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| Celtic Radio Community > Scotland > Visiting Scotland |
| Posted by: Moon Child 09-Feb-2005, 12:03 PM |
| Hi everyone!! My cousin and I will will be travelling to Scotland within the next year and a half and I was wondering if anyone knew of any special interest places and events that they have annually that we can go to? Also if anyone knows of any places to stay or places where we can go to research our family tree that would be great. Or even if anyone knows of any web sites that we can go on to check things out! We are really looking forward to going and can't wait to get over their since our family originates from there. |
| Posted by: Aragorn 09-Feb-2005, 04:08 PM |
| Hey there, here are a few site for you: http://www.celticcastles.com/map_scotland.asp http://www.scottravel.org/index.htm And if you can get out to Orkney that would be something to see. http://www.orkneyjar.com/index.html Hope this helps you. More if you need it. |
| Posted by: Moon Child 10-Feb-2005, 02:14 AM |
Thanks very much Aragorn!!  Those sites look very interesting. We can at least make up a plan on where were going to go and what were going to see! |
| Posted by: Aragorn 10-Feb-2005, 09:56 AM |
| Moon Child, I think the most fascinating thing for me would be to visit the castles in the area. They hold so many ancient traditions and times of chivalry and knights. I could get lost in that world. Also I would really like to visit some of the really old town and places where Rob Roy and William Wallace roamed. Way too cool, I would have to spend about a month in Scotland. |
| Posted by: Moon Child 10-Feb-2005, 12:14 PM |
Were planning on going for at least a month, maybe longer were not really sure yet. Everyone I have talked to that has either been there or Ireland suggests spending at least a month to see everything. I can't wait to get over there! I really want to check out the castles and I think they even have castles there that are hotels but I imagine it'd be pretty expensive to stay the night!  |
| Posted by: canmac2 01-Mar-2005, 09:31 PM |
| Hi, Check-out this site, especially the accomodation...lots of B&B's...which are the best way to go. Have a great time. http://www.visitscotland.com/ |
| Posted by: KiltedCanadian 02-Mar-2005, 10:46 AM |
| Pick up Lonely Planet Scotland. By far the best travel book series. Well worth the cost. Keep it with you, as it is helpful in all aspects of travel. I used one in 1999 and can not praise it enough. Other books were cheaper, but there is a good reason for that, you get what you pay for. |
| Posted by: Moon Child 02-Mar-2005, 11:25 AM |
| Thanks Canmac and KiltedCanadian for both your suggestions!! I will definetely check them out!! |
| Posted by: sassenach 17-Mar-2005, 10:22 AM |
| I spent 2 weeks in Scotland five years ago...and will definitely return. The places I loved best were the 'Highlands and Islands'. One place I consider a MUST to see is Culloden. |
| Posted by: Moon Child 18-Mar-2005, 02:04 AM |
| Thanks Sass, I will check it out when I go there!! |
| Posted by: davidm 31-Mar-2005, 10:36 AM |
| My wife and I were in Scotland on a very fast tour for 10 days last October, and we tried to see as much as possible. We saw castles in several places. Urquart on Loch Ness is a ruin, but has ancient memories you can feel. Eillean Donan is another on the way to the Isle of Skye, partially lived-in today. Stirling Castle is a very busy place with on-going and active displays, and then there were the showpieces, Scone Palace in Perthshire and Edinburgh Castle. We also visited the Cava Cairns near Culloden, which were a bit away from the beaten path, but have a 'feel' all their own. Yes, the roads are as narrow as a dining room table, so if you're driving (on the other side), be wary. david |
| Posted by: Moon Child 01-Apr-2005, 02:44 AM |
| Thanks Davidm for the tip about driving! We haven't really decided weither or not were going to drive ourselves or if were going to do a tour! It's good to know just in case!! |
| Posted by: Aragorn 07-Apr-2005, 04:24 PM |
| I would drive and just get lost in Scotland. I find it annoying having to run to something different right when you are getting into it. I like the leasure stroll through the highlands or stop whenever you want to. |
| Posted by: davidm 11-Apr-2005, 11:13 AM |
| I'd have to agree with that too. Some of our best time in Scotland was when we got lost by taking a wrong turn south of Inverness on the way to the Loch Ness area. We ended up on a roadway that was one valley west of where we had intended to be, and we couldn't have been happier. It was the epitome of the 'wooded glen' and we expected fairies and nymphs and rugged highland clansmen to jump out in front of us at every turn. We just 'went with it' as the route eventually re-connected to where we were going. Our timetable was too fast and furious, so our advice to ourselves this next trip is to go and spend a few days in a couple places, instead of tring to do a Witman's Sampler trip, where you see a lot, but never really savor any of it. Don't forget to stop off at whisky distilleries too. Very uplifting as well. |
| Posted by: donnchadh 11-Apr-2005, 12:05 PM |
I have to say. Take a car and drive around. A few stops you decide beforehand and alternatives for rainy weather (most unlikely in Scotland  ). Take your time and let inspire you by the scenery and the people. That's it. Enjoy the trip.Slainte Mhor |
| Posted by: Faileas 11-Apr-2005, 03:30 PM |
My tip for the hopeless Scotland addict  : a few shorter trips where ye get a general feeling of the country and what you might want to explore in more detail. Then go back and stay only at a couple of places that you have chosen and savour them to the full . Scotland has such a variety of activities for all sorts of intests and characters, it shouldn't be hard to find something ... Walking in Alba of course is something I deeply recommend , just remember to bring the right equipment. Even Skye' s own "wee hills", i. e. The Cuilling and the Storr, claim a number of lifes every year ... mainly because tourists keep underestimating them. The ground usually is never as gentle as it looks and no path is as straight forward as it looks, allways count on a river or two that have to be crossed ... I bet that goes for other Scottish Mountains as well. Saying all that, it is well worth all effort , because you wont see a wilder and more beautiful landsape  Just be prepared to get on board , eh And careful ..., ye might get stuck there , alas ...  |
| Posted by: Moon Child 13-Apr-2005, 06:38 PM |
I just want to say thank you for the advice!!! We were thinking of doing a tour but as it stands were also thinking of driving too, we haven't really decided yet. We planning on going for a month at least and want to see as much as we can. But we also don't really want to do a tour for the reason of just getting into something and have to move on. On the other hand it would take some getting use to driving on the other side of the road!!  |
| Posted by: Aragorn 14-Apr-2005, 11:46 AM |
Ah, but that is part of the total experience. To drive on the wrong (right) side of the road, hehe.  One word: FREEDOM!! Whatever you do and however you decide to tour Scotland, the most important thing to remember is enjoy ever second of it.  |
| Posted by: BDougher 06-May-2005, 11:45 AM |
| I too will be traveling to Scotland. My trip is a bit shorter than the one asked abotu earlier. I am taking a Soccer Coaching License for a week and then plan a couple of days after that for rest and relaxation, probably mostly from the goalkeeping for a week. What places can you recommend around the Glasgow area as I will be based at the Scottish FA Training Grounds in Glasgow? Thanks, Brian P.s. ANy information about making the trip easier as in hints about the airlines and different things that we would assume would be there but aren't would be good to hear from the experienced travelers of Scotland. |
| Posted by: Nancy-Raven 07-May-2005, 06:17 PM |
| I'm planning to do a trip next year or max the year after , well because it is expensive.My choice is France , England and of course Scotland.I don't think I could stay a month but a few weeks.The adress give by everyone will really help to plan where exactly I will go. |
| Posted by: BDougher 28-May-2005, 07:46 AM |
| I'll let you know more when I return from my trip. So far just surfing the web and advice from CR in other forums has helped a lot. Good luck with your plans, Brian |
| Posted by: Moon Child 28-May-2005, 08:45 AM |
Enjoy your trip to Scotland BDougher!!! Take lots of  and let us know how your trip goes as soon as you get back!!! |
| Posted by: BDougher 28-May-2005, 09:02 AM |
| I am really looking forward to it. I just got another memory card for my camera, so I wouldn't run out of space. No matter what happens, rain or shine, which wouldn't be much different from here in Massachusetts, I am going to have a good time. Soccer and driving and exploring, this is going to be fun. Brian |
| Posted by: CelticRose 30-May-2005, 12:25 AM |
| I am hoping to go to Scotland either next year or the year after. We had originally planned for this year but some unexpected things happened in our lives that prevented it so. I like what Faileas had to say as she lives there and I didn't know about the being careful where you walk part. Hubby wants to drive and stay in B&Bs. He says that's the best way to see a country and experience the people. He visited NZ for three weeks before we were married and drove on the other side of the road with no problem, he says. He said that he would like to take a few train rides though. We will only be able to go for 10 days max so I have to take in as much as I can in a short amount of time. Here's my plan: Fly into Glasgow, then onto Edinburgh to Stirling to Inverness, Culloden Moor is a must for me too, then down Glencoe, Fort William and back down to Glasgow to fly home. I want to see castles too, but not sure if any will be on that path. Anybody know? Brian, when is your trip? |
| Posted by: BDougher 30-May-2005, 08:45 AM |
| Mine is June 23rd to July 5. I am flying into Glasgow and staying there for 2 days, then traveling to Largs for a Soccer Coaching/ Goalkeeper Clinic. From there all I know is I fly out of Glasgow on the 5th. I will probably head north and East to spend some time in Edinburgh and beyond that, where ever my heart and map take me. BTW, does anyone know if I need to get an adapter for my electronics when it comes to wall outlets. I am assuming that they run on the 220 system. Brian |
| Posted by: CelticRose 30-May-2005, 05:25 PM |
| Oh my! your trip will be pretty soon then! Lucky duck! From what I understand, you do have to get an adapter for your electronics. But that is one area I have not looked into further. |
| Posted by: Cù Dubh 31-May-2005, 02:12 AM |
| Glasgow has some great places to visit CR. There's the Burrel Collection. Created when Sir William Burrell gifted his collection of over 9,000 works of art to Glasgow. Also the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. It's closed right now for refurbishment, but it should be open by the time you get round to your visit. Glasgow Cathedral is another great place and has the tomb of St. Mungo in the lower church. Just across the road from the cathedral is the oldest house in Glasgow - Provand?s Lordship built in 1471. The people's palace is another favourite of mine. Which tells of the history and the people of Glasgow. The Botanic Gardens is worth a visit too. Glasgow has plenty of great shops. So they're worth a vista too. As far as castles. Well, you'll be in Edinburgh & Stirling. They have the two of the greatest castles in Scotland, but they're are castles just about everywhere in Scotland. I'm pretty sure you do need an adapter for electrical appliances. |
| Posted by: CelticRose 01-Jun-2005, 09:16 PM |
| Thanks so much Cu Dubh for telling me all the places to see in Glasgow. I have heard there are some great art galleries and a museum there as well.......all that I want to see. I also want to see a lot in Edinburgh. There is the Royal Mile where Princess Street, is there not? Plus the castle there. Cu Dubh and Faileas do you think I can make a trip like this in 9-10 days? I want to see Glasgow Edinburgh Stirling Inverness Culloden Moor Fort William Glencoe Loch Lomond then back to Glasgow to fly home. That is all the time I can take cause we own a business and can't leave it for long. It may be the only time I get to see Scotland. I don't know. I know it is a lot to take in, but I hear Scotland isn't that big of a country. Anyway, I talked to hubby seriously last night about the desire to want to go so badly and he said well let's plan for next fall. So that is when we are going to try. I hear flights are lower then, but it may be pretty cold then too. What do you all think? |
| Posted by: Cù Dubh 02-Jun-2005, 02:36 AM |
| It's possible CR. Scotland's a small country, but it will still be a wee bit of a rush to go to all those places, but you will see more of Scotland. Autumn in Scotland can mean beautiful sunshine or wind & rain. There's no way of telling really. I'd bring summer clothes & waterproofs. Yes the Royal mile is in Edinburgh & the castle of course. You can't miss the castle. It sits high up on a hill over looking the royal mile. |
| Posted by: Iain A.D. 02-Jun-2005, 02:23 PM | ||
Hi Rose If you ever do get over to oor wee land please dont miss out on the Borders. Scenery might not be as "dramatic" as the Heilan's but there are so many lovely areas to see (castles, palaces, villages,gardens etc). Interesting that Fred did a 3 week tour of NZ. Guess what I am doing next year ?? My young brother Murray has been out there for 3 years now and we are going to tour the country next April. Will be difficult trying to fit everything into 3 weeks |
| Posted by: CelticRose 02-Jun-2005, 05:10 PM |
Hey Iain! Wow! Wonderful to see you! Thanks for reminding me about the borders! Funny, I was looking at my map of Scotland last night and looking that part of the country over as well. I have a feeling it is going to take me more than one trip to see everything I want to see.  I want to see as many castles as I can. Didn't realize there were some on the borders as well. Glasgow and Edinburgh is considered central belt, right? Oh wow! You are going to NZ? Are you going for 3 weeks yourself? Fred just loves it there. He wanted to move there even! He wants very much to go back and take me there to see it too. I can't wait till you go and tell me how you love it as I am sure you will. Thanks Cu Dubh! Yeah, it will be a wee bit of rush, won't it? The more of Scotland I look on the net, the more I want to see. Sigh.... I was telling Fred last night all what we can do in Glasgow. Thanks for the weather info too. I wanted to stay away from the tourist season, even though I sure would love to go to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. But that's in August as the height of tourist time and flights are more expensive too. Thanks for the suggestion of clothes too! Summer clothes in September.......in Scotland?! Cu Dubh, do you take many trips outside of Scotland or the UK in general at all? Where all have you been? You all are so lucky cause you get to see and experience all these different countries and cultures. You all are so much help and I am so excited. I can't wait to hear about Brian's trip in a few weeks to see what he does and thinks. Aragorn. Have you been over to Scotland yet? |
| Posted by: CelticRose 02-Jun-2005, 05:11 PM |
Forgot. Iain! Is that THE Al Pacino in your avatar? Good one!  |
| Posted by: Cù Dubh 02-Jun-2005, 11:51 PM | ||
Summer for Scotland no Arizona CR! If you're thinking of going in September then you'll need your jumpers & anoraks. Especially late Sept. It get chillier at night too. |
| Posted by: Iain A.D. 03-Jun-2005, 04:50 AM | ||
Naw, its my uncle Davy. There is a likeness though isnt there ? (only kiddin' - it is A.P., one of my heroes  ) |
| Posted by: Maddie 03-Jun-2005, 04:56 PM |
| Ah... I though there is no weather in Scotland... all four seasons in one day? |
| Posted by: CelticRose 03-Jun-2005, 09:55 PM |
| Cu Dubh! That is what I thought. Was to bring warm clothing in September. I thought you were messing with me. What's an anorak? Love your new avatar, btw! Iain! Al Pacino is a big hero of mine too! I own all the Godfather movies, of course, and have seen him in just about every movie he has made. Since I am half Sicilian, it is more likely that he is my Uncle Davy. I looked on my Scotland map last night at the borders. I am not really familiar with the area so any particular towns you might suggest I try to see? I actually know someone who lives in Stranraer. He has showed me pictures of his town and surrounding areas such as the beautiful Galloway Forest. Looks really beautiful. Hai Maddie! Hope you are doing well! |
| Posted by: Iain A.D. 04-Jun-2005, 03:51 AM | ||
Here are a few places I would recommend Rose Based in Edinburgh, you could see all these in a day's driving,passing through some lovely scenery while you move from place to place. http://www.jedburgh-online.org.uk/aroundjedburgh.asp http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/hawick/hawick/ http://www.peebles.info/index.cfm?page=places http://www.visitmoffat.co.uk/pages/content.asp?PageID=1 http://www.stmarysloch.com/photoalbum/album/image8.htm |
| Posted by: Cù Dubh 04-Jun-2005, 06:21 AM | ||
Naw, for some reason i had it in my head you were going in August for the festival. September can still have warm days though. No way of knowing really. What you think is cold though is probably my idea of a heatwave.
It's a waterproof jacket. Not sure what they call them in the US. |
| Posted by: Maddie 04-Jun-2005, 07:11 AM |
| I think parka or windbreaker is a good term for anorak. Hai, I'm doing ok. |
| Posted by: CelticRose 04-Jun-2005, 01:09 PM |
| Thanks Iain very much for the suggestions. I added them to my must see list to put in my visit to Scotland folder. I had never really considered the borders cause everybody I know always goes to the Highlands, which I hope to do as well. Cu Dubh! I wish so much I could go in August to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, but the flight over the pond is so much cheaper if we wait a month. I would especially love to go this August/ September for the big event taking place this year. Thanks for telling me what an anorak is. It would be like a "rain coat" for us or like what Maddie said, a parka or windbreaker. Hai Maddie! You have been to Scotland. I would be interested in hearing about your travels there and where you went and did. Weren't you just there for a month?! Bye fur noo! |
| Posted by: Maddie 04-Jun-2005, 06:37 PM |
| I don't think rain coat quite gets it, a parka describes anorak best. If I'm not completely mistaken its an eskimo word, at least from far North, that makes the original not just rain coats but warm and comfy as well. I've been several times to Scotland. The very first time when I was a toddler, lol, while my father worked in a place near London and later in Dundee. Sadly enough it's been my longest stay. Ack. My last stay was actually the shortest one, just 8 days, with six days on the Isle of Skye. Couldn't help but strolling a day in Edinburgh though. Next visit will be in September (a bheil thu deisil, mo bhana-chariad a Fhaileas?), can't wait. |
| Posted by: CelticRose 04-Jun-2005, 06:52 PM | ||
Oh, well you learn something new every day! Thanks Maddie! How lucky for you to have been on Scottish soil several times. I'll be lucky if I do it one time! Your going this September? Cool! Where are going to exactly? To visit Faileas? |
| Posted by: Maddie 04-Jun-2005, 07:11 PM |
| I sorely miss an edit button! LOL. Yeah, I'd love meeting her again. My job requires lots of travel to my advantage . We have an office Aberdeen and flying to Europe is part of my objectives. A little detour is acceptable, as long as no extra cost do occur. Although most of business trips are far from enjoyable... wasting hours at airports, in airplanes and hotel rooms... my favoutate example: my frequent visits to Paris. You hop on a plane, embark on the travel underground, leave at a station called Eiffel tower, run up the stairs (where is the tower???), hurry down the street, attend a meeting all fricking day long, and hurry back. Ah there's the Eiffel tower... boy. Yeah, I've been to Paris but only because I deliberatly took vacation days. |
| Posted by: Faileas 06-Jun-2005, 04:01 PM | ||||
Tha mi' n dochas gum bi mi deiseil le taigh snog, a ghraidh . I hope I will be ready with a nice house .And Celtic Rose .... Should you find your way one day to the Misty Isle, ye are more than welcome to call in for a wee dram .Maddie, a ghraidh, I am lookinf forward to it |
| Posted by: CelticRose 12-Jun-2005, 10:33 PM |
| Hai all! I just got back from my trip up to Oregon. I was up there for 7 days and I learned a big lesson while there. You can't see and do much in that short period of time and we did A LOT! So we figure we will probably have to narrow down our trip to just Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling and Inverness and stay in a B&B where we will be centrally located to these places. Hopefully we will be able to do that in a 10 day trip. Thanks Faileas for your invitation. Maddie, I bet the travelling is a real pain but how neat you get to travel abroad and see other countries. I am lucky if I get out of the state! LOL |
| Posted by: BDougher 18-Jun-2005, 06:38 PM |
| Well I leave in 5 days. Looking forward to it. Anyone have any idea what the weather is supposed to like for the next two weeks. Hopefully sunny and in the 70s, unlike Massachusetts where it is wet and in the 60s. Now if I could just get those people that plan to protest the G8 summit in Edinburgh to skip it, i am sure it will be a really great visit. Either that or I will be spending more time in the Highlands taking in the scenery. |
| Posted by: CelticRose 18-Jun-2005, 06:57 PM |
| Brian! When you come back, be sure and post your pics in the vacation thread in the Discussion forum! It would be really cool to see your photos! Have a wonderful trip! Can't help you with the weather but maybe Cu Dubh and Iain can though. |
| Posted by: BDougher 19-Jun-2005, 04:56 PM |
| I just checked the weather report. I am going to have more hot weather here in Mass. then my trip there. I will make sure I pack a little heavier than I want to. Oh well, I have a digital camera with enough batteries and enough memory to capture over 500 pictures. Let's take them all. |
| Posted by: CelticRose 19-Jun-2005, 10:16 PM |
| LOL! I have a memory card for 400 pics, but when I get to Scotland I promise you I will have me another memory card for that many as well! Have a wonderful trip, Brian! Want to hear all about it! |
| Posted by: BDougher 06-Jul-2005, 08:44 AM |
| Well I am back. Not to my liking though. It was beautiful over there and only rained one day. Got really lucky. After I put some captions on the pictures I will post them. I will write more later today as I have 14 hundred things to do before I leave again tomorrow. Brian |
| Posted by: CelticRose 09-Jul-2005, 07:01 PM |
| Welcome back, Brian! Anxious to hear all about your trip and see your photos! Now you gotta rest, eh? You must be exhausted. |
| Posted by: BDougher 19-Aug-2005, 01:26 PM |
| Ok, sorry it is coming so late. Been doing soccer camps and starting a new job in Maine. Here is the link to my pictures. http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9AZOGLFy1cuSA It was great time with only one day of rain and I was inside that whole day. The Bed and Breakfast places are the best. Great people and don't get me started about the breakfast that they served. Though the baked beans thing scared me a bit. I am already planning on my next trip next summer. Enjoy, Brian |
| Posted by: Moon Child 20-Aug-2005, 04:15 AM |
| Very nice pictures Brian!! I enjoyed looking through them and look forward to going there one day!! |
| Posted by: CelticRose 20-Aug-2005, 07:14 PM |
| Wow! Great, outstanding pictures, Brian. I felt like I was touring Scotland myself! I know it is a real pain to upload all those pics on Shutterfly, but will you be labeling some of the pics that weren't? Did you get to Inverness and Culloden? How far north did you go? Glasgow looks really busy. What was the BOB festival? That War Memorial in Glasgow. What was that in honor of and whom? Thanks so much Brian! How many days were you there again? Did you feel like you saw a lot? Scotland is so beautiful. Gosh, hopefully I will get there next fall but if I do, hubby may be going home alone! |
| Posted by: valpal 59 21-Aug-2005, 09:21 AM |
| Thank-you for the pictures. Scotland is so beautiful. I would really love to go there someday. |
| Posted by: starlight_xx 21-Aug-2005, 06:12 PM |
| Your photos are great! I live & work in Glasgow but its fascinating seeing things I take for granted through someone elses eyes. Im glad you had a good holiday. I see you visited Largs. I think its one of my favourite places Can you believe I actually know one of the Police Officers in your photo!!! lol Sandy |
| Posted by: BDougher 27-Aug-2005, 04:18 PM |
| CR, The BOB pictures were the Battle of Boyne Protestant March. Funny story about that day. I had the choice of 2 jackets to wear into Glasgow, both were Adidas. One was green and the other blue. The blue one won because it was a zipper down. I could just imagine walking and watching the March wearing Green. I don't think I would have made it out alive. Oh the things you learn about other cultures. I did have a good chuckle with the Concierge at the Hotel I was staying at especially when I asked him before leaving if there was anything exciting going on. Also during the March, The Glasgow Jazz Festival was going on. Two very different styles of music that day. As for the War Memorial, it was there to pay respect to all those that have fallen in battle for Scotland. I had a great 14 days there in Scotland. 3 in Glasgow, 6 in Largs and the rest traveling from Fort Williams to Inverness to Aberdeen to avoiding the G8 Summit and all the idiots that decided to protest one thing or another. I did too much driving but I wanted to see as much as possible. The next trip will be more of stopping and really visiting the sites. I took some of those pictures at 60 miles per hour. Taking my backpack and a good set of walking shoes may be in order next time. I look forward to seeing Scotland again really soon as I am already planning my return next summer. Met a lot of great people and I want to stay in some more B&B places. They are awesome. Sandy, I have that same problem. I lived in Chicago for a number of years growing up and really only saw the good stuff when friends would come in to visit. It is amazing what I have taken for granted. Almost got that way when I lived outside of Boston, but I made more of an effort to see the Historic places. Well I am off. Brian |
| Posted by: CelticRose 27-Aug-2005, 07:40 PM |
| Thanks so much Brian for answering my questions. Sounds like you had a really great trip by the sound of it and by your photos. I bet you can't wait to go back. |