I am going to Scotland, ADVICE please

[Durttbeag]

Hello again

I am off to Scotland for 14 days in September. (First time)
I would be honored to receive any of your opinions regarding
do's and don'ts for the new Whisky traveler.

What bottles would be worth bringing back, etc...
I love the Island malts, and some Speyside.

Thanks
Roger

[Deactivated Member]

Hi,

Visit as much as distilleries as you can and bring back only the bottles you certainly can't buy at home.

OK serious, places worth a visit are The Macallan(see the whole range of exclusivity), Strathisla, Glenrothes(a nice Cutty Sark visitor room), Glenturret distillery/Famous Grouse Experience, Edradour, Glengoyne, Dalwhinnie, The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Talisker(Skye), Islay distilleries if you like to be on a whisky Island and there's many many more to explore.

Bring back home, just the rare distillery editions wich ar only sold at the distillery it self, however some of them are even sold at specialised shops in Scotland ie Loch Fyne-Inveraray, Royal Mile-Edinburgh.

Regards,

Erik

[robs42]

Totally agree about getting distillery bottligs - if you're going to Scotland get something unique. One word of warning though, there is a temptation to spend all of your time going to distilleries. Try to do a few days with a couple of distilleries each and spend the rest of the time exploring the beatiful lochs, mountains and coastline.

Also, after you've been on your first distillery tour make sure the guide on every subsequent tour knows that you get how whisky is made. Make them talk about what makes their distillery special (and nearly every one is special).

Main thing, Enjoy yourself
(and don't drink and drive, especially on single track roads!)

Robby

[Deactivated Member]

I'm having a strong sense of déjà vu here.

Two questions, Durttbeag (love the moniker, by the way):

1. Where do you live?

2. Where in Scotland do you expect to visit?

[posterboy]

In addition to the attractions mentioned above, be sure to spend some time in Edinburgh, which is very beautiful and full of amazing history. It also boasts some wonderful restaurants, including The Witchery (my personal favorite) located near the castle.

[Deactivated Member]

There's lots to see and to discover in Bonnie Scotland. If you go to Edinbuegh in August don't miss the millitary tattoo, spectacular shows.

The Whisky Heritage Centre, The castle, Holyrood Palace etc etc etc...

Erik

[susywong]

If you're going to be in Scotland at the end of Spetember, i would seriously recommend the Dufftown Whisky Festival. (http://www.dufftown.co.uk) It gives opportunity to visit otherwise unaccesible distilleries like Mortlach, Glenallachie, Longmorn, Benriach etc and it's great fun!

Susan

[Iain]

Pack a rainproof jacket. With a hood.

[Deactivated Member]

Yes, and don't forget your sunscreen factor 40 for example...

[richard]

enjoy thr easy way offf life you will find the majority of scottish peopleeasy going and friendly try the whisky trail glenturret distillery now famous grouse a superb place to eat and good visitor centre you cant go wrong in scotland somebody will take the time of day to help you enjoy yourself

richard

[Durttbeag]

Hello again

Thaks for all your kind (and kooky) words
I will have a blast in Scotland and will take all your advice

Cheers
Roger (Durttbeag)

.

[Di Blasi]

Keep the good advice coming, please! I'll be in Edinburgh August 28 til September 3 2006, and would love to get more pointers on affordable accomodations, places to visit, shop, drink and eat! Thanks in advance for your help!

[lbacha]

I would recommend the bowmore cottages to anyone staying on Islay. If you are with a group they are quite affordable and you can't beat staying right next door to the distillery or in some cases on the distillery grounds. Bowmore's new visitor center should be finished by the end of the summer as well and from what I've seen should be a great place to have a dram after a good tour.

If you havn't figured out I recommend you visit Islay. The ferry ride is excellent and the Island has alot to see and do other than just whisky.

Len

[rthomson]

The Clan Campbell Hotel provided a decent room and breakfast at a fair price. It's within walking distance of the Royal Mile. I stayed at a B&B that was well-priced in 1998 . I got connected to that B&B by the tourist service in Edinburgh.

If you're arriving on August 28 it looks like you're going to just miss the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the castle. Nevertheless, the castle is a great place to visit. Just a little ways down the road from there is Royal Mile Whiskies. If you're considering purchasing some cashmere items, one of the most affordable shops that I found is, surprisingly, on the Royal Mile as well. The name is escaping me but if I think of it I'll let you know.

A hike up to Arthur's Seat gives you a great panorama of the city. The hike also provides a great excuse to then sit down for some more pints and drams.

I can't say that I was particularly impressed with the tour at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Center but it did give me a chance to get off my tired feet and have another dram. I took that tour in 1998 so it may have changed since then.

There are a variety of places to eat and drink. It will really depend on what you're looking for, high end dining or convenience and affordability. The Bow Bar is great for pints and drams. It's just off the Royal Mile.

Cheers,
Ron

[rthomson]

I would recommend the bowmore cottages to anyone staying on Islay. If you are with a group they are quite affordable and you can't beat staying right next door to the distillery or in some cases on the distillery grounds. Bowmore's new visitor center should be finished by the end of the summer as well and from what I've seen should be a great place to have a dram after a good tour.

If you havn't figured out I recommend you visit Islay. The ferry ride is excellent and the Island has alot to see and do other than just whisky.

Len

When I took the ferry ride from Oban to Port Askaig, Islay it was overcast and drizzling. I couldn't even see Mull. However, it was still wonderful. Something about the clouds and the mist really added to the mystique of the trip and heading out to the islands. I'd love to take the ferry again on a sunny day but even with the rain I agree that it was excellent.

We were able to stay at the guest house at Bruichladdich as there was only one person there attending the academy. Staying on the distillery grounds really was fun. Islay has some good options for whisky enthusiasts.

Ron

[Deactivated Member]

If you don't need to park a car, try Castle Guest House, very close to Princes Street and the train station. http://www.castleguesthouse.com

For general listings, try http://www.hotels.uk.com

[lbacha]

I would recommend the bowmore cottages to anyone staying on Islay. If you are with a group they are quite affordable and you can't beat staying right next door to the distillery or in some cases on the distillery grounds. Bowmore's new visitor center should be finished by the end of the summer as well and from what I've seen should be a great place to have a dram after a good tour.

If you havn't figured out I recommend you visit Islay. The ferry ride is excellent and the Island has alot to see and do other than just whisky.

Len

When I took the ferry ride from Oban to Port Askaig, Islay it was overcast and drizzling. I couldn't even see Mull. However, it was still wonderful. Something about the clouds and the mist really added to the mystique of the trip and heading out to the islands. I'd love to take the ferry again on a sunny day but even with the rain I agree that it was excellent.

We were able to stay at the guest house at Bruichladdich as there was only one person there attending the academy. Staying on the distillery grounds really was fun. Islay has some good options for whisky enthusiasts.

Ron

I got lucky when I was there in April, I spent 7 days in scotland and saw a total of maybe 3 hours of rain and very little cloud cover. The trip on the ferry was great because over the course of the 2 hour trip from Kennacraig to port Askaig It went from sunny to rain to sun to rain to sun again in that 2 hours. The cload formations during the trip were amazing. I have some great pics if anyone is interested.

Len