I've been asked by a few people for ideas on a trip to Scotland. First off let me say that I normally visit my mum in North Fife so that's the area that I know best nowadays cos it's a bit of a schlep with 3 children and only one driver (me) from London - 450 miles to be exact. But in my time I've traveled a fair bit around Scotland, but not really to the very far north or outer islands. Where to go Well, it would depend on what you're looking for - empty spaces, lochs and mountains - head to the Highlands esp the Grampians, and Aviemore would make a good base. empty spaces and empty beaches - why let me suggest Ardnamurchan in the far west. Or head towards Morar and Arisaig. People, culture, history and lots of family friendly activities - Glasgow, it's loud, proud and overwhelmingly friendly. Edinburgh - beautiful but a bit snooty. Or anywhere in the Central Lowlands, towns like Stirling are attractive, handy rail and motorway links to all major cities and the Highlands. Monsters - Loch Ness - where else? Surfing - head to the far north for some great waves but cold sea - pack your wetsuit. Want everything - try Fife, coal towns, beaches, universities, pretty fishing villages in the East Neuk, great food, festivals like the Big Tent or smaller local ones like Newburgh and Auchtermuchty. Culross is pretty cool as a place to visit too. Incredibly rich farmland and then round the next bend, some lochs and scenery like the West Coast. Mustn't forget golf eg the birthplace of golf at the Royal and Ancient. Rail links to Edinburgh, easy to reach Dundee by train or car. Supplied free of charge - stunning, beautiful scenery wherever you go and the people are very friendly. Weather wise As a generalisation, the East is slightly drier and warmer, while the West is wetter and milder. The fact is if the sun shines all day you are very lucky, the weather is usually a couple of degrees cooler than London, it never gets stiflingly hot and muggy though. In the last couple of summers '07 and '08 we've had better (dryer) weather for the week i was up than the folks back in London and they were poor summers. Pack waterproofs and layers and you'll be fine. Scotland isn't particularly cheap for accommodation and it does tend to be booked far ahead esp cottages, but there are loads of B&Bs, and hotels as well. More links Edinburgh Festival the Fringe Scottish Tourist Board Skye - an island now reachable by bridge, other islands are available. Inverness - capital of the highlands makes a great base for exploring, history, shopping and dolphins. Other advice, take your camera, and for some this will be a bonus but there are large areas with no mobile coverage, it depends on the population density, so towns will be fine but a mountain not so much. If you decide to go you'll have a great time. | 
