Thank you, and you're welcome

Whether you choose to rent a car or use public transportation, I also would recommend traveling on your own. I've been to Scotland 4 times and always done it independently. I really enjoy the flexibility of traveling on my own, plus I enjoy doing the research beforehand. With the amount of information available on the internet and the ability to book hotels etc. on line, I see no need for a guided tour in an English speaking country.

Jaden; My husband and I almost always rent a car and do enjoy the flexibility and freedom of seeing the small villages and out of way places. and the countryside. HOWEVER: I read over your post and it sounds like you would be a solo traveler. If you feel comfortable driving alone AND doing the navigating yourself, then that would be the way to go. Being in a group situation might be more fun. IF you want to see , as you said, battle sites, castles and historical places then the organized tour might be easier. The bus gets you closer to the sites, arranges your tickets, tells you all about what you are seeing etc.
However you go I know you'll love Scotland...we had our 8th trip there last spring and could easily go back again and again......(though we love all of Europe also).
Going by train involves quite a bit of walking (AFTER arriving) and before departing, but if you love walking, carrying bags, etc that is fine. (OR taxi after arriving at a place)
Let us know what you decide and how the trip went!

My husband played golf and I toured with Craig of Mini Tours of Scotland,you can hire him by the day,very nice,very interesting ,he also drove us one day,you can google Mini tours of Scotland try there,have a great time!

Update on the Marque Central restaurant - see www.herbebistro.co.uk. The Grindlay Street premises have now closed & as yet there's no sign of what they are to become.

Just found this myself... sheila, you are a treasure! I'm saving it all for my trip in 2008 (as well as the other stuff you've said). Fabulous! Thanks!

Topping for all the lovely Fodorites planning their Scotland trips. So much great info here!

Bookmarking...

Thanks for the top, Happy (and to all of the original posters). There is soooo much info in this post, it's a shame it was lost for so long.

I really enjoyed reading all these posts and itineraries--even though they left me a little zonked from all the stuff and all the miles (I'm more of an enjoy the place you're in human being when touring).

Was there a trip report--or did I miss it between the posts?

cheers,

Meg
Up the Ben and Down the Boozer
http://megrobb.typepad.com/britishtravel/

For those who would like to hear the Crinan Canal song that Sheila mentioned;

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=B_0WokmBEFM

Jim

Jim! Nice to see you. Email me with your news.

ttt