Scotland: What Do I Need To See??

[Eliahna]

In three weeks, I will be in Aberdeen for a fortnight (that's two weeks for you folk who can't afford a thesaurus). What sights should I endevour to see during my limited stay?

Any travelling tips and advice gratefully recieved - this is to be my first ever trip out of the country (and first ever plane trip for that matter), and I am clueless when it comes to EVERYTHING!

The background story is that my father-in-law has invited his four children (and 1 daughter-in-law) over to visit, and sacrificed about 600,000 frequent flier miles to get us free tickets. We will be staying with him, don't know what that will be like since his kids haven't seen him in 12 years, and we'll probably be mainly making day trips from Portlethen. We've bought a copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Scotland but we're not sure how much FIL and his wife will take charge of the sightseeing. It would be nice to have some suggestions at hand if they ask us where we'd like to go.

TIA

[Iguana Boy]

Dunnottar Castle - just South of Stonehaven, which is only a few miles from you. Full of history, and quite spectacular.

(It's where Mel Gibson filmed Hamlet!)

[Celyn]

I *cannot* trust my ISP to stop cutting me off, so I have to be brief - sorry . I think you will have a great time. You might , or might not, want to visit http://www.scotland.com simply because there are some people from the Aberdeen area there who will love to help you - look in the "Travel" forum.

I am in Glasgow, so I can't help much about Aberdeen.

I hope I am not doing wrong by posting that link!

[Ol'Gaffer]

The Isle of Skye. Unbelievably beautiful. One of my favorite places in the whole world.

[ninevah]

Take some lightweight books (you can always dispose of them later if you're in need of luggage space) and a walkman and quite a few made up tapes (or minidisc if you've got one). On the few plane trips (albeit long ones), they've been a godsend. Especially if the plane you're on doesn't have mod cons like tellies in the backs of the seats, etc. Also, make sure you've got some lollies to suck on when the plane takes off - helps with the ears popping and all that.

[ninevah]

Originally posted by ninevah
On the few plane trips (albeit long ones), they've been a godsend.

Sorry, that's meant to be:

On the few plane trips (albeit long ones) that I've been on, they've been a godsend.

[London_Calling]

Originally posted by Iguana Boy
Dunnottar Castle - just South of Stonehaven, which is only a few miles from you. Full of history, and quite spectacular.

(It's where Mel Gibson filmed Hamlet!)

You know, I didn't know of the castle or the Mel Gibson thing but I did completely chance across the castle almost as the sun was going down back in March/April - no one else there, very moody, no idea what's actually there from the road so all very dramatic.

Quite extraordinary - and that's from someone who has had 'castle overkill' for decades. Absolutely worth seeing and exploring.

Aside from that, good bloody luck in finding things to do for two whole weeks. Wish I could recommend something. Maybe it'll be more interesting from an Australian we-don't-have-this-at-home POV.

Do go to that castle, though: http://www.castles.org/Chatelaine/DUNNOTTAR.HTM

[Una Persson]

Loch Ness is both a letdown and a pleasure.

It's a letdown because it's not nearly as large, gloomy, and forboding or scary as you may think. But it is a beautiful place, and it's great fun to go down and dip your toes in the water, to say you have.

There are guided tours of the lake, on-boat and by coach. I do not recommend them, as they are expensive and really not that interesting. You can take a normal city bus from Inverness that goes on a loop of the lake, get off at Castle Urqhart (which is the "focus" of Nessie-related activities, and has a gift shop, etc.), and wait there looking around and browsing until the next bus comes back the other way, about once/2 hours or so.

[Tansu]

Wester Ross, the Summer Isles.

[Celyn]

Well, if we are allowed to suggest Western islands - how about Iona. http://www.isle-of-iona.com/ Beautiful, tiny island, where St. Columba founded an abbey, and from which he went about spreading Christianity. OK, the last bit is not necessarily a great idea, but it is a great wee island. (Just only go in good weather , or you will get trapped there, with a non-weatherproof tent)

St. Andrews www.saint-andrews.co.uk/ - is a good place to visit - positively full of history (and just down the coast from Aberdeen, so easier than going to the islands.)

[ResIpsaLoquitor]

I liked Loch Ness. There's no damn monster in sight, but it is a pretty lake with some nice towns surrounding it.

[London_Calling]

It just struck me that if I had a couple of weeks up there I'd definitely head for the Orkneys. Not least because of Skara Brae – the 5,000/6,000 year old settlement revealed by a storm in the mid-19th century – but also for all the other ancient historic sites as well. Some great Viking and Celtic stuff up there......

Oh yep, Skara Brae......I really wish I'd had time to visit. Older that the Pyramids donchaknow.....

http://www.aboutbritain.com/SkaraBrae.htm

[Celyn]

Oh yes re Skara Brae. And if you like ancient stones, Clava Cairns in Invernesshire are very impressive. Callanish stone circle on the ISle of Lewis = great too - and older than the better - known Stonehenge, though you could go down to England and see that. Come to think of it, you might want a weekend or so visit to London.

Actually, trouble is we don't really know what sort of things you like. Do you want to give us clues? I realise, too, that it is not only a case of what *you* want , but the rest of your party too. I am sure you are in for a really good time anyway. Just drink enough whisky and watch out for the dreaded midges.

You'd probably like a trip to Edinburgh, touristy castle for the seeing of. Or maybe Stirling, another historic castle, and, of course, stomping ground of William Wallace, of whom you may have heard. It's near Bannockburn battlefield too.

But I suppose it would be nice to know what sort of things you are likely to be looking for. Once again, I am not trying to be annoying, but that link I gave previously will get you advice from some pretty sensible and nice people who do know and live in the area. (Know 3 times and tell them Celyn sent you! )

You could visit Glamis Castle or Balmoral or Holyrood Place in you are into royalty. And I think you *should* get a photo of the gorgeous Highland cattle - just to prove you have been here.


If I can be of any use as a resident Scot (albeit one with a *most* untrustworthy internet connection) feel free to email me at celyn2001@hotmail.com.

[Kwyjibo]

Could ya nip in and see my Gran? She's in Dundee

[Kilt-wearin' man]

Another suggestion for Dunnottar Castle - my wife and I were in Aberdeen just a couple of months ago and Dunnottar was the highlight of a really incredible trip. Try to go at about 10 or 11am on a bright, sunny, warm day - the warm land will pull a really dramatic mist in off the sea and make the castle seem to lurk in the mist - very spooky and a lovely effect. Don't be intimidated by all the stairsteps down to the beach and back up to the castle - you'll be more than rewarded for your hike.

The nearby village of Stonehaven is really nice, too - a great place to spend an afternoon and get a bite to eat.

If you get half a chance, GO INTO THE HIGHLANDS. The roadside scenery alone will reward you.

See if you can get a tour of Marischal College (now part of the University of Aberdeen) - the architecture is spectacular and the museums are very impressive.

Cullodden Battlefield is only an hour or two from Aberdeen (toward Inverness) - worth seeing if you're interested in Scottish history.

The Speyside whisky distilleries are also between Aberdeen and Inverness, and most of them have tours available (usually including a sample of one of their products...)

If you get up near Loch Ness, definitely check out Urquhart Castle. Sure, it's usually crowded with tourists (it is one of the most famous castles in the counrty) but it's also breathtaking. And the Loch is beautiful. Do the boat tour - we missed out on that.

Depending on how busy your time in Aberdeen is, you might have time to go all over Scotland by car or bus. If you get a chance to take a (relatively) long drive, Glencoe is the most beautiful place in the world. In the same general area, Loch Lomond is lovely, as well.

Take plenty of film. And have fun. And remember, you MUST go to Dunnottar. Many locals don't even know about it somehow, so the father-in-law might get a thrill, too.

Feel free to check out our trip here and here. Some of the places we went require special arrangements to visit (Inverugie Castle and Keith Hall in particular...) but you might get some ideas for your visit.

[Celyn]

Nah- Kwyjibo Tell your Gran to go and visit Cazzle in Aberdeen instead, 'cos it's prettier than Dundee.

<Visions of old old lady wearily travelling north>


Heheheh - well, I am sure the trip would do the Kwyjibo-Gran good!

[Kwyjibo]

Originally posted by Celyn
Heheheh - well, I am sure the trip would do the Kwyjibo-Gran good!

The trip out of Dundee would do anyone some good.

[Violet]

Originally posted by Kilt-wearin' man
....Feel free to check out our trip here and here.

Great photos! And I saw the Loch Ness monster in one at
http://home.att.net/~murphy_sa/wsb/h...ID-406755.html
Looks like Cecil, the seasick sea serpent!

Scotland is beautiful. Edinburgh is worth it for a first time visit. I plan to return for the Military Tatoo.

[Kilt-wearin' man]

Violet, definitely see the Tattoo if you get a chance - it was incredible, and was a perfect finale for our trip.

[London_Calling]

Hey Kilt-wearin' man, thanks for posting the photo's. Haven't checked them all out yet but how come we have the same angle shots of Dunnottar Castle – except that yours are better !

Hope you don't mind if I pick this one out.....

http://home.att.net/~shawn.and.aimee...ID-406608.html

[Kilt-wearin' man]

I don't mind...but there goes my anonymity on the SDMB...

[Eliahna]

Thanks everyone! Sorry it's taken me so long to reply but I've had trouble getting back here... seems I keep hitting peak hour, when the hamsters are panting and fairly useless at bringing pages up.

This is great stuff. I'm printing out this thread, and marking the highlights on my map. What's gran's address, Kwyjibo?

Celyn, I may yet email you for further advice! Less than two weeks to go, and we're not terribly organised... thank goodness for the Last Minute!

[Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor]

It is your Doper's Duty to make extensive inquiries & investigations as to what Scotsmen wear under their kilts.

We expect a full report.

[Reuben]

Ooh ooh! I know one! ::waves hand madly::

You absolutely MUST see the number one best thing about Scotland :



The road to London.

[APB]

It's quite some time since I last visited Aberdeen, but I spent a number of holidays there as a child (also staying with relatives).

First the bad news. You'll be there in early November so the weather is going to be less than ideal. Think wind, rain and cold. You should also check whether particular attractions are open as you're definitely going there out of season.

Aberdeen itself is a nice enough city, but it doesn't really have anything that I would call major tourist attractions. As a large provincial city, it has all the usual things - a few historic buildings, some museums, an art gallery, some nice parks - but nothing particularly special. Marischal College, as suggested by Kilt-wearin' man, is the only thing that comes close. Even for your first trip abroad, I suspect that you'll exhaust most of the 'sights' pretty quickly.

Now for the good news. Aberdeen/Portlethen is an excellent base from which to explore the north-east of Scotland. If possible, get a car. With one, you can easily do the following as day trips.

Stonehaven and Dunnottar. See above.
Deeside. Balmoral is the obvious objective but the castle itself is only open during the summer.
The Spey valley.
Inverness, Loch Ness and Culloden.
Stirling. The castle is almost as good as the one in Edinburgh.

All these trips will take you through areas with impressive scenery but bear in mind that they're not quite so impressive if it's pouring with rain.

Edinburgh as a day trip would be more ambitious, but if you leave early, take the train and come back late you should be able to get in almost a full day's sightseeing. Not enough time, of course, to see the place properly, but enough to give you a flavour of the place.

[Kilt-wearin' man]

Aberdeen also has some pretty good restaraunts and pubs...and the city itself is quite lovely.

As for Bosda's "assignment"...check the sig.

[Celyn]

Originally posted by Reuben
Ooh ooh! I know one! ::waves hand madly::

You absolutely MUST see the number one best thing about Scotland :



The road to London.

For shame!

[Eliahna]

Another question: What are clothing prices like in the UK? I'm going to need some warm clothing, and since the local stores are full of summer gear, I'm having a little trouble finding what I want.

[Crusoe]

Depends where you go. Certain shops are cheaper than others, and certain cities are cheaper than others. I'd recommend looking for the factory outlets if you're in London, since central London prices are hilarious. You won't have any problems finding winter gear here; if in doubt, the camping shop chains also do warm clothing.

[Stentor]

The most picturesque town I saw in Scotland when I went there was a fishing village in the north called Ullapool. All the buildings are white stone. Absolutely beautiful, especially in the rain. And you should see a lot of rain there. Remeber to bring your Gore-tex. The Isle of Skye was also lovely. Oh dear, happy memories are making me tearful now.

[Crusoe]

I've been to Ullapool. Sadly I remembered it as a grim, wet fishing port. I was staying in a small village just north of there that was very nice - Lochinver, I think it was.

[Doublemint]

Originally posted by cazzle
Another question: What are clothing prices like in the UK? I'm going to need some warm clothing, and since the local stores are full of summer gear, I'm having a little trouble finding what I want.

Beware of the VAT tax. I was in Aberdeen in November, and IIRC a light ski jacket and jeans were fine - Of course being a coldfingered girl, I had a pair of cotton gloves along to to keep the wind off me, as well. It was colder in Edinburgh. If, however, you have two weeks, jump on the train and head to Edinburgh. the Royal Mile is worth a look see. The Castle at one end Holyrood at the other and a half a dozen other historic museum in walking distance. And the shopping on Princes Street isn't half bad - got a nice muffler there for 95 pence