BS: Some things to do in Scotland

Subject: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: olddude
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 05:57 PM

OK my kids studying to be a Vet, she is going to Scotland in a couple weeks to spend a year at the University there. Been to Ireland a zillion times but never to Scotland. Give me some cool things to see if you don't mind. I kinda like the non tourist stuff. Usually I go to places rent a car and take off with a map.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: olddude
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 06:02 PM

Drinking Scotch is already on my list so I need some other ideas

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Smokey.
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 06:32 PM

Tell her to head North-West and see as much of the countryside as possible. Drive up the glens and start walking when the road runs out - 'tis the way to paradise.

Generally speaking, the West coast is nicer than the East.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 06:34 PM

Once when I was in Scotland I saw a sign for sheep dog trials. (It was way out in the country.) They happened to be over, but I thought that that would be a good thing to watch.

Nowadays she can probably locate some online.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: kendall
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 08:18 PM

There is one city in the world that I really like. Edinburgh.
Being a history nut, I had to see Culloden, Flora McDonald's house and grave. I got a kick out of seeing some of the scenes in Monty Python and the holy grail. The gorge of eternal peril, that little castle on that tiny island in the last scene before the cops showed up.
Hadrians wall of course.
If you get to the Orkneys, the Eagles nest Scara Brae and Scapa Flow.
Also, Glen Coe, where the Campbells butchered the MacDonalds in February 1602?

Scotland is beautiful. I loved driving around on those country roads where Sheep have the right of way.
I found the Scots to be very friendly and tolerant of visitors.

If you are there in August in Edinburgh do the Military Tattoo. It is a really great spectacle.70 Highland pipers; it's enough to make you don a kilt and a Claymore!
And, of course, Nessy.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: gnu
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 09:06 PM

Speaking of mythical leviathans, Giok might be able to hook you up with some sight seeing.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Smokey.
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 09:29 PM

Wild river salmon (smoked) from the Spey - supposed to be the best there is & I'm a believer.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Midchuck
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 09:35 PM

My wife and I once attempted to write a song, using the melody of "Barbara Allen," to be called "I Draw the Line at Haggis."

We gave it up. The only rhymes we could think of were "gag us" and "nag us," and that wasn't enough to work with.

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Smokey.
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 09:51 PM

Inverewe Garden is well worth a visit.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 10:22 PM

I've been there. That's a good idea, Smokey.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Smokey.
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 10:42 PM

Real home-made (in a slow wood-burning oven by a beautifully unfathomable geriatric lady) shortbread, almost cooled. I think they put drugs in it. Forget the tartan tins; get the real hardcore stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Smokey.
Date: 21 Aug 11 - 11:27 PM

Real Aberdeen Angus, not the old pit-pony they palm you off with in the supermarkets. Best beef there is. Had my first venison in Scotland too - highly recommended for any discerning carnivore. Proper haggis made by a seventh generation butcher from things unknowable. Peat fires. The smell of a distillery warehouse. Castles full of history.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: GUEST,Allan Conn
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 12:49 AM

"Glen Coe, where the Campbells butchered the MacDonalds in February 1602?"

Though in reality it was a regular Regiment of the army that carried out the massacre. Under the orders of the Scottish government in Edinburgh ultimately sanctioned by KIng William in London. It was Argyll's Regiment but he was only a symbolic Colonel in Chief. It was in reality commanded overall by an Englishman called John Hill. Robert Campbell of Glenlyon was the leading officer on the actual operation but only a tiny fraction of the troops were Campbells. It probably suited the Scottish government and British monarchy of the day to portray the affair as clan rivalry and use the Campbells as scapegoats!

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: GUEST,Allan Conn
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 12:51 AM

Ooops yes and it was 1692!This is a muster roll taken from the previous year 1691. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_of_Argyll's_Regiment_of_Foot

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: kendall
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 04:48 AM

I told the tale as it was told to me. I wasn't there.
When my wife, whose name was Campbell, and I toured Scotland, we traveled under my name and never mentioned hers.

It's interesting that the Campbells got such a bad name from that incident when some years before, the MacDonalds slaughtered a group of Mcleods in church.Or is this also a myth?

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: GUEST,Wolfhound person
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 04:57 AM

Hadrian's Wall was in England last time I looked. Though I for one would be willing to secede - I think he got it about right.

By all means visit the republic of South Scotland (=Northumberland)

Otherwise, yeah, head north and west. North of Aberdeen round to Inverness is good too, and then there's the Spey valley, but park your hire car up and hide the keys before visiting.

Oh and get to Gordon & McPhail in Elgin. Its a grocery store at first glance, but just look at the back wall.

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 05:22 AM

Dan
I can thoroughly recommend walking along Glen Nevis (see pictures on this link Glen Nevis )

It is right by the foot of Ben Nevis, which you can also walk up (see pictures on this link Ben Nevis )

Next to Ben Nevis is the town of Fort William (see pictures on this link http://www.visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/online-guide-to-fort-william-scotland This is an excellent guide to that area.)

When I lived up there, I used to quite often get in the car and go on the A84 to Stirling then up to Callendar (Trossachs), then Lochearnhead, then on the A85 to Inverardran, then onto the A82 all the way down to Loch Lomand on the west side and then head on back to where I lived. It is a beautiful trip with plenty of stopping of points. It is a full day trip, but well worth the effort.

This map might help you to get your bearings http://www.aboutscotland.com/tour/tourmap.html

Incidentally Kendall hit it right on the nail by recommending Glen Coe. It is out of this world. You could go to Glen Coe and then go on to Fortwilliam and Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis.

Hope all of that is some help to you Dan.

Les

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 05:27 AM

Sorry the link to Ben Nevis doesn't seem to work. However this link does. http://www.mountainwalk.co.uk/benneviswalk.html

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: olddude
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 08:17 AM

Wow North it is ... wow Thank you

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 08:38 AM

As I live on Orkney, I can recommend it. Go to Cairngorm, beautiful walks, mountain railway or walk to the top. (Take a coat, it can snow up there even in June !) Visit the preserved railway at Aviemore. Do the whiskey trail around Elgin and Speyside. (Do lock your car up in Elgin) Lossiemouth has a folk club on Tuesdays (?) Go along the great Glen from Inverness to Fort William. You won't see anything like it. One of the most beautiful sights in the world. Go to Skye. Aberdeen is an up and coming city. Go into the wilds of Caithness and see the clearance villages. Go to the Scottish Mining museum and the Bo'ness and Kinneal railway. Go to the new transport museum in Glagow.............so much to do, so little time !!!

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: olddude
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 08:54 AM

Wow Eric
that sounds cool .. I am there

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 10:05 AM

Glen Coe is a hauntingly beautiful place. I stood on the mound where the signal fire was lit to tell the Argyles to kill MacDonalds. I swear I could sense the grief.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 11:37 AM

"Glen Coe is a hauntingly beautiful place."

Isn't it just Kendall!

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 12:55 PM

Speaking as an American, living in England have to say Scotland has my heart.

On the West coast

From Gairloch north through Inverewe and up to Ullapool, wonderful scenery. Skye is lovely too. South of Oban on West coast is Kilmartin Glen for Neolithic/bronze age remains, standing stones, cairns and cup and ring marks . Amazing stuff.


In the middle
Glen Coe is my fave place in the world. If she goes nowhere else she should see Glen Coe.

Falls of Dochart is a pretty little place if in the Trossachs area. Stirling Castle is massive and not disappointing. Doune is small. Don't travel half a day just to see it. Combine that with other sights. The Crannog Centre on Loch Tay. Long travel but worth it re scenery on the way and seeing the roundhouse built over the loch.

On the east coast

Edinburgh wonderful. If near the borders jump down to Alnwick in the Northumberland. Not to far from that is the Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe museum. Everything you want to know about pipes. Small but packed with loads of stuff.

Sure there is so much more I can't remember right now.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: gnu
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 01:06 PM

Great pics!

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 07:57 PM

One of my fondest memories of Scotland was visiting a couple of fishing villages on the west coast. Having lived all of my life in landlocked Midwestern states, it's a treat to be near the sea. Hopefully, you can walk out on a pier and see the fishing boats coming in, fishermen unloading their catch, gulls circling around, ferries coming in from the islands, seals swimming in the harbor, kids fishing for crabs, etc. I suppose there are lots of places in England, Wales, and Ireland where you can do the same thing, but if you haven't done it much, and happen to be in Scotland, you might as well do it there.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 07:59 PM

p.s. You won't run into many tourists, and if you do, they will be Scottish tourists!

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 10:16 PM

Dance with a man in a kilt. I did that in Inverness.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: olddude
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 10:18 PM

LOL I will pass on that one Chantey LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 10:39 PM

Would you wear a kilt? Anyway these are supposed to be suggestions for your daughter!

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: olddude
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 11:14 PM

OK, but I will be taking her there LOL so I won't wear a kilt ... does a Pittsburgh Steelers hat count?

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Allan Conn
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 05:29 AM

"It's interesting that the Campbells got such a bad name from that incident when some years before, the MacDonalds slaughtered a group of Mcleods in church.Or is this also a myth?"

There were a great many massacres done by clans including both Campbells and MacDonalds. Glencoe stood out because of the hospitality receivd by the offenders but more so because it wasn't specifically clan warfare (which had all but ended by then)but was in fact a war crime carried out by the state and it went right to the heart of the Scottish govt and to the monarch himself! For instance during the civil war period of the 1640s after the Herschip of Argyll, the MacDonalds and Irish MacDonnells openly boasted about killing 900 Campbells without a sword being lifted in defence. Even allowing for exaggeration it is known that a great many were killed in cold blood. In the same period Montrose let the Irish MacDonnells run riot in Aberdeen massacring the citizens. The Campbells of course were equally ruthless in decimating other clans. I don't think many people in Scotland now seriously worry about it though. It is all distant history.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Zen
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 06:41 AM

Some good suggestions from folks already. If you fancy some music do PM, there is lots on in various places. I live not far from Stirling.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: kendall
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 08:39 AM

On one of my trips to Scotland, we stopped at a bed and breakfast in Glen Coe and there was a sign on the lawn that said No dogs or Campbells allowed.
In Fort William I was talking to the manager of a hotel where we wanted to stay, and I mentioned we had come down from the Isle of Skye, and he said "Well, you best keep going". He couldn't hide the gleam in his eye though.
They had a piper in the dining room and I asked if he would play The Dark Island. He did, and I felt right at home.

Jacqui will tell you that I do broiled Salmon pretty good, but there is a hotel in Edinburgh,called the Northumberland, or Northumbrian (never can remember)where they do the best Salmon dinner ever.

I love England, Wales and Ireland; they all have their special attraction for me, but Scotland has a really unique panache. I feel just a bit homesick just typing this.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 11:30 AM

I stayed in a house by Loch Ness the one time with my wife and my parents. The pub was a normal house where the lounge of the house was the pub and restaurant. I nipped out to it and asked them if they could do a special meal primarily for my parents as a suprise. They said they could.
So I asked them if they could cook a fresh salmon. They said yes they could and they would go fishing that day and catch a suitable Salmon.
By god, We have never ever eaten such lovely salmon in our life and never will I suppose.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: olddude
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 11:32 AM

Loch Ness
I gotta find Nessie ... yea ... bring me scuba gear and camera ..
good idea

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 11:45 AM

Nessie might eat you for breakfast Dan :-)

Les

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 12:58 PM

Last trip to Scotland (far too long ago) we stayed at Minch View Cottage
Self catering 2 bedroom cottage with wonderful views of the Minch from near every window.

Good headquarters for day trips north, south and centre.

I am going to start singing Mingulay Boat Song now.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 06:09 PM

Hi there,

may I refer to my own website at TravelDestination Scotland ?
Not everything translated into English yet but I am happy to give more information to special topics if necessary.

I can also recommend the Outer Hebrides Lewis and Harris.

There is also something fascinating coming up in Stornoway next year in July.
A course called "Hebridean Experience" where you can learn Gaelic in the morning and dive into the culture of Scotland and the Hebrides in the afternoon with excursions, workshops ect.
The announcement is not yet online but will be found at Interlingua Language School
If someone wants to book in, please mention my name, thank you :-)

Best regards

Sabine

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 10:28 PM

Steelers cap will have to do. Scuba gear and camera, too. What else will you pack? You could start another thread! And I hope during or after your trip you tell us about it.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: MikeL2
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 02:48 PM

hi Dan

Kendal is right - do the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I have just been there this week-end and saw it live for the first time.

It is a magnificent spectacle with all kinds of military music; especially Scottish.

At this time of year Edinburgh is full of people of all nationalities. All At the same time you get have the Festival, The Fringe and the Tattoo.

For something less crowded try Perth to Inverness and most things in between.

The Scots are very friendly and hospitable.

I wish your daughter well and know she will have a great time.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 05:53 PM

Last year, Susan and I listened to (and joined in) some of the most magnificent singing we've heard yet, at the Auchtermuchty festival.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: olddude
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 07:52 PM

My daughter is here, leaving in a couple of weeks. She said the guy at St. Andrews said they think Nessie is dead cause no one has seen her in Loch Ness for awhile. I think that is a dirty lie ... Nessie lives ..
and maybe just hiding ... dang it ... I hate false rumors ... dang it ..
No way ... I will find her I will ... I can find anything or anyone ..

Nessie is alive and well ... just shy

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 10:49 PM

Swim with Nessie!

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 25 Aug 11 - 05:40 AM

Is that the Dick Vet school near Edinburgh?

Most of it's near Roslin, not far from where I live (they treated one my cats for a broken hip). You oughta see Roslin Chapel anyway. There is an active (mostly Americana) folk scene in Midlothian (the county around there). If you want to find out more let me know.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: kendall
Date: 25 Aug 11 - 05:55 AM

I have a photo of me in a kilt, in fact, the whole outfit, but I don't know how to post it.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 25 Aug 11 - 08:36 PM

Kendall-
Please don't.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Aug 11 - 09:58 PM

Kendall, that's too bad. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to see that. I noticed just now that the ad at the top of this thread is for kilts!

What other ideas do people have for things to do in Scotland?

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: Gavin Paterson
Date: 26 Aug 11 - 12:37 PM

The East Neuk (corner) of Fife is my favourite part. Avoid St Andrews though.

Subject: RE: BS: Some things to do in Scotland
From: JennyO
Date: 26 Aug 11 - 01:26 PM

I think the Cairngorms might have got a mention. Here's a link Cairngorms National Park The first time Rob and I went to Aberdeen, we climbed Mither Tap, from the Bennachie Centre. It was a bit challenging, but the 360 degree views from the top were worth it! Mither Tap

Another thing that springs to mind is the gardens Scotland's Garden Scheme We visited Pitmedden Gardens which were beautiful!

If she likes fish, she has to try Arbroath Smokies - in fact there is an awful lot of wonderful fresh and smoked seafood to be had in those parts. On the subject of food, we developed quite a taste for Haggis. These are readily available in the supermarkets, ready to be heated up in the oven, and make a lovely meal with neeps (turnip mash) and tatties (potato mash) and gravy. We even found a place called Taste of Scotland in the food court in one of the Aberdeen shopping centres, which did a really good haggis, neeps and tatties. We like it so much, we brought a few down to Somerset when we moved and put them in the freezer. They haven't escaped yet ;)