tee times", but if I assume that what you're looking for is classy courses that don't need you to book 12 months in avance, then you will find from the web site that the Craigellachie lists 15 courses within an hour, the best of which is the Championship course at Nairn. The other two worth getting excited about are Duff House and Spey Bay.<BR><BR>To see a red grouse you will need to go "up". ie climb a hill. But you will see them if you do, and if you're lucky you will see ptarmigan as well. Take time to visit the RSPB's reserve at Loch garten and see some other stunning birds as well. they'll tell you where to find grouse if you need more help.<BR><BR>Everyone will argue about which is the best haggis in Scotland, but most of us probably believe it's MacSween's. Again, if you ask, the hotel will put in on the menu for you.<BR><BR>Easy to do in 4 days (even if I ask myself, "why would you?)<BR><BR>I'd appreciate any info on whether this is doable in 4 days

OK. Well, Apart from the "staying in a castle" bit about which I have serious reservations, it's actually NOT that touristy. It's the first time I ever saw anyone on here want to see a grouse. <BR><BR>Dealing first with castles, I think many of them are overdone, especially for the the American (and German) market. Now, if that's an absolute reqirement, have a look at Pittodrie House or Kildrummy Castle Hotels.But let me try to divert you to the Craigellachie Hotel on Speyside. It's a fishing hotel and will sort out your trout aspirations (although your timing is not the best). The URL is http://www.craigellachie.com/<BR><BR>I'm not sure what you mean by "not local courses w/o advanced tee times", but if I assume that what you're looking for is classy courses that don't need you to book 12 months in avance, then you will find from the web site that the Craigellachie lists 15 courses within an hour, the best of which is the Championship course at Nairn. The other two worth getting excited about are Duff House and Spey Bay.<BR><BR>To see a red grouse you will need to go "up". ie climb a hill. But you will see them if you do, and if you're lucky you will see ptarmigan as well. Take time to visit the RSPB's reserve at Loch garten and see some other stunning birds as well. they'll tell you where to find grouse if you need more help.<BR><BR>Everyone will argue about which is the best haggis in Scotland, but most of us probably believe it's MacSween's. Again, if you ask, the hotel will put in on the menu for you.<BR><BR>Easy to do in 4 days (even if I ask myself, "why would you?)<BR><BR>I'd appreciate any info on whether this is doable in 4 days