Scotland in February?
 

We are trying to plan a trip to Scotland, and the only time we can go is in mid-February. If the choice is 5 days in wintry February or nothing, is it worth it? And, if your answer is yes, what would you recommend for an itinerary? Thanks for your advice. <BR>P.S. We live in Europe, so the jet-lag isn't an issue.

Dear Tonya, <BR>I live in Scotland and can tell you the weather in February should not put you off coming. It might be bad or it might be fine. Today, early January it is clear, sunny with a touch of snow on the hills. It can rain at any time! At least February will not be too busy. Perhaps, the only thing I would advise against doing would be taking a ferry to the Outer Hebrides or Orkney and Shetland, it can be windy! Other than that the weather shouldn't hold you up. You should try to experience both the cities and the countryside. Start with Edinburgh, then head north, through the historic town of Stirling, to the Highlands. Go through GlenCoe to FortWilliam and then on to Inverness. I would then go to Aberdeen, exploring the countryside in the north east, lots of castles, eg. Huntly, Crathes, Dunottar etc. Finish by travelling down the east coast to Edinburgh stopping off at St Andrews. Have a great time! <BR>Best wishes <BR>Andrew Jennings

As another Scottish resident i would encourage you to come. February is as good a time as any if yu dress for the weather. <BR> <BR>What do you like to do? Concerts, museums, walking, pubs, travelling about? <BR> <BR>Give us an indication and I'll sketch out a bit more for you. I have some standard answers I keep in word documents which I can e-mail to you as well, if you like.

Thanks for your replies, Andrew and Sheila. My first try at another reply didn't work, so here goes again.... <BR>We are especially interested in history and music, but we mostly want to experiece the flavor of your homeland. (I also want to explore my Scottish "roots.") I have read that some castles and historic sites are closed in the winter. Any additional winter touring suggestions that you and other savvy Fodorites have are welcome. Your enthusiasm for Scotland is contagious!

Ok <BR> <BR>My 4/5 day tour is on its way. <BR> <BR>Yes, a lot of stuff is closed; but the qulaity of welcome you get where things are open will be great. <BR> <BR>Sites tend not to close; only buildings, so you can still go to places like Culloden. <BR> <BR>There are lots of winter concerts and things and traditional music in front of a blazing fire is my idea of how to spend the winter. <BR> <BR>Come back with specific questions once you have the bones of a route and we can give you direct advice. <BR> <BR>What are your roots? Do you know where your family is from?

For Andrew, who is leaving this weekend.