James Mc Colgan
Although Edinburgh castle is normally the first that visitors think of, Stirling Castle in my mind is by far the better of the two for the average person,couple or family. Edinburgh is a " Military " castle whereas Stirling is not and so much more appealing , attractive and interesting.
Most will know of St Andrews as the home of golf, and of course the internationally renowned university…but it is very much more than this. Beautiful architecture, ruined abbey with the ghostly " White Lady ", gorgeous beaches where students surf their leisure time, and excellent shopping / dining and ' socialising ' premises, make it one of the most perfect places to visit in my opinion. In fact - don't just visit, STAY for a while if you can, it's worth two or three days at least !
An excerpt from the official guide ...." to the official visitor gateway for St Andrews: a stunning medieval city, the international home of golf and Scotland’s finest coastal town. Working with the vibrant business and resident organisations ..".
Yes, I know Edinburgh usually gets the first "hit" but Glasgow is infinitely more interesting, entertaining and exciting. The people are extremely friendly, and the city has a real cosmopolitan air about it.
Check out the shopping, dining and entertainment from Buchanan St - to the Merchant City and Candleriggs - all a stones throw from one another.
Hit the title link above for the latest goings-on.
Glasgow simply Glows !
( watch out for my dedicated Glasgow Glows list here on #list.ly )
Ullapool is simply one of the most attractive little fishing towns in the whole of Scotland. No matter which direction you approach it from, you'll be hit by it's serene beauty and bright appearance.
Set way up on Scotlands west coast, Ullapool nestles on the east bank of Loch Broom which in itself is stunning. Steeped in fishing history, and with settlers from the Norse, Danes, and Spanish it has massively more to offer than a "quiet " fishing village !
It is a " must stay " place. Stunning sunsets, wild deer abound in full sight, jaw-dropping scenery, and some of the most welcoming people around. A favourite of ours - make it one of yours.
It may be only 16 miles northwest of Stirling, but Callander ( note spelling ) and the surrounding areas are as Highland as you could imagine.
A beautiful town full of character, it is still as popular today with the Scots folk as it was when it first became accessible to the "common " people all those many years ago, as any weekend visit will confirm.
Foreign tourists are usually overwhelmed by the beauty of the town, its features, history and the loch and mountain laden area that surrounds it , known as The Trossachs - as stunning as you will see anywhere in the country.
It's also the perfect base for a stay, as within a 20 mile radius you could be visiting the likes of Stirling, Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine, Aberfoyle & the Dukes Pass, Balquhidder/Rob Roys grave, and the lovely Killin with the Dochart Falls.
If you want remoteness, captivating coastal scenery - with some of the highest cliffs in the U.K, stunning peaceful beaches, and the best fresh air in Scotland, then Cape Wrath in Sutherland is for you.
With its unique means of access ( see web page ) remoteness, bird life/ sanctuaries, and Stevensons own lighthouse it is an amazing isolated and remote corner of Scotland..... Just be careful you don't get bombed on the way over :)
( see webpage )
Oban in Argyllshire is in my mind the loveliest port in Scotland. McCaigs Tower ( folly ) main ferry terminal to the Isles, bustling shops and harbour, stunning scenery and lots to see in the surrounding area, including nearby Taynult with its open water and large marina, and Connell with its beautiful bridge across Loch Etive - and the raging rapids below the bridge with every tide change.
Great accommodation via hotels ,1st class B&Bs and hostels, combined with shopping, dining and entertainment in abundance, make Oban a big favourite of ours, and a must stay for any tourist / visitor.
A short ferry trip from Wemyss Bay on the West Coast mainland takes you across the water to Rothesay. Once visited by thousands of Scottish holidaymakers each summer, and for its Highland Games, the town fell out of favour -for cheap holidays in the sun and was allowed to run down. Over the years it became a dull drab and mainly overlooked resort . A number of years ago though, it was given a massive injection of money and has once again become a popular place to visit for both Scot and tourist alike.
Rothesay boasts one of the biggest and best Tourist Information centres in the country, which is surrounded by beautiful and well kept " tropical " gardens, including palm trees. It's a small town set in a large cove bay with some really nice period buildings.
From here, by car, bike, hike or ferry, you can radiate across the hills and glens of beautiful Bute.
Purchase a "ferry hopper " ticket and you can spend a few days exploring the scenic beauty of both Argyll .. and Bute.
Skye, and off course Localsh, is one of the most stunning corners of Scotland.
From the Cullins ( Red & Black ) in the west, to the beautiful harbour of Portree, to the wonderfully ancient Glenelg ferry , onto Glen Shiel and Loch Duich.
Everywhere you go there is stunning scenery, dramatic mountains and tiny cove hamlets and beaches along one of the best coastlines in the country.
You'll need at least a few days here to have any chance of experiencing all that Skye and Lochalsh have to offer.
Visit Islay for whisky, birdlife, peace and quiet, great beaches, walking and great food. You will always find great food and whisky. You may be lucky to see an eagle and an amazing sunset.
Or vist many of the places on this list with a private tour from Your Tour Scotland.
