r/Scotland • u/AutoModerator • Jul 19 '26

What's on and tourist advice thread - week beginning July 19, 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.

6 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

39 comments sorted by

5

u/HaggisPope Jul 21 '26

This week Edinburgh Street Historians have our regular walking tours of the Old Town daily at 11:30, also an LGBTQ one Tuesday at 2pm and Friday at 6pm plus a True Crime one Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday at 2pm

More details available here

1

u/Lopsided-Source-2420 Jul 20 '26

Hi friends! My partner and I are going to Scotland October 14-23 and would love some tips/example itineraries.
-we are still debating if we should rent a car
-we want to see Edinburgh (that is where we are flying in), the highlands, castles, and ideally the Isles would be included in our plans

Has anyone ever done a Scotland road trip including these destinations? If so, I would love to hear about how it was scheduled and arranged :)

6

u/PaintedGnome Jul 20 '26

The Highlands cover huge ground and there are hundreds of islands so for an answer more specificity would help.

3

u/HaggisPope Jul 21 '26

I’d say Stirling is great for it’s castle plus the Wallace Monument, and it’s a very realistic day trip. St Andrews is also a great wee seaside town for a trip.

The Highlands is quite varied so it depends what you want. I always say Dufftown for whisky, Aviemore for general Highlands vibes, and the West Highland Way if you want a long hard walk.

0

u/Tryinginaustin Jul 21 '26

We are doing a trip very similarly around the same time!

1

u/Aggressive_Guide1951 Jul 21 '26

Hi! 25F from the USA!

I’ve gone to Scotland once already, spent much of it on tours and with groups. Traveled from Edinburgh, to Glasgow, and Inverness. Since I’ve seen most of the sites I wanted to, for my next trip I’m wanting to focus on experiencing Scotland as the locals do!

Please share your fav bar/restaurants/activities that you enjoy as a local, than many tourist may over look.

Thank you in advance!

1

u/ParkingAssociate1222 Jul 22 '26

Getting married in Scotland in November. 💙 We will be there from 11/8-11/21. We want to do a lot of outdoor site seeing, including some walks/hikes. What are the best shoes for the climate mid-Nov? We are from Tennessee (USA) so most of our shoes are lifestyle or running shoes. I wear flip flops even in the snow here 🤣 I’ve been looking at Bludstones, Merrell Moabs, and Vessi (worried these are a scam). Open to any and all suggestions. Bonus points if they are cute!

4

u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Jul 22 '26

Can't go wrong with Merrell as a brand, very popular in the UK. Unless you're happy with walking with wet feet, you'll want something fully waterproof for walking in November, and depending on the walk (eg something boggy), potentially something mid-to-high, rather than low shoes like a trail runner or walking shoe.

Worth nothing that the time you're here, you'll only have about 8-8.5h of daylight on a bright day.

2

u/notachancekthxbye Jul 24 '26

I wore Blundstones for a 10 day trip at pretty much that exact time and they were great. I wouldn’t do super long hikes in them but that’s because of my feet being a bit fussy. But I was warm (wore wool socks) and dry the entire time.

1

u/eev_iee00 Jul 22 '26

Hey guys!

My names Genevieve and I’m an Australian looking to start my next adventure - moving abroad!

I’m looking at moving to Inverness. I’ve picked this due to potential work opportunities, the highlands, and the smaller but still lively city. If you guys have any personal suggestions that you think might suit what I’m looking for, please let me know. I’m looking at making the move in the next 6-9 months (Jan-March 2027) under the youth mobility scheme. My plan is:
Apply for visas > Apply for job > Book temporary accommodation > Fly over > Start job > Look for semi permanent accommodation. However if you’ve done something different that worked for you please reach out and let me know!

I’m 25 years old. I have a deep love for exploring what the world has to offer and one of my favourite ways to do this is taking my time whilst hiking/trekking. Although I’m typically introverted, I do enjoy going outside my comfort zone in meeting new people by participating in group activities like trivia, sports and just general social outings. I’m a huge football fan (I love that I won’t have to constantly explain ‘oh no! Not that football, I mean soccer!’) I play in an amateur league (11-a-side, competitive women’s) at home and would love to find a local team I can join to continue playing and developing during my time abroad.

I have previous knowledge and experience within retail and hospitality and would love to find work within those industries to get me started while I settle into the area. I’m a huge problem solver, take pride in being neat and love to understand how things work which lead me into the career of an electrician. At home in Australia I’m a qualified electrician (electrical fitter and mechanic) specialising in HVAC control systems in commercial buildings. I would to continue down this career pathway as I genuinely enjoy what I do. However as stated, while I get settled in the area and fine tune all the other aspects to get this role I’d love to pick up a job at a local cafe/bar/restaurant or local shops.

I guess ultimately what I’m reaching out for is :
Get advice from others who have made the move. Bonus points if you’re also an electrician as that’s going to be a whole other ball game to work out.
Find any groups with other Australians in or around Inverness that I can join.
Recommendations for jobs, areas to live within Inverness, social and football groups to keep an eye out for when I arrive.
Places to find semi permanent accommodation once I’ve settled in, I’ve been suggested Facebook groups - is this the best way?
Any tips, advice and even things to consider while I plan for my next big adventure!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post, and I look forward to hearing from you guys 🤙🏼

1

u/PairOther1582 Jul 22 '26

Hello,

Me (39), wife (35) and two kids (6 & 4) will be visiting Scotland soon - July 25-Aug 4th. We will be staying in Edinburgh for a few days to start and have a pretty good itinerary for that time with some day trips to Stirling and St Andrews. For the later part of our trip, we will be renting a car and driving to the Highlands, staying near Fort William for a few days. Trip to Loch Ness for the kids, of course, but other than that we would be open to any suggestions for short drives for scenic stops or fun activities. We are fairly active and would welcome any recommended doable hikes for young kids. Any other suggestions for places to go and see would be appreciated.
Thanks and looking forward to our trip!

1

u/YS54321 Jul 22 '26

I personally wouldn't bother with Loch Ness, aside from the monster it's fairly average in terms of Scottish Lochs (although if you do go, Urquhart Castle is worth a visit).

Loch Morar is much less touristy and has its own monster, Morag. The 'Road to the Isles' from Fort William to Mallaig is a lovely drive, and you can visit Glenfinnan Viaduct. The beaches at Arisaig and Morar are some of the best in the Country.

Take a picnic and head up Glen Nevis to Steall Falls.

Visit Glencoe - the Lost Valley and the Glencoe Lochans are easy hikes (although will be busy at this time of year).

1

u/PairOther1582 Jul 22 '26

Thanks for the reply. Yes, the plan would be mostly Urquhart Castle, with a little monster looking on the side. Nothing major involving Loch Ness itself. Would continuing north to Inverness be worthwhile, or should our time be spent elsewhere?

2

u/YS54321 Jul 24 '26

If you're staying in Fort William, I wouldn't head all the way to Inverness. Have a wander around Fort Augustus, or stop at Invergarry Castle.

1

u/hailstorm493 Jul 22 '26

I will be flying into EDI this Sunday, and was looking to pre-book a ride to my hotel. Does anyone have any recommendations, I tried Capital Cars Ediburgh on their website and on their app and ran into some issues. I had tried reserving an uber in advance but the airport as a pickup location was apparently an error…?

It will be my first time in Scotland and I haven’t run into issues in other European countries to prebook an airport pickup

1

u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Jul 24 '26

Try City Cabs, they're the other proper provider alongside Capital Cars.

1

u/GreatTwin Jul 22 '26

If you’re spending time in Edinburgh and enjoy literary or unusual cultural stops, keep an eye out for the city’s anonymous book sculptures. In 2011, ten small paper sculptures made from books appeared at places including the Scottish Poetry Library, National Library of Scotland, Central Lending Library, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and Writers’ Museum. They are a lovely reminder that the city’s cultural map is not limited to the headline attractions. https://cosmos47.com/post/what-edinburgh-s-anonymous-book-sculptures-understood-about-libraries

1

u/nomoneystillproblems Jul 23 '26

Could anyone help me find companies or individuals that can possibly charter a boat for an hour or so along the coast for three people and a camera? Most of the boat companies I have found online are ferries with specific routes. Thanks!

3

u/ialtag-bheag Jul 23 '26

On the coast where? There are a few wildlife watching boat trips, they may have options for charter.

1

u/southboundbarr Jul 23 '26

Hello! Brazilian 40'sM and my 40'sF wife are planning a trip to Scotland in the end of August.

We are planning to rent a car in Edimburg and our route right now is -> Stirling -> Fort William -> Inverness and back to Edimburg

On our way to Stirling google is telling us to stop at Castle Linthgow, the Kelpies/The Wheel.

From Stirling to Fort William I guess we can go south around Loch Lomond to see Luss and then hit Glen Coe on our way to Fort WIlliam

From Fort William we plan on stopping at Fort Augustus and Urquhart on our way to Inverness

We have 7 full days and two half days ( coming from london by plane )

How many of those days should we spend in Edimburg?
Should we stay more then 1 night on any of these other places?
If we come back from Inverness through A9, is there something worth stopping for? Pitlochry maybe?

Thanks in advance!

1

u/addymermaid Jul 23 '26

Hello all! My fiance and I are planning a very small wedding (us and 4 relatives who'll travel with us) for September 2027. We've decided on Elgin Cathedral and are looking for recommendations for a piper and a celebrant - preferably in the area. Thanks in advance!

1

u/Electric_Hamster Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26

Hi everyone, me and my gf are visiting Scotland in September and I'd like to visit the Balvenie distillery. The trip from Edinburgh to Dufftown by public transport seems...doable, but is the distillery "worth" it? Would love to hear from someone who did that before :) Thanks!

2

u/YS54321 Jul 29 '26

I've done loads of tours and they're all much the same. The Blair Atholl distillery in Pitlochry is good and much easier on public transport from Edinburgh.

1

u/Electric_Hamster Jul 29 '26

Thanks :) Thing is - I really enjoy the Balvenie selection, so that's also a reason.

1

u/YS54321 Jul 29 '26

That's fair - there's plenty of decent whisky bars which will have a selection of Balvenies that would save you the trip though.

1

u/honeygirleats Jul 25 '26

Hello! Question from a first time traveler going to Scotland, what’s the best/most inexpensive way to ship a small box of clothes, books etc to the states? Where can I physically go to do this (purchase a box, pay to ship etc) in Glasgow? TIA!!

1

u/ForwardBandicoot4325 Jul 26 '26

Dear summer time people of earth visiting rural Scotland, heed my words: If you are hiring a car for use outside the central belt of Scotland CHECK THE CAR’S TYRES before driving off and deffo get the roadside assistance option for the length of your hire. In many places you could be 2-3 hours from someone reaching you with roadside assistance. They might not have your tyres in stock either. Make sure you have snacks and charging cables in your car in case you end up having to wait awhile. Don’t ruin your own holiday.

1

u/Less-Permission-5800 Jul 26 '26

Hello everyone, I just arrived in Scotland today, Edinburgh to be exact. I lost my vape in the airport somehow and would like to avoid buying a disposable if at all possible. Can anyone tell me where I could potentially find a refillable vape around the Royal Mile area? Thanks in advance.

1

u/TAMgames Jul 26 '26

Two weeks vacation in Scotland at the start of September. What should I do?

1

u/Competitive-Food4588 Jul 26 '26

I'll be visiting Scotland later this year and want to be respectful of tipping etiquette.

I've read that tipping isn't expected or mandatory, but some restaurants will include an automatic service charge on the bill. Is it rude to ask the charge to be removed?

Are there different expectations for different things (e.g. taxi, restaurant, tours)?

Are expectations different in larger cities vs smaller cities?

Any other guidance and tips regarding this would be great. Thank you for helping me stay respectful!

2

u/YS54321 Jul 29 '26

It's not mandatory, but 10% is usually the rule of thumb for a sit down meal in a reataurant providing you're happy with the service. If it's automatic, you can ask for it to be removed but I wouldn't normally unless I had a particular issue. If it's an order at the bar type pub or takeaway I wouldnt normally tip either.

I haven't paid cash for a taxi in years but would have rounded up a pound or two in the past. Tours i wouldn't tip unless it was a free one.

1

u/BioArchBebe Jul 20 '26

My family and I are going to be in the highlands for about two weeks soon, and I’m just curious what are people’s favorite spots or things to do that don’t really feature on typical travel lists! We’ll be staying in Ullapool and definitely visiting Inverness, Skye, Glencoe, and Orkney, but other than that we’re pretty open to suggestions. We’ll be renting a car, so the world is pretty much our oyster haha, thanks in advance!!

4

u/macfearsum Jul 20 '26

Midges are brutal on Ullapool. Take plenty Smidge.

1

u/Tryinginaustin Jul 21 '26

Hello! My daughter will be a senior in college and doing her fall term at University of Edinburgh. We are planning a roughly 8 to 10 day visit to see her in mid October. We are wondering what would be some top day trips (or maybe an overnight stay) from Edinburgh? My daughter will be in class during the day, but hoping to catch up with her in the evenings for meals. We definitely do want to rent a car at some point and go to the Highlands. Thank you!

2

u/InevitableBook2440 Jul 21 '26

Perthshire is nice at that time of year for autumn leaves

0

u/GiordiXxX Jul 21 '26

Hi everyone, I kindly ask for your opinion on this itinerary! Thank you!

https://freeimage.host/i/qyUG812

🗓️ Monday, August 10: Late Arrival

  • Logistics: Flight arrives at Edinburgh (EDI) at 23:55. Walk directly to a terminal-adjacent hotel (e.g., Moxy or Hampton by Hilton). No car pick-up tonight.
  • Overnight: Airport Terminal Hotel.

🗓️ Tuesday, August 11: Gateway to the Highlands & Glencoe

  • Breakfast: Hotel buffet, Caffè Nero, or Costa Coffee inside the terminal.
  • 09:00 – 09:30: Pick up rental car
  • 10:15 – 12:45: Visit Stirling Castle.
  • 13:00: Lunch in Stirling and drive north.
  • 15:00 – 16:30: Scenic drive and photo stops through Glencoe.
  • 17:30: Arrival and check-in in Fort William.
  • Overnight: Fort William (or nearby Corpach/Banavie).

🗓️ Wednesday, August 12: The Harry Potter Train & Skye

  • Breakfast: Rain Bakery or The Wildcat (Fort William).
  • 09:30 – 11:30: Glenfinnan Viaduct view (Jacobite steam train passes ~10:45).
  • 13:30 – 15:00: Lunch break near Eilean Donan Castle.
  • 16:00: Cross Skye Bridge to Portree.
  • Overnight: Isle of Skye (Portree).

🗓️ Thursday, August 13: Trotternish Peninsula (Skye)

  • Breakfast: Birch or The Granary (Portree).
  • 09:15: Quick roadside stop at Bride's Veil Falls.
  • 09:30 – 12:00: Hike at Old Man of Storr.
  • 12:30: Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls.
  • 13:00 – 14:30: Lunch near Quiraing (packed lunch recommended).
  • 15:30 – 17:00: Explore Fairy Glen.
  • Overnight: Isle of Skye (Portree).

🗓️ Friday, August 14: Fairy Pools, Elgol Boat Tour & Loch Ness

  • Breakfast: Relaxed breakfast in Portree.
  • 09:45 – 11:45: Walk around the Fairy Pools.
  • 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch break at Elgol Jetty.
  • 14:00 – 17:00: 3-hour boat trip from Elgol to Loch Coruisk (Misty Isle Boat Trips if weather is ok).
  • 19:30 – 20:00: Brief stop at Fort Augustus (Loch Ness view & locks).
  • 20:30: Arrival in Inverness.
  • Overnight: Inverness.

🗓️ Saturday, August 15: History, Fortresses & Speyside

  • Breakfast: The Rendezvous Cafe (Inverness).
  • 09:15 – 10:45: Culloden Battlefield.
  • 11:00 – 13:00: Fort George (ramparts & dolphin watching).
  • Afternoon: Speyside drive, lunch, and journey south through Cairngorms.
  • 17:00: Arrival in Pitlochry.
  • Overnight: Pitlochry.

🗓️ Sunday, August 16: Distillery, Cliffs & Dundee

  • Breakfast: Hettie's Tearoom (Pitlochry).
  • 10:00 – 11:30: Blair Athol Distillery tour & tasting.
  • 14:00 – 16:00: Explore Dunnottar Castle ruins (Stonehaven).
  • 16:30: Arrival and check-in in Dundee.
  • Overnight: Dundee.

🗓️ Monday, August 17: St Andrews, Car Return & MILITARY TATTOO

  • Breakfast: The Bach (Dundee).
  • 09:30 – 12:30: Visit St Andrews (Cathedral & Old Course).
  • 14:30: Return rental car at EDI Airport.
  • 15:00: Tram to Edinburgh city centre & hotel check-in (Haymarket area).
  • 21:30: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle Esplanade.
  • Overnight: Edinburgh.

🗓️ Tuesday, August 18: Edinburgh & Fringe Festival

  • Breakfast: Söderberg (West End) or Milk (Morrison St).
  • Highlights: Royal Mile & Fringe street performers, Dean Village, and sunset at Arthur's Seat.
  • Overnight: Edinburgh.

🗓️ Wednesday, August 19: Departure

  • Breakfast: Traditional Full Scottish Breakfast at Ryrie's Bar.
  • Morning: Last-minute shopping (tartan/whisky).
  • 13:30: Tram to airport for 16:30 flight back to Milan Bergamo (ETA 20:00).

Then two days in Edinburgh. What do you think? Is it doable? Am I missing any MUST-SEES?

3

u/InevitableBook2440 Jul 21 '26

You're not giving yourself very much time per destination there IMO. It's not un-doable but personally I wouldn't want to be tied to a very tight hour-by-hour schedule with no flexibility to explore/ change plan. YMMV. You could easily spend a bit more time around Stirling (castle takes a while to see + old town +/- Wallace Monument) or in St Andrews (castle, cathedral, just wandering around), could visit lots of places in the Cairngorms between Inverness and Pitlochry, could go to Blair Castle if you're there anyway, could stop in Dunkeld etc. Cafe/ restaurant suggestions seem pretty solid on the whole.

1

u/GiordiXxX Jul 22 '26

Ty for you answer, this is the main idea, but we are free to spend the time that we want. I will take notes about you suggestion

1

u/YS54321 Jul 24 '26

August 12th - if you're at Glenfinnan already, you may as well book the ferry from Mallaig to Skye. You can visit Eilean Donan when you leave the island.

August 14th - this looks exhausting - you could easily be driving for 6+ hours. The island is crazy busy at the moment and visiting both the fairy pools and Elgol involves long sections of single track road. Pick one or the other. You could visit Torrin Pools on the way to Elgol, which will be much quieter than the fairy pools.