OUT WEST: THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS OF SCOTLAND

The Cairngorms (Blue Mountains) are lovely, but for more breath-taking natural beauty, the wild and lonely Hebrides, (HEB-red-dees) off the west coast, are centers of Scottish whisky production.

They offer wonderful views as you explore their coastal walks - windswept cliffs, mountains and bays will take your breath away. There is a lively association with Bonnie Prince Charlie on many of the islands as he tried to restore the Stuart line to the throne in defiance of the English in about 1745.
The Hebrides are divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Whisky, bagpipes, tartan and kilts are all inextricably linked with Scotland. You can visit the bagpipe museum on the Isle of Skye, part of the inner hebrides. The Celtic language college Sabhal Mor Ostan (The Big Barn) is also on the Isle of Skye. Whisky can be found on all the islands, and some of them are well worth tasting, especially the turf-y tasting ones like Laphraoig and Lagavullen. If you’ve ever smelled a turf, or peat fire, you will get that warm rich flavor from may of the whiskys made out west.

In the outer islands, Lewis, Harris, the Uists (YOU-ists) and Barra, you can still hear Scots Gaelic being spoken. You will need to take a ferry out to either Barra or Lewis, and can drive between most of the islands in a straight line, and then get little ferries in between and back to the mainland. I recommend starting at Lewis in the north, and heading south. Ullapool is a fantastic town, gorgeous, and very much with an artist-colony feel.
The Uists are a dream come true for anyone who paints watercolors. The constant quality of the changing light is breathtaking. In the summer, they also get a great deal of daylight, almost like the land of the midnight sun, because Scotland is so far north. Just beware of midges in the highlands, they come out only in the summer and will eat you alive. Citronella spray and other kinds of insect repellent and candles can keep them at bay. Also beware of the deer, and their ticks–there is a possibility of Lyme disease even in Scotland.
If you are planning to go out to the Outer Hebrides, make sure you book the ferry portion of your trip well in advance, and allow plenty of time to get from point A to point B. The distances are further than they look, over not very good road, and even one-track roads, with few passing places.

Fort William is a lovely town, and the gateway to the ferries that will take you on and off the islands. There is a wonderful sense of spaciousness in that part of the world–not surprising, since Scotland only has about 10 million people, and most of them live in the cities.
The holy island of Iona is part of the Inner Hebrides, and well worth a visit. You might also consider Bamburgh castle in the south east, or the county of Dunfries in the south west. There you can walk Hadrian’s wall in certain segments, and visit fascinating museums and a Roman villa.
In the far, far north, is spectacular Dunrobin Castle, and from there on to John O Groats, the northernost tip of the mainland. It is also the ferry terminal for the Shetlands and Orkneys, which were actually part of Norway for many centuries.
On the Orkneys, the buildings and places to visit are very distinctive and it is a delightful place in the summer due to the midnight sun-just make sure you close your black curtains if you want to get any sleep! Otherwise, you can spend all your time driving around sightseeing, and partaking of the local hospitality and drink!
The ancient castles, churches, and architecture of every style imaginable make Scotland an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys romance, wildness, touring by car, the big city, history, gorgeous seascapes, and ancient castles. If you enjoy whisky, music, dancing, and ghosts, quaint bed and breakfasts and great food, then a Scottish journey will be perfect for you and your travelling companions.
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OTHER IMPORTANT SCOTTISH SITES TO VISIT
St. Andrews is a beautiful town and home to the most famous golf course in the world. It is amazing, it is just off the high street, and full of wandering sheep grazing. You can literally grab some great fish and chips from one of the corner shops and stroll for miles along the coast.   Plus there are some fascinating medieval ruins. St Andrews is easy travelling distance from Edinburgh, heading east. You won’t find many towns older, more proud of their history, or more picturesque.
You can also make a stop on the way up to St. Andrew’s at Glamis Castle, the famed castle of MacBeth, and reputed to be the most haunted castle in Scotland. They have a wonderful herd of Highland cows (the ones with the long shaggy hair and huge horns). I saw a baby one once, it was like an auburn teddy bear. It is a bit off the beaten track and not open all year round, but the sights and food around the area are second to none.
The Cairngorm Mountains are in the middle of the country, and though not very high, they are spectacular. They are surrounded by rivers, lochs, forests and are home to rare wildlife.

Of course everyone had heard of Loch Ness, but that is just one of the many outstanding lakes you can visit, which dot the countryside and pretty much cut the country in two, the Lowlands versus the Highlands of Scotland.

The Loch Ness Museum is terrific though, and is set in a small town amid some of the most incredible scenery you will ever see in your life. It is rather touristy, but really fun and unique, and there is plenty to do even on a rainy day if you are adventurous and game for a laugh.

This beautiful region is popular for skiing, hiking and water sports,and best of all, it is an easy drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Stirling is in the center of the country, a lovely town with a spectacular castle and a wonderful focus on William Wallace, who won a great victory against the English at Stirling Bridge over seven centuries ago. It is a must-see if you love castles.

We would often stay at a castle in Fintry, outside Glasgow, and the main road from there to pretty much any other part of the country was always through Stirling.

For more travel suggestions, see A Scottish Journey: romance, mystery, castles and ghosts Part 3

A trip to Scotland is your chance to experience a wildly romantic and varied landscape. If you love cities and the countryside, and don’t mind the rain, Scotland is a fabulous destination, with something for everyone. From its historic and vibrant cities, to its stunning landscapes and enchanting islands in the north and west, Scotland is unforgettable once you’ve visited.
Scotland’s three main cities are Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Although Glasgow is the capital, it is Edinburgh in the south east, not too far over the border with England, that attracts the most international and local visitors.

The annual International Festival every August is the only time you will find getting accommodation difficult, so if you plan to go that month, make sure you make your arrangements well in advance. Otherwise, save yourself the crowds, and go any other month of the year.
Edinburgh has a rich variety of architecture and Edinburgh Castle is a must-see. The former home to the Scottish Royal Family, it is full of many of the great treasures of Scotland.

The whole of the city is steeped in history. There is nothing quite like walking the Royal Mile. (Especially if you haven’t good good shoes and sturdy legs!)

The city has many medieval and Georgian buildings, and is a vibrant, lively center with much to interest the tourist trying to cram in as much food, drink and culture as possible in a short space of time.
Glasgow, once very run down and poverty-stricken, has enjoyed a exciting revival over the last two decades. It is a fun and lively city, with a great amount to see and do. Alongside the many museums, art galleries, monuments and shops is Glasgow cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. It is also not far from the border with England, but is situated in the south-west, as opposed to Edinburgh in the south east.
The port city of Aberdeen in the north-east is built almost exclusively of silvery granite, which glistens the in sun or rain. Hence it nickname, the Granite City. There is a wonderful maritime museum alongside a prestigious art gallery, and impressive universities. It has a unique feel to it due to it being a transport hub for many of the oil rigs on the North Sea. It is also teeming with higher education institutions, making it a lively, youth-centered city despite the grimness of the weather.
For more suggestions, see: A Scottish Journey: romance, mystery, castles and ghosts Part 2