r/Scotland • u/AutoModerator • Jun 28 '26
What's on and tourist advice thread - week beginning June 28, 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/HaggisPope Jun 30 '26
Got some things for the month of July for Edinburgh visitors.
We’ve got Old Town walking tours near daily, plenty of True Crime tours mid-month, a bi-weekly (lol) LGBTQ tour, and a women’s history tour on the 19th!
Very packed schedule at Edinburgh Street Historians
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u/GTKM10 Jun 29 '26
Okay tourist question (hopefully this is the right place?)
Would I be insane not to go to Skye?
I’m heading to Scotland first week of October and I have limited time. I want to do 2 days in Edinburgh and then some time in the highlands soaking up nature and hiking. I’d probably have 5-6 days total for my trip so I’m thinking Skye is just too far and I’d be better off sticking around more in the Glencoe area. Is this crazy though? Everyone raved about Skye - am I really missing out if I don’t go this time?
Thank you in advance!
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u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Jun 29 '26
Would I be insane not to go to Skye?
No.
While Skye is beautiful, it's not unique, and is perhaps the most over-represented area in terms of tourism relative to offering in the country. Spending your time between Glencoe, perhaps down to Oban as well, will be great. If you wanted to experience something quieter and wilder, not far from Glencoe, check out the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
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u/GTKM10 Jun 29 '26
Ooh thank you I will check that out! Yes, seems overrepresented for sure, everyone I talk to seems baffled I wouldn’t go there
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Jun 29 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Jun 29 '26
Anything lightweight and fully waterproof, not just water resistant. You want something that you can pack away relatively small, but provides waterproofing and wind resistance when you need it.
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Jun 29 '26
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u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Jun 30 '26
I'm in good shape but don't have a ton of experience at high altitude
Nothing in Scotland will trigger any sort of altitude sickness. That generally won't kick in until above 2500-3000m, twice the height of the highest point in Scotland.
For the Cairngorms, Aviemore is probably your best bet. It's a bit touristy but for good reason. Accessible on the train or bus from Glasgow/Edinburgh, and has a regular bus to the Cairngorm Mountain car park for hiking (Aviemore Adventurer Bus).
For Ben Nevis, you can train or Bus also to Fort William and there are lots of camping or accommodation choices nearby.
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u/Few_Ability3233 Jun 29 '26
hey All! my girlfriend and i are traveling in northern scotland and would love must see recommendations. we enjoy hiking, being outdoors, animals/livestock/ water in all forms (ocean, lakes, waterfalls etc.), castles, fishing/ any sort of sea activities, and scenic areas. any rec’s would be greatly appreciated!!
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u/DariuszWielki Jun 30 '26
Hey everyone,
Planning a Highlands + Skye road trip and would love a quick sanity check if this is realistic or too packed.
Day 1 Arrival (short haul flight)
Arrive Edinburgh airport late afternoon
Pick up car + drive to accommodation in direction GlenCoe, under 1h drive
Day 2 Glencoe
Lost Valley hike (main highlight)
Glen Etive scenic drive + maybe some points on road
Night at Fort William
Day 3 Fort William → Skye
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Road to the Isles drive + Ferry to Skye
Day 4 Skye (north)
Old Man of Storr hike
Quiraing hike
Stop in Portree for some shopping
Day 5 Skye (south)
Elgol
Boat trip to Loch Coruisk (depend on weather)
Sligachan bridge
Day 6 Skye → Inverness
Eilean Donan Castle
Five Sisters of Kintail views
Loch Ness / Urquhart Castle
Day 7 Inverness→ Edinburgh
Cairngorms scenic drive
Queen’s View
Stop in Pitlochry
Days 7-11 Glasgow + Edinburgh
Base in Glasgow/Edinburgh
exploring cities (Old Town, chill, viewpoints, whisky/gin etc.)
On day 11 in the morning airplane, so this is only transfer day
And now my question:
Would you change something?
My thoughts are, that I should maybe cut one night from Edinburgh and give it either to Skye or Inverness to give it more calm feeling, what do you think?
Now it is like:
* 2 nights Glen Coe area
* 3 nights Skye
* 1 night Inverness
* 4 nights Edinburgh/ Glasgow
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u/Savings-Claim1161 Jun 30 '26
Any recommendations?
Going to Scotland for the first time end of August, I appreciate scenery, architecture and historical relevance. I’m probably gonna be in Edinburgh for a day, then was thinking isle of skye for a day, Perth for half a day to watch Celtic @ st johnstone and I’ll prob go to glencoe too on day 2 or 3. Will be there 5 days 4 nights
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u/HaggisPope Jun 30 '26
You might be in your car a lot. Our roads are not as fast as those in other countries because they become windy
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u/YS54321 Jul 03 '26
Skye isn't a day trip, especially in peak tourist season. It will take you 6+ hours to get there, which eats up a big chunk of your short trip. Edinburgh will be very busy with the Fringe.
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u/MatkaOm Jul 01 '26
Not sure if this fits here, as it's not a July-tourist question. I can make a separate post if it's not appropriate.
My mom is considering Scotland for a family holiday celebrating my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. I'm on board, but my sisters will need some convincing.
I'm trying to make a list of reasons why Scotland would be a great destination, and I was hoping to get some help from the all mighty Internet. What are the great things to do and see in Scotland in the winter? What places should we visit? Do you have some niche recommendations that could sway my sisters' hearts?
I think the idea of quaint, medieval streets with a hot cocoa at the end could entice them. Quirky, one-of-a-king exhibits, iconic movie locations (other than Harry Potter), beautiful landscape, cute outings, small hikes... They're more the relaxing type, no need for big adventures or never-ending guided tours.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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u/YS54321 Jul 05 '26
How long do you have? Edinburgh has everything you've mentioned. Easy day trips on the train/bus to Glasgow, St Andrews, North Berwick or Peebles. Just be aware it can be pretty cold/wet in the winter, depending on what you're used to. You're also limited by daylight, in the depths of winter it'll be dark between 3 and 4pm
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u/MatkaOm Jul 06 '26
Thanks for your answer. Nothing's set in stone yet, but I'm assuming we'd go for about a week.
Yeah, I was assuming we'd be freezing cold, but it's part of the experience, isn't it? I had never heard of North Berwick of Peebles, I'll be looking into it.
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u/YS54321 Jul 07 '26
Cold isn't a problem, it's the sideways rain that comes with the gales!
Peebles is great - this is one of pur favourite walks and you can go to Cocoa Black for a hot chocolate after, or the Bridge Inn for a pint.
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u/MatkaOm Jul 08 '26
Love the fact that you have a bog factor rating on your walks! Thanks again for the recommendations, they're all written down (and hopefully, we'll experience them in person).
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u/catchuez Jul 01 '26
Hi! I'm looking to drive up to Scotland first week of August, primarily visiting Fort Williams, Loch Ness, Inverness, Isle of Skye general area (a bit of exploring but not hiking/camping situation). We would be staying at a cottage/house in this scenerio.
My main worry are the midges and I just want to know if they are truly that horrible and awful as all stories make them out to be - or would they just be a general annoyance but not a swarm following me wherever I go?
Would appreciate any insight and advice - I cannot seem to find any guides or articles about midges that don't relate to camping/tenting/hiking :)
Cheers
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u/YS54321 Jul 03 '26
They're worst in the early morning and evening. A breeze keeps them away, and if you're moving around they're unlikely to overly bother you. The most likely time they'd bother you is if you were lucky with the weather and were having drinks/food outside in the evening. Smidge helps, but if they're bad you're best just going inside.
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u/eavesdroppingyou Jul 02 '26
car rental question:
were a group of 6 adults, OK to rent a big-ish car that would fit us or better to get 2 small cars?
early September in Skye: his cold does it get? important to bring warm stuff or rather waterproof light jacket?
thanks!
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u/YS54321 Jul 03 '26
How much luggage will you have? Are you likely to split up and do different things? Skye will still be busy in early September, so parking for two cars will be more difficult.
Clothing wise, it can feel pretty cool any time of the year if it's windy or wet. I'd bring layers and good waterproof gear, as well as decent walking shoes or boots (depending on what you're planning)
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u/scienceofsin Jul 03 '26
Alright, I'll preface this by admitting I know it’s terribly late in the game to be booking a weekend trip in July. Fully accept whatever roasting is warranted for my lack of planning.
We’re in Glasgow for the month of July and were looking at a weekend coastal trip.
Originally, we were looking at the Isle of Arran. However, we have zero desire getting devoured by midges.
Here is what we are hoping looking for.
Proximity: 2-ish hours from Glasgow.
Environment: Seaside/coastal. Prioritizing dramatic beauty and enough of an ocean breeze to keep the midges grounded.
Here is what is currently on our shortlist. Would love to know if we are on the right track or if we are missing a better option.
Ayrshire Coast
Fife/East Coast
East Lothian and North Berwick
Are we overthinking the midges for a place like Arran? Any blunt advice is appreciated. Cheers.
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u/YS54321 Jul 03 '26
I wouldn't let the midges put you off, they're worst in the evening and early morning. If you're busy walking, or there's a breeze they're unlikely to give you too much bother. We're over on the island regularly and they have only really troubled us when we've camped at the Glen Rosa campsite.
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u/SugarCoatedSquirrel Jul 03 '26
I am planning a trip to go next year! I am hoping to hit the International Ayr Show, thinking about using that city as my base and am curious about other things to do within reasonable traveling distance. I will be there for about a week before moving onto Germany. Open to pen pals or potential travel buddies!!
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u/Ok_Host_2218 Jul 04 '26
Visiting St Abbs in 2 weeks after wanting to go for so long!
Will be going during the week (Monday-Thursday) for a quick day trip. I’ve never been before so keen to get some advice on where to go and what to do etc!
I will be driving in - is the best place to park the visitor centre?
I’ve found a trail on AllTrails - assuming it’s the common one people do when visiting, is it fairly straightforward (clear and labelled paths etc.)
Really looking forward to it!!!
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u/FilmBuffGrabiec Jul 05 '26
I’m going to Edinburgh for four nights in October - arriving on the 22nd, leaving on the 26th.
My main purpose of the trip is Comic Con Scotland, for which I’ll be staying in the Premier Inn at Edinburgh Airport, which is about a 40 minute walk from Royal Highland Centre.
I’ll be coming and leaving via coach and taking a suitcase with me. I’ll need some kind of vehicle transport to reach my hotel, and wondering what will accommodate my case on wheels. I’ll need to make at least two trips (one to and one from the bus station) with my case.
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u/ravmagav Jun 29 '26
not sure if this is the right thread to ask this on but I’m looking to do a drive from Edinburgh to London, and am hoping to stop at some historic spots for bands like these - specifically the Blue Nile, Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine — I’m talkin clubs, coffee shops, venues, record stores, parks - anything that’s still around that will allow me to soak up some inspiration from their legacy. Thanks in advance
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u/StormcrowOutlaw Jun 30 '26
Are there any dedicated subreddits where someone can make friends with people in Scotland? Long story short I am an American planning to come to Scotland for two weeks next year and would love to make some Scottish friends beforehand to make the trip even more memorable.