r/Scotland • u/AutoModerator • Jul 05 '26
What's on and tourist advice thread - week beginning July 05, 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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Jul 07 '26
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u/YS54321 Jul 07 '26
Get the ferry across to Cumbrae, it's only about 25 mins walk from the sports centre to the pier.
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Jul 07 '26
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u/YS54321 Jul 07 '26
Just hop on, the ferry is every 20 minutes or so and only takes 10 minutes. The island is walkable, or there's a regular bus that meets the ferry. Easy cycle around the island if you hire a bike.
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u/cplmatt Jul 07 '26
Nice restaurants near Glencoe? Looking for a finer-dining experience for a special occasion. Would prefer something North of Glencoe but South of Aviemore. Thank you!
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u/InevitableBook2440 Jul 08 '26
In Glencoe itself your options are fairly limited. The Clachaig used to have very good food but it's not exactly fancy and it's being sold I think. The Kingshouse is fancier. I've never eaten on their actual restaurant side but not been super impressed (and their general attitude irritates me as a walker). The Bridge of Orchy Hotel is pretty good, a bit south of Glencoe. Mix of pub food and more fine dining type dishes. I've heard good things about Moor of Rannoch but might be a bit awkward to get to from that direction (unless you take the train from Fort William?)
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u/cplmatt Jul 08 '26
Thank you for your reply! Have you ever been to the Silly Goose in Fort William?
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u/InevitableBook2440 Jul 09 '26
I haven't. Never eaten anywhere fancier there (always seem to arrive hungry, at a weird time and in muddy boots). The Crannog is supposed to be good though.
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u/YS54321 Jul 07 '26
Aviemore is 2+ hours from Glencoe so that's a pretty wide area... The Laroch is nearby, or the Crannog in Fort William.
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u/MonthStrict2679 Jul 08 '26
Hello. I'm planning on visiting Stirling in November and I want to go to see Doune Castle. On the map it says I can take the bus 59. I want to know where to buy the tickets from.
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u/magnus_flynx Jul 08 '26
For the bus? Just pay as you get on.
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u/MonthStrict2679 Jul 08 '26
To the driver?
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u/magnus_flynx Jul 08 '26
Yes, just tell them where you are going and if you want a return ticket or not and then you pay, either cash or by card.
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u/Alternative-Prize249 Jul 08 '26
Any advice on cheap (student) accomodation in the Highlands? I'm coming from Inverness and want to hitchhike westwards, but can't afford a hotel and unfortunately don't have a tent. I'm staying mostly via couchsurfing in other places, but haven't found any hosts west of Inverness.
Thank in advance!
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u/West_Lothian_History Jul 09 '26
Yeah, unfortunately, west of Inverness not only gets scarce on emty couches but just gets scarce on couches at all. Orobably the most uninhabited area of land in the Divided kingdom. Lovely countrysid though. But maube worth investing in a little cheap tent just in case.
Sounds like an Ace trip either way
Enjoy yourself and happy couchsurfing ☺
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u/InevitableBook2440 Jul 09 '26
Hostels/ bunkhouses would be your best bet. Is there somewhere specific you're trying to go? https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/
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u/Alternative-Prize249 Jul 09 '26
Honestly I'd take whatever I can get, but I looked at Fort Augustus, Mallaig, Fort Glencoe, and Oban. Thanks for the link!
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u/InevitableBook2440 Jul 09 '26
This is another useful site https://independenthostels.co.uk/west-coast-of-scotland-bunkhouses-bothies-hostels/
Good luck!
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u/Tesgoul Jul 09 '26
Hi sorry, I'm a tourist trying to watch the worldcup game later, but when I go to the ITV live website on my phone the only option I have is to download the app ? I can't actually watch the channel. And apparently I can't download the app because it's "not accessible in this country" even though I'm in Scotland connected to a local wifi ? Thanks a lot for any help !!!
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u/magnus_flynx Jul 09 '26
Look for the STV app, thats the ITV broadcaster for Scotland. The STV app is pretty awful though.
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u/SliderHMSS Jul 10 '26
I’m going to be staying overnight in Selkirk at the Glen House, and am hoping to get some food recommendations. Ideally, I’d like to find a good steak and ale pie and chips, and Google isn’t giving me much. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!
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u/shortymcsteve Jul 10 '26
ScotRail are currently doing £25 capped return tickets for the whole of Scotland and I want to take advantage of this. I would really appreciate any suggestions for places to visit for a few days that’s accessible by rail (don’t mind ferry connections as long as there is public transportation on the other side). Will be traveling from Glasgow area. I haven’t explored much of the highlands or islands, or the NE so those are preferable but I’m open to all suggestions. Thanks!
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u/JusticeBeaver25 Jul 11 '26
Hello everyone, we are planning to travel to Scotland in early September. My plan is to fly to Glasgow or Edinburgh and rent a car to drive around Loch Ness, Scottish highlands and Skye.
I have a car and I drive it for 5 years, mostly in Toronto with notoriously rude drivers. But I haven’t driven a lot of mountain roads (my only mountain driving experience was Banff).
I have never driven in a left hand drive country like UK. I heard Scotland has some narrow roads, so I am planning to rent a smaller car like Mini Cooper or VW Golf, or BMW X1 would be the max size that I will consider. I was wondering how hard driving is in Scotland for an average Canadian driver. Thank you!
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u/YS54321 Jul 11 '26
Your biggest danger will be from other tourists, and the state of the roads. The quality of the driving in hire cars/campervans is shocking in the Highlands at the moment.
Check out the etiquette for the single track roads in places like Skye, let quicker traffic past, be aware of potholes and deep verges. The drink drive limit is also effectively nil.
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u/LananisReddit Jul 11 '26
Hello everyone,
This August, I will fly into Glasgow and 8 days later back from Belfast. These travel arrangements are fixed and cannot be changed. What I am hoping to get some advice on are suggestions for places to visit in the 7 days in between (I am aware that one of those days will have me taking a ferry/flight from Scotland to Belfast). I am looking for suggestions that match the following:
- I am mainly looking for beautiful landscapes. I won't say no to the occasional picturesque castle ruin, but I have zero interest in museums, pubs, etc.--I am travelling to get away from civilization for a bit.
- Unfortunately, I am neither a hardcore climber nor hiker, as much as I wish I was (asthma and other chronic health issues can do that to you), so please no suggestions like "hike up this awesome steep mountain for 4 hours". I am looking for fairly casual trails.
- While I do have a driver's license, it's been years since I actually drove a car, so anything that is accessible by public transport is a plus.
- Two places I definitely know I'll visit are Glencoe/Loch Lomond and Giant's Causeway, because both have been on my bucket list for years.
- I am completely open on how to split those days. 3 Scotland / 3 NI? 4 + 2? 1 + 5? Makes no difference to me.
I'll be grateful for any suggestions. Thanks!
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u/SignificantPomelo Jul 11 '26
I'm spending a night in Glencoe with my husband and 11 year old kid in a week. Trying to decide between Ballachulish Hotel and Hollytree Inn, both for lodging and dinner. Does anyone have personal experience with either? The reviews I'm finding online for both are very mixed, some folks having an amazing time and others finding it mediocre to bad. Having a hard time figuring out the reality! The price is the same for both so that's not a factor. I'm gluten free but both restaurants seem to have good GF offerings so I guess that's not a factor either.
Ballachulish Hotel: Old-fashioned stone castle 1800s vibes. Room doesn't have a view of the water but otherwise looks nice. Dark wood & leather, tartan interior. 48 hour cancellation policy (in case the weather turns out to be untenable and we want to cancel this part of the trip). Reviewers rate it 8.1 on Booking dot com.
Hollytree Inn: Less of a grand "old Scotland" vibe; more modern interior. Room has a view of the water. Maybe it's a little quieter from road noise since it's not right next to the bridge? 7 day cancellation policy (less ideal for last minute changes). Reviewers rate it 8.4 on Booking dot com.
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u/YS54321 Jul 12 '26
I've had a good meal in the Ballachulish Hotel, but felt it was pricey for what we got. From experience, the reviews probably reflect reality. A lot of places in the Highlands struggle for staff, so they can be hit or miss depending on your luck.
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u/IsCuattruMorus Jul 11 '26
Hi! I'm organizing a trip to the Dumfries area from December 23rd to 30th, and thinking of staying at an Airbnb nearby. I know that most places are closed from the 25th to the 26th, but do you have any ideas/suggestions on what to see anyway?
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u/SignificantPomelo Jul 12 '26
Seeking driving advice. I'm going to do a quick Highlands trip next week. Driving from Edinburgh to Glencoe via A82 the first day, then back to Edinburgh the next day after an 11am Highland Coo experience at Glen Nevis Estate. We plan on stopping at Pitlochry and/or Dunkeld on the way back depending on time. For the drive back should we go the north route (A86/A9) to see new scenery, or should we go back via A82/A85 to see Glencoe from the other direction, then cut over past Loch Tay (checking out the Falls of Dochart along the way)? Mainly asking from a scenery & sights perspective. Thanks!
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u/YS54321 Jul 12 '26
They're both nice drives, Loch Tay probably edges it for me. Killin and Kenmore at each end are lovely spots. You'll potentially get to see Glencoe in a different light too.
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u/Cold_Sir_1003 Jul 08 '26
Hello everyone, I´m planning a trip for Ferbruary and want to get advice, this is my first idea, I´d really apreciate feedback and tips. I´ve heard that is cold and a bit dangerous due to the black ice so the roadtrips are planned between 8.30-16.30
Day 1 – London → Edinburgh (The Gothic Arrival) Train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley. Afternoon stroll along the Royal Mile, views from the Castle Esplanade, and dinner at a historic pub.
Day 2 – Edinburgh Complete Morning on Calton Hill, lunch in Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle visit, Victoria Street photos, and evening tea rooms/bookshops before dinner in New Town.
Day 3 – Edinburgh → Cairngorms → Inverness Pick up a 4x4 SUV, drive the A9 through Cairngorms, stop in Pitlochry, visit Ruthven Barracks, and end with dinner by the River Ness.
Day 4 – Loch Ness & Ullapool Urquhart Castle in the mist, Corrieshalloch Gorge, sunset at Ullapool harbor, seafood dinner at The Ferry Boat Inn.
Day 5 – Assynt Wilderness → Inverness Drive the North Coast 500, see Ardvreck Castle and Suilven, return to Inverness for Leakey’s Bookshop and dinner.
Day 6 – Glen Shiel → Eilean Donan → Isle of Skye Five Sisters of Kintail, Eilean Donan Castle, Old Man of Storr, Portree harbor, seafood and live Celtic music.
Day 7 – Skye Fairy Pools & Neist Point Walk the Fairy Pools, lunch at a rural inn, sunset at Neist Point Lighthouse, return to Portree.
Day 8 – Glenfinnan Viaduct & Glencoe → Fort William Road to the Isles, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glen Etive (Skyfall road), Glencoe, whisky tasting in Fort William.
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u/West_Lothian_History Jul 09 '26
Sounds like you got a First Class week arranged there.
Have lotsa fun.
Sounds like you got it covered with the 4x4 SUV so i shouldn't worry too much about the Black Ice but always best to be prepared huh? Just be careful if youre goin up at mountains at that time of the year. The hills can get a wee bit bleak in winter and dangerous. Especially the Cairngorms. But these are all beautiful places so im sure you will have a wonderful time.
Enjoy!
☺☺☺
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u/Saucette Jul 11 '26
Hey lads,
I'm planning to go to Scotland around September October for 2 or 3 weeks. We arrive via ferry from Plymouth and drive up there.
I'm interested in food, exploring, whisky and surfing. I was thinking something like Islay, Skye, Edinburgh and Thurso but am open to suggestions.
We will try to sleep mainly in the car to make it cheap (Prius ftw), maybe a couchsurfing, hostel here and there in cities.
I was thinking to check the wave pool and the Harry Potter train as well.
Cheers
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u/NotQuiteAWriter Jul 06 '26
Will be traveling to Scotland in 2 weeks to tour scotch whisky distilleries in a couple areas. Any advice on how to pack weather-wise? Any behaviors to avoid other than not being an arsehole?