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Best Of
Gin anyone?
If you’re a fan of gin (like I am!), Scotland is the place to be. You might not know it, but there are over 50 producers of gins thoughout Scotland from Dumfries and Galloway to Shetland. You might have heard of some (Hendricks or Eden Mill anyone?) but I bet that there are loads you’ve never tried yet. I haven’t, and I’m taking it as a challenge! :P
A few of my current favourites are Edinburgh Gin (their elderflower gin is to die for) and Pickerings (based at the brilliant Summerhall in Edinburgh). I also loved visiting the Isle of Harris distillery in Tarbert and sampling their delicious gin. And there are new distilleries opening all the time, the newest one I can think of is Crafty Distillery, opening soon near Newton Stewart!
5pm just created this brilliant gin map of Scotland, so
I’ll be using that to start ticking some off my list 
Do you have a favourite Scottish gin? Or which gins are on your list to try next?
ailsa
6
Re: 17 Days Self Drive Holiday - suggestions welcome
Hi @Nads, The NC500 in the North is a great drive but with very few options for quality accommodation. Kylesku hotel by the Kylesku bridge is a wonderful spot to stay. The Steadings near Dornoch is also really nice. The Heart200 in Perthshire is a lovely driving route with lots of great stops. Pitlochry is a lovely old town to stay over in. Lots of great B&Bs to choose from, especialy the Pink house on the hill.
Take a look at some other options of where to drive here.
fishypro
5
Re: Is Kyleakin a good place to stay while visiting Skye?
@Bruna_Maria, as a non-driving tourist myself, I can wholeheartedly recommend Portree as a base over Kyleakin. Most Skye bus routes go through Portree and here are a few ideas of bus based trips based on what I've done before (make sure you plan from the latest timetables from the Stagecoach website)
Do not hesitate to ask any follow-up questions
- Old Man of Storr hike
- Raasay via Sconser ferry terminal and Sligachan
- Uig
- Elgol
Do not hesitate to ask any follow-up questions
Horizons
1
Re: Hi! What is the best way to get from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?
Hi @Victor_Dill_67, You can catch a train from Paisley Gilmour Street which is approx. 1 mile from Glasgow airport. The train will take you straight to Edinburgh City Centre (Waverley Station). The journey will take you approx. 1 hour & 30 minutes and it will cost approx. £35.60 for 2 persons.
You can also hire a small car (Corsa or similar) for £34.38 for 1 day.
The "Megabus" does this journey in 1 hour & 15 minutes for only £7.20
Hope this helps!
fishypro
5
Re: Aberdeen area or St. Andrews?
Hi @GypsyHollowTH.
I would agree with @fishypro and opt for St Andrews. If you only have one day then you will certainly be able to get to know it better than hop, skipping and jumping around Aberdeenshire.
Two lovely beaches, a pretty harbour, the golf museum, the aquarium, lots of lovely independent shops, Janetta's for fabulous ice-cream, the castle and cathedral too. There are also lots of places to eat.
The photo was taken on West Sands beach.
I would agree with @fishypro and opt for St Andrews. If you only have one day then you will certainly be able to get to know it better than hop, skipping and jumping around Aberdeenshire.
Two lovely beaches, a pretty harbour, the golf museum, the aquarium, lots of lovely independent shops, Janetta's for fabulous ice-cream, the castle and cathedral too. There are also lots of places to eat.
The photo was taken on West Sands beach.
Re: Staffa Tours - Three Isle Excursion
Hi @GypsyHollowTH
I have done the 3 isles tour with my parents-in-law (late 50s to 60) and they enjoyed it as most of the day is not a strenuous activity. As long as they don't have an issue with a few steep steps that the start of the walk to Fingal's cave, they should be ok. The Fingal's cave boat does carry quite a few people so also expect a semi-queue to the cave.
Here is my review of the 3 isles tour: https://beyondourhorizons.com/2017/09/13/a-weekend-in-oban-scotland-3-isles-tour-review/ Hope this helps.
I have done the 3 isles tour with my parents-in-law (late 50s to 60) and they enjoyed it as most of the day is not a strenuous activity. As long as they don't have an issue with a few steep steps that the start of the walk to Fingal's cave, they should be ok. The Fingal's cave boat does carry quite a few people so also expect a semi-queue to the cave.
Here is my review of the 3 isles tour: https://beyondourhorizons.com/2017/09/13/a-weekend-in-oban-scotland-3-isles-tour-review/ Hope this helps.
Horizons
5
Re: Aberdeen area or St. Andrews?
Hi @GypsyHollowTH , Definately St Andrews! Even taking golf out of the equation there is so much to see and do. I would be amazed if you get a 1 night stay in St Andrews for a family (more than 1 room) unless you pay enough for it.
Castles, ruins, university, shopping, beaches, museums, botanic gardens, butterfly house, restaurants, bars etc there is something for everyone in St Andrews. A beautiful scottish town.
fishypro
1
Re: 7 days in Scotland and need advice on travel
Hi @Cshatto. Travelling around by car is by far the best way to see Scotland. However, there are a variety of tour companies that can take the strain of driving. The downside to this will be they have a set itinerary and these may not be places you had in mind. But if it's just sightseeing, then maybe this would suit?
Another alternative and would depend on your budget would be hiring a private (Blue Badge) tour guide. I can suggest one if this is something you think would suit.
If you decide to stick to hiring a car then my first recommendation would be to allow enough time for photo stops, traffic, rest breaks etc.
Personally, for me, if I were planning to take a trip to Skye from Glasgow I would allow three days for this. One day to get up there. A day exploring and a day to drive back. The drive up through Glen Coe and Fort William is spectacular and you will want to take your time.
Glasgow is my favourite city.
Another alternative and would depend on your budget would be hiring a private (Blue Badge) tour guide. I can suggest one if this is something you think would suit.
If you decide to stick to hiring a car then my first recommendation would be to allow enough time for photo stops, traffic, rest breaks etc.
Personally, for me, if I were planning to take a trip to Skye from Glasgow I would allow three days for this. One day to get up there. A day exploring and a day to drive back. The drive up through Glen Coe and Fort William is spectacular and you will want to take your time.
Glasgow is my favourite city.
Re: 7 days in Scotland and need advice on travel
Car is definitely the best way to see all the amazing hidden gems in Scotland. However if you do not wish to drive the whole of that distance you could get the train from Glasgow to Fort William and then hire a car from there. There are so many lovely places to visit up that part of the country and some of them you would be unable to get to if you were going by public transport.
