I want to thank all the regulars on this site who provide such a wealth of info for us visitors to Scotland. I only asked a few questions (about the weather and restaurants in Edinburgh), but all your posts, old and recent, were invaluable for planning. <BR><BR>We just returned from our two week (August 15-29) trip. Spent 4 days in Edinburgh and surrounds, 1 week in the Hebrides followed by 3 days of trying to see too much in the Highlands. In Edinburgh, we ate at The Witchery and Martins, both top-notch, and Stac Polly (we had to try their haggis wrapped in fillo.) <BR><BR>Everything, including the weather, exceeded our expectations and we met only a few midges. We heeded everyone's advice to dress in layers, experienced short-sleeve weather (70's), clear, cool, wool-sweater days and nights, lots of sunshine and only one day of rain, downpours to remind us that we were indeed in Scotland. The scenery and surprises everywhere are too spectacular to rush through.<BR><BR>Edinburgh, Stirling, Dunfermline, Culross, Glencoe, Skye, the Outer Hebrides (from the Callanish Stones on Lewis, the moonscapes of<BR>Harris, to the beaches of Barra) Callander, Kingussie, Pitlochry, Elgin, Cawder, Culloden and the lovely village of Drymen, where we spent our last night before departing from Glasgow were the highlights of our trip. Nothing disappoints.<BR><BR>Except on the "most beautiful island in Britain" - Barra - from where my family emigrated 200 years ago. Kisimul Castle was closed. It sits about 200 yards off the pier, but the boat was out of service and some insurance problem prohibited Historic Scotland from operating another. The Barra folks were upset. The Castle is a major attraction and has been open each season since its restoration was completed in the early 1970's. Historic Scotland took over the castle management last year; they pay rent to the MacNeil clan chief of 1 Pound Sterling and a bottle of whiskey each<BR>year. I guess I'll just have to go back.<BR><BR>Before our trip, I read and read Scottish history, studied the maps and tried to learn the place names. The ghosts are everywhere and brought it all to life. It's a magical place.<BR><BR>For those planning to visit the Outer Hebrides, (www.visithebrides.com) is a great new site. Again, Thank You to all.

I'm so glad you enjoyed Bonnie Scotland! Thank you for reporting back. Can you tell me where you stayed in Drymen, for the airport?<BR><BR>Maggie

Hi Maggie,<BR><BR>We stayed at The Hawthorns B&B in Drymen (www.thehawthorns-drymen.com)<BR>It's a lovely restored house right in the village, and the hosts are as friendly and helpful as their website suggests.<BR><BR>We ate at the Winnock Hotel across the green and, following dinner, found a Ceilidh happening in the function room. Two tour groups, one British and one Dutch, were having a grand time learning<BR>Scottish dances. We joined the fun.<BR><BR>As the evening ended, all of us formed <BR>a circle to sing Auld Lang Syne. It was a perfect finale for our wonderful two weeks.

Charlotte,<BR><BR>What a great trip! I am planning to go next summer, taking a week's course at the University of Stirling, traveling a week before and after. Did you spend more than a night in Glasgow? Where did you stay? I hope to then go to Oban, Inverness,Pitlochry, and Stirling, ending in Edinburgh. Any recommedations for hotels or B&Bs in the smaller towns?

Hi Andrea,<BR><BR>I've been trying to reply for 3 days, but my computer has been balking - so I'll try posting in sections.<BR><BR>In Edinburgh we stayed in the West End at the Afton Town House Hotel. It's in a crescent opposite St. Mary's <BR>Episcopal Cathedral, and guests have access to a lovely private garden. We had a nice 4th floor room (no lift) but could climb out our window for great<BR>views over the city toward the Castle. <BR>The hotel is only a few blocks from<BR>Charlotte Square, but it's quite a <BR>walk to the Castle and the Royal Mile.<BR>(www.aftontownhouse.co.uk)<BR><BR>to be cont'd

Scotland cont'd<BR><BR>We stayed at the Corus Hotel in Glasgow for only one night. It has just<BR>been completely renovated and has <BR>all the modern conveniences, but it<BR>could be anywhere, not particularly <BR>Scottish. We left with a tour group<BR>for the Hebrides the next morning, so<BR>I can't help with info on Glasgow - <BR>yet another reason to go back. <BR>(www.corushotels.com)<BR><BR>

Scotland cont'd<BR><BR>We had never taken a group tour before<BR>and were very surprised at the quality of the food and accommodations we had <BR>over the week.<BR><BR>On Skye, we stayed at Duisdale Country <BR>House Hotel, a small, former hunting<BR>lodge overlooking the Sound of Sleat. <BR>The scenery, rooms,gardens and dinner<BR>were all wonderful. The owner is a chef. (www.duisdale.com)<BR><BR>Our next stop was the Harris Hotel for <BR>3 nights. Again the food was very good, our room was comfortable, and the<BR>staff was friendly and helpful. It's an old hotel, J.M. Barrie etched his <BR>initials on a window in the dining room, but I forgot to look for it.<BR>(www.harrishotel.com)<BR><BR>

Scotland cont'd<BR><BR><BR>On the 5th day we travelled through the Uists to Barra and the Isle of Barra Hotel. At first I was disappointed that we wouldn't be staying at one of the more traditional hotels, until I saw the beach. Dinners were delicious, and <BR>afterward we all gathered in the <BR>lounge for coffee and to watch the sunset over the Atlantic. It was truly <BR>spectacular.<BR>(www.isleofbarra.com)<BR><BR>O n day 7, we left the islands and had <BR>sunshine for the five hour ferry<BR>trip to Oban. We said our good-byes <BR>to our tour mates in Glasgow, picked<BR>up our car and headed for the <BR>Highlands. After a slight mishap, we<BR>reached the Bridgend Hotel in Callander. It is really more a <BR>restaurant with rooms which are quite nice. They have Scottish music in the bar on Sunday nights and a pretty garden. <BR>(www.bridgendhotel.co.uk)<BR><BR>

Scotland cont'd<BR><BR>For the story of our mishap, you can<BR>read my post of 9/16/02 entitled<BR>(Jim's Scotland trip-Driving on the left) You can find it by scrolling<BR>down on the UK forum. Or try <BR>the search function, if it's working now.<BR><BR>Next we headed for Kingussie and the <BR>Osprey Hotel, a small, charming<BR>place opposite the town garden. Also, <BR>their dining room is recommended by Taste of Scotland. We stayed <BR>for 2 nights and visited the nearby <BR>towns and sites, then on our last <BR>day, headed for Stirling to see the <BR>Castle. Our trip ended at The <BR>Hawthorns B&B in Drymen.<BR><BR>(www.ospreyhotel.co.uk) <BR>(www.thehawthorns-drymen.com)<BR><BR>We didn't stay in Pitlochry, but stopped by the Green Park Hotel,just<BR>outside the town. An elderly friend of <BR>ours was born there and suggested<BR>we stop for tea. No tea available for <BR>non-guests, so we took some pictures in the garden and overlooking the loch <BR>and mailed her a postcard. She immigrated to the U.S. in the 30's. <BR>The Hotel looks quite luxurious, but the rates are more than we like to<BR>spend. We'd rather spend on very good <BR>meals.<BR>(www.thegreenpark.co.uk)<BR><BR>

Scotland cont'd<BR><BR>I'm sure you'll love Stirling. I <BR>actually liked the castle better than<BR>Edinburgh's. It's smaller, there are <BR>beautiful gardens and you can walk<BR>around most of the ramparts for <BR>incredible views of the countryside.<BR>Again, we didn't have enough time to <BR>see the town itself, but driving<BR>through, it looks like another living <BR>museum. Lucky you.<BR><BR>There are lots of recommendations for <BR>B&B's and other places to stay on<BR>the Scotland and UK pages, just keep <BR>scrolling down or try a search.<BR><BR>Good websites: <BR>(www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk)<BR>(www.visithebrides.com) <BR>(www.scotland-info.co.uk) <BR>(www.skye.co.uk)<BR><BR>The End.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Great report Charlotte. Which tour compny did you use and how were they?

Charlotte,<BR>Many thanks for the great information. I can't wait to go!<BR><BR>Cheers,<BR>Andrea

Hi Sheila,<BR><BR>Our tour was with Classique Tours which is based in Paisley. Not having taken a group tour before, I can't compare or contrast, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The food and accommodations, as I said above, were good, the group was small, 26 people, and the bus was very comfortable. <BR><BR>We chose a Scottish company, rather than booking through a US agency, because we wanted to meet people from other countries, not just Americans. There was one couple from New York, we're from Massachusetts, and the others hailed form Scotland, England, Canada and Australia. Some were on their second or third tour with the company. As the week went by, we had many interesting conversations, and discussions even ventured into politics and world affairs - all informative and always polite.<BR><BR>Our tour guide (he owns the company) was truly a character. He has a small fleet of refurbished buses which all have names. Ours had been christened 'Kaaren' and there was funny speculation about who she might be. He spoke about how government policy (and the influx of "casual tourists") has affected the crofting communities. Of course, being with him, we were "serious" tourists - there was some eye-rolling.<BR><BR>For first time visitors, the tour was a good overview of the history and culture of the Hebrides, we met nice people, and it was a good value. I'm sure we missed some things we might have done on our own, but I guess that's always a trade off. The pace was<BR>comfortable - we would board the bus about 9:30 am. We liked having time in the morning for a walk or just to relax <BR>over coffee and chat with our tour mates.<BR><BR>Since I wondered about this before we left, I guess I'll address the ages <BR>of the group. The span was probably about 45 to 70, and some of the oldest were the most energetic. One delightful 78 year-old from St. Andrews, an avid golfer, could out-walk all of us.<BR><BR>http://www.classiquetours.co.uk/<BR><BR>E-mail me if you'd like any further info.<BR>

Thanks for this, Charlotte.<BR>I've recently been asked to book friends (from New York) of a friend on a Mull tour with Classique next year, so it's good to have a personal recommendation for them. May I pass the email address to the Noo Yawkers?

Classique coaches are based round the corner from me & have been touring the Western Isles for many years now.They use old coaches (lovingly restored) which can negotiate the tiny roads more easily than the huge "boggler" ones.

Hi Ckarlotte,<BR><BR>Thank you for the B&B in Drymen. Sorry I haven't been here sooner to get it. I will save it for next May. <BR><BR>Maggie