Vacation in Scotland

March 16, 2011 6:44 PM

Bonehead and I are going to Scotland in July, and will be starting in Edinburgh and culminating in a singing session in Cullerlie, near Aberdeen. On the way I'd like to see the Highlands, Skye or maybe Oban. My question is twofold: what awesome things can Scottish Mefites suggest to us to do between July 15th and 23rd, and 2) any appetite for a meetup?
posted by LN to Travel & Transportation around Scotland (9 answers total)

I don't live in Scotland, however I have always wanted to see the Falkirk Wheel. Not sure how that fits in with your travel plans though.
posted by The River Ivel at 6:57 PM on March 16, 2011

Are you dates set in stone? I am planning to attend part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and eat up some delicious comedy. It starts 5th August. From all accounts the town is abuzz for weeks, it sounds like a fun time.

I haven't decided when I'm getting there yet and will likely be late July. Keep me posted on meet ups. Cheers.
posted by Trivia Newton John at 7:22 PM on March 16, 2011

My mother grew up in Melrose, in the Borders region of Scotland (not far from Edinburgh), so I spent many a holiday visiting relatives and seeing the sights in the area. I'm biased, of course, but I'd recommend stopping by Melrose (starring Melrose Abbey and the Eildon Hills) and just-down-the-road Abbotsford (Sir Walter Scott's house). Take a day trip to North Berwick and go on a boat tour to Bass Rock and see the Puffins. While in North Berwick, be sure to check out Tantallon Castle, one of the coolest castle ruins you can find anywhere. Go a bit further south back into England and see Lindisfarne Castle and buy a bottle of Lindisfarne Mead.
posted by holterbarbour at 7:40 PM on March 16, 2011

Visit Cruden Bay and Dunnottar Castle
posted by fire&wings at 2:39 AM on March 17, 2011

I highly recommend Orkney, particularly Skara Brae. If you make it up to Caithness I'd definitely meet up!
posted by hazyjane at 5:26 AM on March 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yes! Orkney Island and Skara Brae are fantastic! I never miss an opportunity to give them a plug.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 6:07 AM on March 17, 2011

Scottish Mefite here.

Check out Glencoe, it is quintessential Highlands.

It might be a bit of a squeeze but the Hebridean Celtic Music Festival is happening at precisely the time you are in the country. It is on the Isle of Lewis, which might be a bit out of your way though.

Its about time we had a Scottish Mefi meetup... if I am around (ie.. not on Lewis) I would be well up for it. Drop us a mefi mail or put something up in IRL.
posted by TheOtherGuy at 6:27 AM on March 17, 2011

I'm not an Oban fan. It's now slightly tacky and there isn't nearly as much of interest as you might think.

Skye, on the other hand, is fantastic. If you are up that way, consider having the full Harry Potter experience and taking a ride on The Jacobite.

On Skye itself, although it is not cheap, The Three Chimneys is a fantastic place to eat.
posted by MuffinMan at 6:30 AM on March 17, 2011

If you're into whisky, you might be interested in the the Malt Whisky Trail around Speyside. which could form part of a scenic route from Skye to Aberdeen. If you go to Oban and you like boats, you might consider taking one of the cruises out to Corryvreckan whirlpool, which usually also include a bit of wildlife spotting.
For events listings, try The List, which helpfully has a category for festivals by date, so you can see if there's anything on that you fancy while you're here.
posted by Jakey at 9:25 AM on March 17, 2011 [1 favorite]