Hi, <BR> <BR>We are thinking of taking a 4 day trip to Scotland in January. Are we totally nuts to go there in January--will it be too cold/rainy,etc? (We're looking at the first week in January). <BR> <BR>We're not as much into hiking, but enjoy walking around at plazas, museums, and other typical sightseeing. <BR> <BR>We live in the East coast, so figure that if we're used to the cold here, it can't be as bad in Scotland. <BR> <BR>If anyone has been there in January, and can give us some advice, we'd really appreciate it. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Abbey, post your question again in the morning because there are a few very nice people from Scotland on this site.Here in Boston it is after 9pm and so they are most likely asleep because of the 6hr. difference.

You will be okay if you limit your sightseeing to museums and attractions in cities. However, most attractions in other areas, including castles and other historic sites, will be closed at that time of year. Also, don't forget the Hogmanay (New Year's) holiday -- good if you want the carousing, but museums, etc., will be closed. If you're talking about Edinburgh weather, it can be very damp and nasty, but thanks to the currents it is actually less likely to snow there than in most of the Northeastern US. Bear in mind that the days will be very short, too. Don't I sound discouraging? But if I were you, I'd go anyway!

Going to Edinburgh for a few days is great in the Winter. There isn't much to see (in the way of castles, etc) outside of the city since most sites are closed from Nov to Easter. But Edinburgh is a year round city and the castle and museums are all open The real concern for the first week is the already mentioned Hogmanay. It is a GREAT party (think winter time mardi Gras) - but most everything will be closed from Dec 29 through Jan 2. <BR> <BR>Also - Many B&Bs are closed in Dec. and Jan. but there will be plenty open so you will be able to find someplace to stay, but it might take some work. <BR> <BR>You might want delay your trip to the 2nd week of Jan. (unless you want to party and not do much sightseeing - then Hogmanay is wonderful)

Abbey: I was in Edinburgh last Christmas and New Year. If you are going to be there for New Year (Hogmanay is the Scot's word for New Year's Eve) you might need to make reservations quite soon because Edinburgh gets very full for that holiday. Also, check the www.edinburgh.org web site regularly for up-to-the-minute info about Hogmanay activities. When we were there, it snowed on Christmas Eve and throughout the following week. It was also very cold, the coldest winter in 10 yrs. As we live in California, this was perfect! My kids loved it!! You really can't tell for sure what the weather will be like. While we were there, there were also some mild (high40s,low 50s)days, which we found very disappointing! The major museums are all open, but most of the smaller ones are closed. Also, most of the country houses and castles outside Edinburgh are closed. I grew up there, so I was disappointed that I couldn't take my kids, especially to Hopetoun House, but we'll just have to go back in the summer sometime! One or two of the best restaurants (including my favorite, Martin's) also close for an extended period then. Don't worry,there are plenty left! Although the temperature varied, and it snowed, we didn't have any rain and the days were mostly beautifully clear. We could see forever, or so it seemed, from the castle and Arthur's Seat. Feel free to email me directly if I can be of any help.

Abbey; you'd be very welcome. What I'd do would be to find a nice country/small town hotel on a railway line where one could easily reach Edinburgh and Glasgow from. Somwhere with good food and a nice lounge with big log fires. And books. <BR> <BR>And I'd go in and out of the cities by train; and walk and shop (January sales) and sihgtsee and maybe do a few galleries, all in a very relaxed fashion. Go to a show- a pantomime maybe? <BR> <BR>It's likely to be in the range of 4 or 5 degrees celsius during the day and down to about the same below at night. It can get colder but it's rare. <BR> <BR>YOu might get snow and you might get rain, but you might well get neither (Particularly away from the wet west) You will definitely get a good time.

Abbey, we were in Scotland in January 2001. We are from Wisconsin, so we found the weather to be quite moderate compared to what we are used to. In Edinburgh, it was in the 40s during the day, and down to freezing at night. In the highlands it was cooler but still not as cool as here.