5abc:

You've gotten enough information for fifteen trips into every reach of Scotland...so one more little tip can't hurt...it's np nigh thin, BUT, when driving through the East Neuk fishing villages, when you stop to look over the picturesque sea wall in Pittenweem, you'll notice a blue van/truck parked in the parking area...selling crab cakes and the such...the most delicious you've ever eaten...don't hesitate..just go up to the window counter and order. Have a grand and glorious journey thtough one of my favorite "countries"...

Stu T.

Have been to Arran, and it really is Scotland in miniature and amazingly unspoilt, therefore perfect for those heading to Glasgow and who want to see the Highlands but haven't the time.

However for those that do have the time,little surpasses a tour of the north.

6abc:

...my typo above: it's np nigh thin ...translates to "no big thing" ...

stu T.

Arran is certainly not Lowlands.
It has no Monroes, but it has four Corbetts.
The coastline is beautiful too.

Stu T glad you explained the "no big thing" had no idea what that was but I will keep the blue truck in mind if we make it there.

So at this point once again I just want to thank all of you who have posted and given me such wonderful ideas and input to my "Scotland Appetizer Trip". I feel like I have been there already.

I have my 4 plus gig camera cards (that doesn't include my husbands 4 gigs( Think that is enough ;-) ), My ATM card, Hiking boots, OH YES rain gear, and not to forget a few cloths.

Oh and one more thing it is hard to get used to people being so nice, I had heard that about the Scottish (How refreshing coming from Philadelphia) We are not all that bad here in the states but sometimes we forget our manners...

And an extra thanks to JanisJ, and Sheila and everyone else who has put up with my changing my mind a million times. And also to Trumpan who has found us a place to stay for our first night.

I will check back before we take off on Saturday to see if anyone else has any thing they want to say and then I will do the final printing of this wonderful "MENU OF APPETIZERS"

6abc

6abc:
My wife and I and our sixteen year old son are following you to Scotland this year. I have just seen your threads here. We will be arriving on Monday, June 28 and returning on June 10. We have booked first two nights in Bridge of Alan and then on to Glencoe for one night. Three nights on Skye, two nights in Ullapool, two nights in Nairn and the last three nights in Edinburgh. We are getting very excited, it sounds as if you are as well. All the best and Bon Voyage!

dcarter1, be sure to try out the fish and chips - and the wonderful ice cream - at the Alan Water Cafe in Bridge of Alan. Also there's a specialty grocery store there that has amazing cheeses and nice baked goods.

If you get to Dunblane, there is a butcher in the downtown that makes the tastiest steak pies - they've won awards. My favorite were the steak and black pepper, but I really love pepper. The other flavors were also good (we tried them all!). It's Bennett and Sons, I think.

What do you plan to see near Nairn? My favorite place in Scotland is Pluscarden Abbey, an amazing medieval complex that has been partially rebuilt and is now again a working abbey. The monks keep bees and their honey is out of this world. I felt the deepest peace in this place that I've ever experienced.

Have a great time, and I can't wait to read a trip report!

Sorry about getting your name wrong, d1carter. I meant to double check it, but posted too quickly.

MissPrism, not meaning to be contradictory)), but Lowlands here is geographic not topographic.

Ah, Lowlands rather than "lowlandish"

or "Lowlandish"

Noe847:
Thanks for the tips in Bridge of Alan. We plan to see Fort George near Nairn and just relax on the beach, maybe drive down to Loch Ness for my son. We will check out the steak and pepper pies, I really like pepper as well(one of my hobbies is collecting pepper mills). I know that is weird but I do.
All the best...
D1

6abc:

>>>...my typo above: it's np nigh thin ...translates to "no big thing" ...<<<

LOL..looks like you thought I was writing a Scottish phrase...no!..merely a typo that should have read "no big thing'...you're in for a wonderful journey...
Stu T.

Here is the home page for the butcher, David Bennett & Son:
http://www.bennettsthebutcher.co.uk/
I didn't have a car at the point that I visited Dunblane, so I took the train the few minutes' ride from Bridge of Alan. Saw the cathedral (nicely restored) and the cathedral museum (across the street from the cathedral; small but interesting). I stumbled upon the butcher shop, it's on the main street from the train station to the cathedral. The meat pies called from the window, and they truly were the best thing I've ever put in my mouth.

Stu T, you're back from China!

Hi Noe

Back from China and Japan...exciting, educational, fun, adventurous and ....a wondrous journey.

Stu T. (see my post on my amazing event in Japan.."1946-2007: An Old Soldier Returns to Camp Site in Beppu" posted on 5/22)

This had been a wonderful thread. Thanks again. I am off to the airport. Just wanted to stop by and say good-bye to all of my new found friends.

I did get a reservation for our first night thanks to "trumpan". We are staying in Stirling. See yuall!! I'll post upon my return.

Why am I not surprised that the poster did not bother to post the promised trip report? I'll tell you why! She knew better than any of us and disregarded all advice which she herself had asked for! I made many phone calls for her but she seemed to think we should run after her! No thanks nothing! In fact, I heard that she was a difficult person in real life!
As a result, I shall not be offering to help anyone in future.

Trumpan: What on Earth is your problem?? They only got home 10 days ago. sheesh!

For someone who has only ever posted twice on Fodors that seems a pretty extreme reaction . . . . .

JANISJ.
If you realised just how much work and money went into making phone calls for this woman as she kept changing her mind I think you might have thought twice before posting a nasty reply to me. We ---both myself and other posters who live here---knew that it was a holiday weekend and last minute accommodation would be hard to come by and so it proved, hence the innumerable daily phone calls I had to make. Unlike in the States, these calls are not free.
I am so happy that you found me so interesting that you searched my details but as hubby has just said, given the tone of your post, you are probably just a nosey person. However let me tell you JANISJ that we have been members of Fodor's for a long time from our primary email address.
Have a nice day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've just searched JANISJ and I notice that you have a habit of jumping down people's throats as, according to you, they attack your 'innocent' posts.
I wish I had re-read the whole thread before posting as I wouldn't have bothered to answer your snide remarks. Do you search all posts to see where you can have a go?
I actually feel sorry for you now.
Incidentally, she didn't take any of your advice!!!!