Our first trip to Scotland was 5 years ago and it was very brief. We decided this go around that we would expand our time and scope. We were not disappointed! This country is charming and enchanting in so many ways. The people were very warm, engaging, interested, and wanted you to like them. The culture was one of trust, proud, love for one another, unhurried, authentic, content, safe, hardworking, and economically balanced among the cities. No evidence of homelessness, and observed the absence of any building or construction of any kind? The history of this country with its conflicts, famed leaders, and castles built for protection was intriguing. 

 

My background is market research and statistics, so here is a summary and highlights of our 17 days in Scotland: 

15 castle tours, 12 distillery tastings, 3 churches, one golf day ( not St. Andrews), 45 pubs ( mostly for meals..), 852 miles, 3 ferries, 14 cities. 

 

Our favorite cities were Oban, St Andrews, Inverness, and Edinburgh.

Our favorite distilleries were Singleton, Glenlivet, Dewars, and Blair Athol. 

Our favorite Castles were Stirling, Doune (made famous on Monty Python and the Outlanders series) Cawdor, Urqhart, and Huntingtower. 

Our favorite church -Iona Abbey

Favorite hike -Bruar Falls 

Favorite pubs -Gellions - oldest pub in Inverness (1841), the Bothy in Ft Augustus, the Dunvegan Hotel and Bar at St Andrews golf course, Deacon Bodie’s Tavern, Edinburgh

Unique landmark- Ft Garrison is home to the end of “West Highland Way “ hike that runs 96 miles through Highlands of Scotland. A friend of mine finished this 7 day hike and camping trail the week before. 

Favorite hotel - Ballathie Castle Hotel -Perth 

 

Can’t wait to go back!