General Discussion — visitscotland

Best way to fly into Scotland

Steelman — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 20:20:22 +0000

which airport is the best to fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow ?

Winter Skies

johnmurrayjnr — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 11:41:59 +0000

I think Scotland's sky is very much at its most beautiful in Winter. Nature certainly puts on a show, so if you're visiting, I'd highly recommend getting up early(ish) (after checking the weather!) to witness the colours in the sky.

Sunset is equally as beautiful also, grab a spot and watch one of nature's greatest show. It can be chilly so best warm up after with a wee dram in a cosy pub nearby

Here's a couple from recently

Edinburgh

St Monans, Fife

Dysart, Fife

what to do and see

wchambless — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 19:01:58 +0000

I am bringing my family to Scotland for 3 weeks one is that a adequate time to see the country an what are the most do and things to see to truly get a feel for the country

Valentine's Day Plans?

VisitScotlandLiam — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:45:20 +0000

What are you doing this year for Valentine's Day? Candlelit meal, long walk, road trip perhaps? How about taking a romantic short break? Scotland is naturally one of the most beautiful places in the world, so it's a perfect place to take your special someone for a break.

Whether it's a self catering bothy, with a hot tub you're after; or a luxurious stay in a 5-star hotel, Scotland has it all. My girlfriend and I have been to some brilliant getaways in Scotland, our favourites were Aviemore and Dunfermline.

I know we would love to visit the Dark Skies Park in Dumfries and Galloway and we'd like to do Orkney or Shetland!

Where have you been with your other half? Is there anywhere you'd recommend, or like to go? Maybe you've proposed at a special spot!

Best route

Snortzie — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 18:34:20 +0000

Good evening

i am Ally, new to the community . I am planning a trip to tour Scotland with my wife in June. West to east, first time

we will Start in Gourock, where my mum lives, then thinking of Oban , Skye, Inverness/ lochness, St Andrew finally Edinburgh. Approx 2 weeks. Travelling by car. Then home to West Yorkshire

any advice, places to stay ,what to visit best route, would be fanrastic

Thank you

Ally

scotland leaving E.U

Maltija — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 08:46:40 +0000

Hi I'm planning to come to Scotland in April 2019. How about Scotland leaving the E.U? Is anything going to change? And about the internet?Thanks
Sonya

Snowmageddon 2019

VisitScotlandAmanda — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:53:07 +0000

Hi folks!

Hands up if you're in Scotland and enjoying some snow at the moment??

We've had the slightest wee sprinkle in Edinburgh that barely settled and melted within a few hours so I'm desperate to live vicariously through the rest of you!

Share your pics if you have them!

My Scotland Bucket List for 2019!

VisitScotlandAmanda — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 16:37:04 +0000

With 2019 freshly underway, I thought it would be a good time to start thinking about where I'd like to go next year and what items are on my bucket list!

1. Go on a road trip to Mull!

Top of my bucket list has to be Mull - the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides and home to many wildlife including whales, dolphins and sea eagles. Mull is easily accessible from Edinburgh by driving through to Oban (3ish hours) and then catching the ferry across. I'd like to pack my hiking boots and a camera and go here for a long weekend of exploring the beautiful scenery and ruins.

2. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train and live my Harry Potter fantasies

Considering how much Harry Potter was a big part of my life growing up, it's amazing I've never made it to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, but I'm going to make it happen in 2019. The journey takes you from Fort William to Mallaig return and runs from mid April until the end of September.

3. Visit the new V&A museum in Dundee

Now that the V&A is open in Dundee, I'd like to take a day trip from Edinburgh and visit it for myself. I'm excited to appreciate the amazing architecture in real life, as well as check out the exhibitions and the city of Dundee itself. With it being only a 90 min train ride from Edinburgh I've really got no excuse!

Those are my three main things I'd like to tick off in 2019!

What's on your list? If you've got some exciting travel plans lined up let me know!

STICKY: Welcome to the community!

VisitScotland — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 11:20:38 +0000

Welcome to I Know Scotland Online, VisitScotland's new online community for those living in and visiting Scotland.

Please introduce yourself in this thread and let people know where you are, what your interest in Scotland is and what you're hoping to get out of your membership of the community

Dundee to Glasgow Run

Chris10 — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 14:31:54 +0000

Hi Everyone! Hope you're well. I'm organising a charity run from Dundee to Glasgow (I know this seems nuts), raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

We're planning on doing this in August and wondered if I could ask everyone for their thoughts and suggestions on a good route.

As much as possible, we'd like to run/jog/crawl away from the main roads and I wondered if anyone knows of a good route to take, or if there is a cycle path all the way (or some) between the two cities?

If anyone has every cycled or ran this route before, please let me know so I can buy you a coffee and pick your brains.

Initial thoughts are:

Dundee to Strathmiglo 33 miles

Strathmiglo to Stirling 32 miles

Stirling to Glasgow 25 miles

I’m pretty clueless though, so any suggestions from anyone more experienced would be brilliant.

Thanks so much,

Chris.

Want to travel full coastal route by road from East, north then finish in Berwick.

_johnmac3008 — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 13:08:26 +0000

Hello all, I am wanting to drive from Newcastle Upon Tyne, West to start off Scotland and travel all the coast line going up and around the top and finishing at Berwick, our idea is to find little villages and stop over at pubs on the way, there will be no hurry as we have just retired and I have been told I have lung disease now but this is something we wanted to do when we retired, but all I can find is the route 500 and this is not what we wanted, we want the full coast by road. Need to know how many miles and roughly how much a night in village pubs is etc so we can hopefully plan it. Many thanks in advance John

Train Connections

Diana — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 01:20:02 +0000

Visiting in April and have been attempting to plan a train ride from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle. Can anyone provide info on station location in Edinburgh. I checked Scotland Rail website but unable to find answer. Should I also purchase my ticket before arriving in Scotland? I would like to have early departure ticket, spend the day in Stirling and return back to Edinburgh around five. Thanks for any info,

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

First time visiting Scotland in June 2018; Planning Ahead; Need Help

AshB — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:48:08 +0000

Hi There,

I'm currently planning a trip to Scotland for around this time next year and I really do not know where to start. I have been looking at some places to stay on Air B'N'B but its just that; looking. I'll be travelling from NYC....a l o n e.... (yup that's right, going exploring solo) and I really would like to know what are the best places to see/stay. I'd like to see multiple places; be in the town some days and the country some others. I do not mind renting a car to drive me where I need to go and I also do not mind taking buses, trains etc. I am also open to renting an entire home or staying in B&B's. One thing that's important to be is being able to sit under the stars at night. Not camping though...because bugs...and I'm a bit of a scaredy cat:| There are so many options when it comes to visiting Scotland and although I am doing my research , I still figured it would be nice to hear from locals and others who have been there on what is best to do.

So advise away.

Thanks!

Ardlui train station to the Drovers Inn

ElenaSma — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 11:26:34 +0000

Hi

Is there a walking route I can take from Ardlui train station to the Drovers Inn? Coming from Glasgow, prefer to get the train and pregnant but like to walk (would like to avoid the main road and get the hotel by foot from the station). Thank you ☺️

Rhododendrons

GretnaGreen — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 17:33:42 +0000

Hello I am new !
I am British but live in France I have friends who are flying in to Edinburgh - getting a hire car, doing their own hotel bookings etc but are asking me what is the best time of the year to see the rhododendrons in full bloom - are there any specific gardens around Edinburgh is there a sort of Rhododendron Road - I always went to Pitlochry and there are a lot up there but are there many near Edinburgh any ideas you can prvide will be of great help to them and thank you in advance for your replies Have a nice evening

how do i get my cottage on this site and how much will it cost?

mayliss — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 11:28:15 +0000

how do I get my house or cottage on this website and how much will it cost and what do I need to do??

5 ways to enjoy the art of Coorie this winter in Scotland!

VisitScotlandAmanda — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:21:22 +0000

The term 'coorie' is a centuries old means of keeping cozy and warm in winter, and translates literally as 'cuddle' or 'snuggle', but this year it's a buzzword not too dissimilar to the Danish 'hygge'. So why should we be paying attention to something that sounds like a new trend to hashtag on Instagram?

Well, if you're like me you already love winter and all the cozy activities that come with it. But if you're not naturally a winter lover, then the art of coorie may just make you re-think that! In its modern meaning, coorie is all about not only being snug indoors, but embracing the outdoors and all things Scottish as well, to find happiness even in the darkest of winter months.

So with that being said, here are 5 ways you can embrace the art of coorie in Scotland this winter!

1. Host a dinner party

What better way to enjoy a cozy night in than hosting a dinner with friends? Whether you're going for a traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, or whether you're asking everyone to bring a plate to share, it's a great way to spend a night in. In keeping with the art of coorie, a focus on hearty food made from the best local and seasonal ingredients is encouraged. Think root veggies in your main course and apples and pears in your dessert. Whatever you end up cooking, make sure you light some candles, put on good music and have whisky on hand for night caps!

2. Rug up in your layers and go on a walk

Exploring on foot is a great way to experience Autumn and Winter. As the seasons cool, the landscape transforms into a rich tapestry of colours, and even when the leaves fall there's squirrels to be spotted and hill views to enjoy. Read more about the best walks in Scotland and pick a destination for your next outdoor adventure! Supplies needed: walking boots, thick layers and a flask full of tea (or whisky!).

3. Go for Sunday roast at the pub

What's better than a hearty meal where you don't have to do the dishes afterwards?! Winter is the perfect time to find a new favourite pub or spend some quality time in your regular spot. Many places throughout Scotland will offer Sunday roasts with beef or chicken (and many have veggie options on offer too) with roast potatoes and lots of gravy. Book ahead and make sure you ask for the table closest to the fireplace if the pub has one, and don't forget to take a pack of cards with you so that you can properly coorie in for the afternoon!

4. Have a whisky night

If you're visiting Scotland you might want to include a whisky tasting in your itinerary. We have tours, distilleries and pubs all over the country that offer every type of whisky experience you can imagine - more info here. If you're hosting a whisky night with friends, here are few key things to keep in mind:

Keep it simple - you don't need to serve a dozen whisky's. 4-5 is a good amount with one being more expensive, one being boutique and then a mixture of old favourites and new ones to try
Think about the order you serve them in - it's easier to start light and save the strongest or peatiest flavours until the end
Provide tasting note cards for your guests so that smells and notes can be recorded while you sip - it'll be interesting to see how your friends palates differ to your own!
Make sure to offer other drinks for your friends who don't like whisky or are planning to drive

5. Skip the hotel and stay in a bothy or cabin

(Self Catering Log Chalet Nestled In Woodland By Loch Insh)

A weekend break in a cozy cabin or bothy is the perfect way to coorie in this winter. Grab your favourite bottle of gin or whisky, take a stack of books and switch off your cell phone for a few days. If you're lucky your accommodation might also come with a wood fired hot tub and a view of the stars! Make sure you check out our Unusual Sleeps category for inspiration on where to book your next stay.

Those are my top 5 tips for a cozy Autumn & Winter!

What else would you add to this list? How do you coorie in?

March around Inverness

Compton49er — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 19:10:42 +0000

My family and I are staying in Inverness for a week in mid-March. We'll be using Inverness as a base for day tripping around the Highlands. My husband and I were there in May, so we have a few places to take the family that we went to and places we didn't get to check off. I was wondering how 'green' the Highlands will be about that time of year. I know it depends a lot on Scotland's wildly erratic weather, but I was just looking for some opinions. Thanks.

First time to Scotland

ChrisandKate — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 10:37:54 +0000

Hi, we ( my soon to be wife and moi) are currently planning a drive round your lovely land for our honeymoon late August. We are training up to Inverness and plan to go from there to Isle of Lewis, Kyle of localsh, isle of skye( fairy pools and three chimneys), Glencoe, Lochness, Cairngorms, Loch Lomond then end in Edinburgh. By car I hasten to add. If anyone can add any useful info such as car hire, places to see and stay, things to look for etc would be much appreciated. We are very much looking forward to it!! Thanks

Get a Head-start on Christmas Shopping

VisitScotlandLiam — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 15:18:16 +0000

Do you usually leave Christmas shopping until the last minute? Yeah, me too. This year though, I'm going to try and make a head-start and just pick up bits and bobs from my travel around Scotland to make the Christmas Eve scramble for presents a wee bit easier and less stressful! Here's a few places that you can visit to pick up the perfect presents for a special someone.

Stockbridge Market, Edinburgh

Have a wee wander through this market in the north of Edinburgh and pick yourself up some sweet treats, handmade ornaments and even homemade soaps!

Barras Market, Glasgow

One of the most famous markets in Scotland, located next to the equally as famous Barrowland Ballroom in the east end of Glasgow. Take the walk past the stalls and pick up a few goodies from the various food or antique stalls!

Victorian Market, Inverness

If you're in the Highlands, make sure to visit the Inverness Victorian Market. Filled with an array of different independent shops and dating back to the 1890's, this market is a great place to get a picture for Instagram whilst you hand pick some great presents!

What are your favourite markets and places to shop in Scotland?