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Love Scotland and want to share your stories – why not have a look at all the recent discussions and make a contribution or start a new discussion? Visiting Scotland and looking for some advice – why not ask a question or start a discussion or simply explore all the great content?
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I'll let other people jump in with their faves but just wanted to say you'll have a blast in Edinburgh - my fave spots are Victoria Street near the castle for independent stores, Greyfriars Kirkyard for the Harry Potter fan in me, Leith for great pubs and food, Portobello for a lovely beach walk (and plenty of dog spotting) and I always enjoy the walk and view on top of Arthur's Seat and Scot Monument. Hope that's a good starter for you!
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If you do have a day to spare in Skye, take a day trip to the Isle of Harris to be transported to a tropical country (almost). The beaches there are unbelievable (see below). This is hardly a first timer thing but the rewards are very high.
Make sure you book all your ferries before hand from the CalMac website if you're driving. Also note that the Orkney day trip from Inverness mostly consists of sitting in a bus or a ferry and I got a little motion-sick. Be prepared for that. However Orkney is one of the most fascinating places in Scotland so it will be worth it.
Hope you have a wonderful trip/
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Speyside fest)
For instance the bus did not take us to Maeshowe and Highland Park distillery, 2 places that I visited later & quite liked. And I'd be happy to suggest a driving route around Orkney (I am working on that precise blogpost to be completed in the next week). I should reiterate that I've found Orkney more fascinating than even Skye because 5000 year old history isnt this accessible anywhere else.
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Speyside fest)
Elgol
Sligachan
Fairy Pools
Talisker Distillery
Dunvegan Castle
Coral Beach
Neist Point
Fairy Glen
Quiraing
Staffin Beach
Kilt Rock/Mealt Falls
Old Man of Storr
As said Orkney is also a wonderful place.
Fantastic to hear you are visiting Scotland for the first time, really hope you enjoy it when it comes around.
If you are near St Andrews, I would certainly suggest spending a bit of time in the City of Dundee, probably one of the best-situated of all Scotland's cities, on the banks of the River Tay. It is a city on the up and in 2014 it was awarded UNESCO City of Design status, the first in the UK. It is a very creative city with a visit to Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) in the city's cultural quarter, well worth doing. It hosts various art exhibitions throughout the year and has a fantastic bar and cafe! Dundee Waterfront is going through and major redevelopment and the Victoria and Albert museum (V&A) Dundee Museum of Design is due to open in 2018 which will further enhance Dundee's creative offerings. More information on the city from the VisitScotland.com website.
Also, the city has plenty of history and a rich heritage which is worth experiencing during our Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017! Verdant Works tells the story of Dundee's weaving heritage and has recently undergone a major restoration and extension project which has really added to the experience. Please find more information on the museum and their sister attraction, RRS Discovery, at the Dundee Heritage Trust website.
One of my favourite museums in the city is the McManus Galleries, which tells you the story of Dundee between past and current industries along with other elements about the city. The attraction has a pleasant cafe and shop. It is free to visit and open every day
Please do pop into Dundee ICentre in the City Square to you pop into the city. The staff there will give you an amazing overview of the city!
If you are over on the west coast of Scotland, definitely visit the Glencoe area. I was there back in 2012 and it is one of the most stunning journeys I have done so far in Scotland! The area is well-known for its history as much as its scenery. Glencoe was the area where clan feuds led to the massacre of Glencoe. The scenery has been inspirational for a number of film directors and most recently, it starred in Skyfall with Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench! More inspiration on the area can be found from the VisitScotland website:
Once again, I hope you enjoy your visit to Scotland when it comes around!