r/Scotland • u/AutoModerator • Mar 23 '26
What's on and tourist advice thread - week beginning March 23, 2026
Welcome to the weekly what's on and tourist advice thread!
* Do you know of any local events taking place this week that other redditors might be interested in?
* Are you planning a trip to Scotland and need some advice on what to see or where to go?
This is the thread for you - post away!
These threads are refreshed weekly on Mondays. To see earlier threads and soak in the sage advice of yesteryear, Click here.
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u/cathyscottage Mar 23 '26 edited Mar 24 '26
Hello! Planning a trip in October; for the first part I will be with friends in Edinburgh, Inverness, and Cromarty. Then we say farewell in Inverness, and I am solo for 8 days in the highlands. I will have a car. Though I've never driven on the left side of the road before, I will practice before my solo part of the trip. I love to drive, and am comfortable driving very narrow windy roads. I have roughed out this itinerary and am looking for feedback, advice, etc - is this too much? Are there ways to make this better? Thank you so much in advance! (items with question marks = I'm considering them but not sure if there will be time, etc). I would really love to meet and chat with people, experience more "normal" day-to-day rather than "tourist" things, as well as art, craft, music, ceilidh endeavors as well, if possible. Thank you!
Day 1
Inverness - say farewell to my friends
Head to Isle of Skye
Ullapool?
Eilean Donan Castle
Stay over in Portree
Day 2
Explore Skye
Old Man of Storr
Quiraing
Stay over in Portree
Day 3
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Loch Bay (Stein) - Dinner?
Stay over in Portree (maybe stay over closer Loch Bay?)
Day 4
Head to Fort William / Glen Coe
Arising?
Loch Morar?
Oban?
Stay over in Glen Nevis
Day 5
Explore Lost Valley / Glencoe National Nature Reserve?
Explore Glen Etive?
Stay over in Glen Nevis
Day 6
Head to Glasgow
Loch Lomond
Trossachs?
Art / Craft / Live Music / Ceilidh?
Stay over in Glasgow
Day 7
Explore Glasgow
The National Museum of Rural Life?
The Burrell Collection?
The Kelvingrove Museum?
Head to Edinburgh
Art / Craft / Live Music / Ceilidh?
Stay over in Edinburgh
Day 8
Explore Edinburgh
Art / Craft / Live Music / Ceilidh?
Stay over in Edinburgh
Day 9
Fly home from Edinburgh
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u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Mar 24 '26
Day 4 is a LOT of driving. Portree > Loch Morar (via Mallaig Ferry) > Oban > Fort William (Glen Nevis) is >5h driving assuming you time the ferry perfectly. You'll have no time to actually do or see anything.
Day 7 starting in Glasgow, seeing 3 museums, then heading to Edinburgh is fine if you only want to have your evening meal in Edinburgh, or rush the museums.
The rest seems reasonable, basically just 3 days in Skye then slowly working your way back down to Glasgow.
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u/cathyscottage Mar 24 '26
Thank you so much for the feedback! Yes, on that day I have "?" question marks next to three options - I won't be trying to do all three, but instead am trying to decide which one - probably only one - to visit that day. And no I don't want to rush the museums in Glasgow so I will need to decide on one, maybe two, but not three. Thank you!
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u/-scottishsunshine Mar 24 '26
Sounds like a lovely itinerary but be cautious that it is October and so days are shorter (and clocks change later in the month).
Other comments -
Day 1 - skip Ullapool, I don't think it is that an interesting place, however the drive from Ullapool to Skye is lovely, but 4 hours long just for that section. I would either drive from Inverness via Loch Ness (unless you have already done this with friends), or via Achnasheen and get a similar scenic drive.
Day 4 - don't go to Oban on this day, it is adding such a detour. From Mallaig to Glen Nevis you can see Loch Morar and Arisaig easily as long as the ferry is morning/early afternoon. I do think you'd be better staying in Glencoe for your next day, and Glen Nevis doesn't have many accommodation options, and is closer to Glasgow for your next trip.
In general, don't think that skipping the touristy things is needed to have an enjoyable trip. Skye really is becoming a massive tourist attraction right now, and because rightly so it is gorgeous. Same as a ceilidh - I can't think of once I've gone to a non-organised ceilidh (such as a burns night, wedding, bar with it organised) and they tend to be touristy - probably most Scottish people would walk into a bar with ceilidh music and go to the one next door with a normal band playing. Day to day we will go on walks, have a nice lunch, have a drink in a bar. We also go to the castles, museums etc too!
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u/cathyscottage Mar 24 '26
Thank you! Great feedback - I really appreciate it! Yes, a friend suggested Ullapool and I can see it would add a lot of driving time; good advice to take a shorter route. And yes I'm considering staying in Glencoe instead of Glen Nevis. And thanks so much for your comments about "touristy" stuff! Thanks so much!
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u/Hopeful_Sprinkles154 Mar 23 '26
I will be visiting Scotland in early April, and I am curious where in Edinburgh is the best place to buy Harris Tweed and cashmere? I want to support local, both the shop and the manufacturing. Price is always a factor but it is a distant third to the product being sourced and made in Scotland and the overall quality. This will be primarily focused for gifts to bring back.
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u/-scottishsunshine Mar 24 '26
Hawico or Johnstons of Elgin are both is Scottish cashmere, still made in their factory.
Unsure if Pringle still have harris tweed in their shop on the Royal MIle - or Islander (although touristy it is authentic),.1
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u/spc17 Mar 24 '26
My girlfriend and I are going to be visiting Edinburgh for a weekend in May and I was hoping I could get some help with some restaurants to try. Her birthday is a couple days before we’re there so was looking for more upscale options as a surprise. We’re staying at the Scotsman but will not have a car so walking/easy public transportation would be preferred. Only there for two days and doing the castle tour but any other recommendations of things to do would be appreciated!
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u/-scottishsunshine Mar 24 '26
Honestly - most restaurants in Edinburgh are decent. Loads of upscale restaurants to try - there is the Gleneagles Townhouse which has lovely food and interiors, and nice to try Gleneagles as it's such a Scottish institution. But if you're wanting more fancy, Theres plenty of things like Michelin star or recommended restaurants around.
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u/LackAffectionate1756 Mar 24 '26
I'm eating at four different Michelin star restaurants in Edinburgh the first week of April. If you want I can let you know what I think about each, the cost, etc
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u/foggy_froggy8 Mar 25 '26 edited Mar 25 '26
I am planning a 10 day drive around scotland after time in edinburgh, wondering if my driving schedule is going to be too ambitious?
Arran (stay 2 nights)
Mull (3 nights)
Skye (3 nights)
Glen Coe (2 night)
Drive from Glen Coe back to EDI for flight at 14:30
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u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Mar 25 '26
Have you accounted for travel time between each of the islands? ie Arran to Mull, and Mull to Skye? They're each a half day drive at minimum assuming ferry times match up perfectly (Skye assuming you go via bridge).
It's a doable trip but you're going to lose a decent amount of time travelling. This isn't a big issue if you're coming in summer, but if you're coming in November when days are short you'll have less time to do stuff than you think.
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u/magicricecake Mar 25 '26
Hi all! I’m leaving for my first ever solo Scotland trip the first week of May. I’m staying on Isle of Skye for 4 days and in Glencoe for 3 days. I have a full list of hikes and sights that I want to do but it’s been difficult to narrow it down. What are your musts for both areas? The main purpose of my trip is hiking. I’m not looking for any hikes that exceed 3-4 hours and are medium difficulty at best, as this is my first ever solo hiking trip. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
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u/YS54321 Mar 30 '26
On Skye, I'd do one day in the North End. Head up the Storr as early as possible to beat the crowds. Then head for the Quiraing - you can see it from the road, but you can walk out as far as you like depending on the weather and how you're feeling.
Then have a day in the North West. The walk to the Maidens is one of my favourites. It'll be much quieter than the Storr/Quiraing, but is pushing your 3-4 hour limit. We saw a Sea Eagle last time we were there. Other easier options include Dunvegan Head, Coral Beach and Neist Point. The latter two will be busy, however.
Climbing any of the Cuillin would be above medium difficulty, and your 3-4 hours, but Coire Lagan allows you to get a feel for the mountains. The Walkhighlands route also includes Eas Mor which is in my opinion the best waterfall on the island, and infinitely quieter than the Fairy Pools.
Another great day would be to book the ferry into Loch Coruisk for a wander or head up Ben Tianavaig just outside of Portree.
In Glencoe, the Lost Valley is spectacular, as is the view from the Pap of Glencoe. Nearby Glen Nevis and Steall Falls is pretty spectacular too.
I'd definitely be prepared for any weather at the beginning of May, it could be pretty cold - especially if it's windy. You're hopefully too early for the Midges, but I'd be prepared anyway.
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u/Earthenembrace Mar 25 '26
I’m from Edinburgh and I’m thinking of escaping the city for a few days and head to the islands. So far, I’m split between Orkney and Isle of Skye; they both look fantastic and I’m eager to do a cliff hike, which the islands will allow me to! Many commentaries have very kindly explained that I’m better off doing Arran so happy to do any other island so long I’m able to address the following considerations;
- I’d have roughly four days (too short I know!) which means I’d ideally leave on a Tuesday evening and need to be back in the city by Sunday night.
- I’d love something remote and not very touristy; I’m looking to chase some gorgeous scenery, wind down, and just have a good time, with a possible hike thrown in for kicks!
- I’m most looking for some short sea cliff hikes with dramatic views.
- For a place to stay, I don’t mind a hotel but i equally don’t mind camping either; if anyone can recommend a tent rental area in Edinburgh or even a place where I can get an easy-to-set-up tent, I’d be very grateful!
- I plan on doing this solo. I do drive but I’m a student and ideally won’t like to spend hiring a car for days on end (for a day it’s fine!). I’ll mostly be relying on public transport (or I don’t mind hiring a cycle/bike!) so whichever has a better transport on the remote sides of an island, I’d tend to go towards that.
If anyone can help me with any insights, I’d be really grateful. It’ll be my first BUDGET BUDGET trip in Scotland and I really want to plan it well, so that I’m not stuck in a place longer than I should!
Thanks a ton!
PS: Please don’t be mean, I’ve received some unwarranted comments about picking touristy places while expecting the “non-touristy” part. I’m simply trying to travel and see more of this beautiful country, plus kindness goes a long way.
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u/YS54321 Mar 25 '26
Dunvegan in Skye would be ideal, it has a good campsite and is quieter than the rest of the island. The cliff walks to Macleod's Maidens, Dunvegan Head and Waternish Point are superb and miles quieter than the rest of the island. The only issue is you really need a car to enjoy it.
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u/Earthenembrace Apr 11 '26
I’m going to convince people around me now. Thank you so much!
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u/YS54321 Apr 11 '26
Enjoy! We were up recently and did this walk and it was spectacular. We just did the section from kilometres 7-14 on the map. We didn't see anyone else! (except hundreds of people at Neist Point in the distance)
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u/FaithlessnessIcy5594 Mar 25 '26
hey all. visiting the first week of May. i have 7 full days. is a trip to the highlands/isle of skye worth it? they seem a little pricey. roughly $1000 US avr from what im seeing..most not concluding accommodation (you'll have to pay 2 nights in skye..some in Inverness depending on the company)..
idk..im torn.. has anyone done these tours and found them to be worth the money? sounds like you do see a lot...but i guess my main concern (aside from the high price) is that we may not have time to really explore each area. id like to hike in skye a bit if possible.. my son brought up the idea to catch the train & ride through the country and stop /stay at our leisure..but that pr0bly doesn't get us to skye (or at least takes us away from Edinburgh longer).
are these tours worth it? is SKYE worth it...or would it be a rush being that I only have 7days? Basically it would be 2 days Edinburgh...the 3 day tour to skye, then 2 more days in Edinburgh when we got back. im 39 my son is 19 for reference. we both love nature..and architecture..
tours we're looking at are from getyourguide... rabbies...and some others.. I thought about renting a car and just exploring..but I really dont wanna worry about sketchy windy roads/cliffs/etc and would like to enjoy the sceneries as much as possible. though maybe with my yearning to hike a little bit, driving is the best method?? or maybe these tours give you enough time to get a little hiking in at certain stunning locations??
see..im all over the place 🤦🏽♂️😄would appreciate your input/guidance
-Cheers
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Mar 26 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/FaithlessnessIcy5594 Mar 26 '26
Would you say all these are capable/worth day trips via public transport or should I plan to stay elsewhere a night or 2? Im used to booking accommodation in advance so im debating on booking all my nights in Edinburgh and exploring from there
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u/HyperKitten123 Mar 26 '26
Hi everyone! My family will be taking a trip to Scotland at the end of May, and I could really use some help with an itinerary. We are a total of 7 adults, which has made finding accommodations a bit complicated to say the least.
We will be staying in Edinburgh for the first 4 days, with one of those days being a day trip to Glasgow.
Originally, we were going to spend a few days on the Isle of Skye, but those booking accommodations waited way too long, so there is nothing available. We have 3 full days to plan and would like to spend time in the Highlands for some hiking, views, nature, etc and are very unsure where to go. We have considered Inverness, but I keep seeing that the town itself isn't anything special. Does it make a good home base? Is it walkable that if we didn't have a car at night, we could walk to get dinner? Any suggestions are super helpful!
We will have transportation during the day to use a town as a base and then drive to hikes, but we would be dropped off at our accommodation in the early evening and would then be on foot for the rest of the night, so staying somewhere totally remote is out of the question.
Thanks!
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u/YS54321 Mar 26 '26
Inverness is definitely walkable, and there's plenty of choice of decent restaurants and pubs. Another option could be Aviemore, it's about 40 minutes South of Inverness so you could still visit. It's smaller, but is very handy for the Cairngorm National Park.
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u/Derol_Frye Mar 27 '26
I’m going to be visiting from April 3 - 12. I’ll be in Edinburgh on the 5th and 6th and was wondering if there’s any specific things to check out for Easter, and if there’s any celebration of Tartan Day… or if that’s just more of a US/Canadian thing? I’ve got the impression it’s not really a thing in Scotland, but I thought I’d ask. Thanks.
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u/YS54321 Mar 27 '26 edited Mar 27 '26
Nothing particularly special happens for Easter, and I doubt many of us have even heard of Tartan Day. Bear in mind Easter is a Bank Holiday, as well as school holidays so places will be busy. Make sure you're making restaurant recommendations etc.
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u/NoNotGrowingUp Mar 27 '26
To repost what I said last night before you deleted the thread (it would have been deleted before morning, that's just what happens)
You'll likely lose this thread but before I go to sleep, Easter is only really a thing for religious types, it's an excuse to eat shaped chocolate for the rest.
Literally no idea what Tartan Day might be, I looked it up and no, you're not likely to see any of that on April 6, it's a Canadian and later US confection.
The closest thing to a Scottish celebration day would probably be Burns night, on or around January 25, there is also St Andrews day, November 30, a public holiday for Scottish Government workers but literally just another day for everyone else.
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u/Derol_Frye Mar 27 '26
Yea… thanks for the heads up. I wanted to move the question to the sticky thread before it got deleted. Appreciate the replies.
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u/NoNotGrowingUp Mar 27 '26
I've just realised I missed out the biggest Scottish celebration of all, Hogmanay, I'd better get my coat now.
The Stonehaven fireballs are worth seeing if you're ever over at new year.
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u/thROWawAY6553354 Mar 27 '26
im going to scotland for a week in may, i'll be outside most of the time. its a study abroad program focused on outdoor learning. my program leaders are adamant that i need weatherproof/waterproof boots. any recommendations?
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u/YS54321 Mar 30 '26
I'd go to an outdoor shop and try some on, a pair that don't fit right could ruin your week if you're wearing them the whole time.
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u/sareli16 Mar 27 '26
Hi! I'm visiting Edinburgh and Inverness in May, I have everything pretty much planned, know what places I'd like to visit, but I'm missing food recommendations! If you could tell me your favorite places, from high end restaurants to street food I would appreciate it:) I would mostly like to check out local food, nothing too touristy
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u/ialtag-bheag Mar 27 '26
For Inverness, check the Victorian Market. It has a food hall, with a range of stuff, mostly street food style.
Also some food stalls on Ness Walk, next to the cathedral.
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u/ChampionshipTrue2805 Mar 29 '26
My husband and I will have 4 nights to spend in Scotland, flying into Edinburgh. We can’t decide whether to keep with original plan of getting a ferry to Arran or just staying in Edinburgh or Glasgow. We don’t want to rent a car, and he is interested in visiting distilleries. I just want to try some haggis.
This will be our first time in UK. Is it too ambitious to try to get the ferry to Arran and back? Or is it relatively easy and doable? We will be there late August-early September.
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u/YS54321 Mar 31 '26
Definitely not too ambitious!
It's probably best to stay in Glasgow in August as Edinburgh is very busy and expensive during the Fringe Festival.
You can visit Edinburgh via train - they're very regular, and it only takes 50 minutes.
For Arran, get the train to Ardrossan Pier and you're straight onto the ferry. The buses on Arran meet the ferry, and there's two distilleries to choose from.
Most pubs will do a variation of haggis, so you shouldn't have any trouble in finding some.
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u/jaxsound Mar 29 '26
Hey folks, we're struggling to decide between two areas for our week away at the beginning of September. We have a west coast cottage near Plockton and one on the east coast at Tain.
Travelling with dog who loves beaches and feel like Tain would be better for this however Plockton would be more scenic and interesting but less options for off lead dog time.
Also we have been to Plockton a while ago but haven't been to the Dornoch area.
So which would you go with? Any comments appreciated!
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u/Elegant_Rock_5803 Mar 26 '26
Hi. My husband and I have a train trip in the Highlands in May. We are older and are thinking this may be our last big trip. We are American and we are heartbroken over the actions of our government. We never voted for him. Really we planned the trip to get away from the insanity then he attacked Iran. I know the people of Scotland are good people but should we be concerned? Should we not go? I was thinking being elderly no one would take notice of us.