Scotland - Going First time
 

Going to Scotland in June for 10 days - first time there. Any Must See /Must Do recommendations? Actually my first trip out of the US ever. Suggestions? Tips?<BR><BR><BR>

Big question! Edinburgh is a must. The castle tours at Holyrood and Edinburgh castle. Also take a tour of the city by bus to get a good flavor of the town.<BR><BR>St Andrews...gotta see that and I do not golf.<BR><BR>We enjoyed the tour of Glamis castle also. The Queen Mother's home castle. Very homey and interesting.<BR><BR>

I agree, Edinburgh is the best place to spend much of your time during a first-time visit. Rent a car, though, and venture on daytrips out of town. The people are VERY friendly in Edinburgh and will likely steer you in the best direction for your interests if you want to explore the countryside. <BR><BR>If you have the time, the western islands are a good bet for sheer coastal beauty and getting away from the beaten path. Orkney Island is a good beginning point...<BR><BR>Don't forget to try the haggis:)

I was in Scotland last May and I did NOT go to Edinburgh. One reason is that I was going to end the vacation in London and I wanted to see more of the countryside. I will go to Edinborgh on my next trip.<BR><BR>It depends on what you are looking for though. I really enjoy the small towns. My favorite places were the Isle of Skye, Eileen Donan Castle and Glencoe. The scenery is magnificent. If you go up the east coast, I know of a wonderful B&B to stay at a bit south of Aberdeen. On a cliff with spectacular views to the North Sea.<BR><BR>Email me if you would like.<BR><BR>Bill

Just don't forget to bring your armour!

Don't miss the underground tour of Edinburgh.

Without being flippant, read up on it. Judge for yourself what you may or may noit like to see THEN ask about them. This is your vacation.

Will you be renting a car? If so, a few days in beautiful Edinburgh is a must, then a drive across the highlands to the west coast will give you a wonderful feel for this lovely, friendly country. It only took us about 3.5 hours (in driving rain, no yet)to get from Edinburgh to Oban, a lovely coastal town that is a gateway to the Isles. Also, if you're going to be there for 10 days, you might want to think about a 2 hour train ride down to York for a day.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

My wife and I were in Scotland last year and we both loved both the country and the people. I agree with the posters who suggest renting a car to see the country. We spent a week in the area around and between Glasgow and Edinburgh.<BR>You can see some of the photos from our trip at http://www.iconnect.net/home/rsumners (Yes, this is another shameless plug.)

Read about the Highland Clearances of the 18th-19th century. Trom Edinburgh (2 days) take the train to Inverness, rent-a-car through the Western Highlands (single-lane roads) and to Skye, then to the prehistoric sites , back to Glasgow. Food good everywhere. Make a project to seriously sample the local whiskeys in the local pubs. Scots are very friendly when they realize you care about their country's history and travails.

We're friendly anyway, Rich, not just because an American takes an interest in our history. Your intimation is we are unfriendly at all other times.

Recently back from Scotland (new year!). My partner had been to Stirling Castle and wanted to take me to one of her favourite spots. I could not believe the romance of the place. The guided tour is great, the guide made it exciting and kids loved it. For sheer magic I fell in love with Seil Island, gettable without ferry. I bore people stiff talking about it, and rarely get a nod of heads so it could well be its just me who finds it so romantic.<BR><BR>Kind regards

We spent a week in Scotland based in Callendar - near Stirling. Lots of interesting places to go in that area. My favorite is in the SW of Scotland - Threave Castle

if you do go to glencoe visit the distillery good tour and the whiskey they produce is just delightful

Last comment a bit confusing? there is no distillery in Glencoe. Where do you mean, Peter?