What the heck to do in Scotland?

Question

We took my daughter (5) to the highland games...and she discovered her Scottish heritage in a BIG way, (she made us find canned Haggis for her...she LOVES it..that and IRN BRU, and bagpipes...and the wife managed to get us into Clan Campbell, through the Harris sept.)

She wants to go to Scotland on Vacation next year. I know about Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, and climbing Arthur's seat...but the Scotts are interesting folk and it stands to reason there is more to do there than just that. (I am NOT interested in any STUPID "DiVinci Code" crud, and being 4 the daughter is a bit young to take on a whiskey tour!) We also have my 12 year old son to consider, he's a boy scout who loves birds, animals, and fishing.

We like history, museums, science, and any festivals. The wife runs triathilons. Sadly none of us golf. Any ideas on what else we might enjoy?

Answer 1

Canned haggis? Never heard of that one and I stay here. Take her to a chip-shop and sample some other delights like a black, red or white deep-fried pudding.

Try the links below for Scottish attractions, etc. There are a lot of wildlife / nature reserves in Scotland. I've only listed one as an example (Vane Farm - Loch Leven), which I had been to on a school visit many years ago.

There's also Deep Sea World, the Scottish Deer Centre, the Royal Palace of Falkland, and the Secret Bunker, which are all nearby to this located in Fife (the home of golf). See links below.

Answer 2

Maybe do a few days in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow and then head for the hills........literally!  

I like all of Scotland but the West Coast is particularly beautiful.  If you get good weather then you'll be onto a winner, but if not, it could be a bit miserable.  With a 5 yr old it could be tricky as they don't usually like sitting in cars for hours driving through the scenery, so if you can get her out doing some walking, that'd be good. You may also be able to hire bikes from some places and that'd be a great way to see the scenery.  Horse riding too - that could appeal to both your children.

She might enjoy grubbing around in rock pools (and your son too), so you could spend some time in the sea lochs and on the coast doing that.  You could also tell her that you've heard of mermaids being spotted in any particularly lonely cove and she will probably spend ages looking for one!  

I'm trying to think back to what we did in Scotland when I was younger and I think it was mainly walking, fishing and wandering around castles (of which there are many!), but I do remember going on a boat trip from Fort William so that'd be good.  You can do them to places like Fingalls Cave too and you'd see seals and loads of sea birds for your son.

You could also visit a couple of islands, even John-0'Groats if you get up that far.

Answer 3

OK, in Edinburgh, you'll have the castle, lots and lots of interesting architecture, and the Fringe festival in summer.

In Glasgow, make sure to checkout C.R. Mackintosh's design heritage.

For your son, try to find a smallish hotel specialised in organised salmon-fishing - there must be a lot of them. Just stay 2 or 3 days to give him the opportunity to go on a day-trip.

Apart from that, Scotland consists of nothing but nature - not sure about animals though, I guess they all fled from the cold and wet weather to England :-)

Do check out Britain's official tourism website:

http://www.visitbritain.co.uk/destinatio...

they have a lot of info for everybody - if you can find it....