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SCOTLAND

WHEN: Oct 2012 & Summer 2014
WHERE: Edinburgh, Highlands, St.Andrews

First time I went I stayed at a youth hostel and the second time a fancier hotel right in the heart of Edinburgh (I don't recall the names)

what to see/do

     1. Edinburgh Castle
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

- typical response but you have to do the whole sha-bam! 
- take a full tour of the castle and walk the royal mile
- give yourself half a day for the castle (depends how much you're into it you could take a full day on just the castle and mile)

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          2. Highlands 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


- take a tour outside of the city and check out the countryside of Scotland
- must see 
- see below for the tour options

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          3. Arthurs Seat
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

- located at the very bottom of the royal mile
- hike takes roughly an hour depending on how fast you walk and which route you take
- multiple routes some longer and some harder (can be very muddy and slippery)
- you get a full view of the city
- enjoy an afternoon tea at Holyrod Palace before or after your hike

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tours to take

1. Highlands/Lock Ness Tour
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

- tour will pick you up right in Edinburgh and takes you on a full day tour around the highlands. Multiple stops (depends on the tours on what the stops are) 
- main stop is at Loch Ness where you can take a cruise on the lake and hunt for Nessy ;)
- roughly C$80 per person

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         2. St. Andrews 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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- for all you golfers I would recommend the day trip to St. Andrews where they host the British Open 

- even if you don't like golf I recommend going on this tour as St. Andrews alone is a very beautiful town with lots to see (its right on the water as well!)

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         2. Ghost Tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- highly recommend 

- located right on the royal mile they will take you through the underground caves and tunnels right below the streets you walk on 

- full of history and added humour

- its not overly scary either 
- You can book tours including the castle as well 

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food

I don't remember the places we ate food but they have amazing distilleries to tours and you must try HAGGIS. It sounds disgusting but it's the most typical Scottish food you could try and is actually pretty tasty

When to go

Like anywhere else, when the weather is the best, it'll be more crowded. The first time I went was in October. It was very rainy but hardly any crowds and wasn't freezing cold. Second time I went in July. It was still rainy, but warmer and definitely more crowded but was too bad if i'm honest. 

General tips/tricks

  • Scotland is a beautiful country and it has so much to offer - you need more then just a few days to really explore Scotland - you need to see more then just the cities

  • spend a few days in Edinburgh (2 max) and then explore above and beyond 

  • take a 3 day tour ($300) and go see the Isle of the Skye

  • visit the castles (there is thousands of them!)

  • immerse into the r culture; try their food, go to local bars, talk to locals, learn about the rich culture that Scotland has

  • bring a rain coat - it rains a lot 

  • don't attempt to drive unless you know how to drive on the opposite side of the road; take tours or trains - they're affordable 

  • you can easily get to Edinburgh via train through London if you're in the UK already 

Final thoughts

There is no secret that Scotland is my favourite country! It's so rich in beauty, culture and history. I love the people & the scenery. I love everything about Scotland (Biased because its where my roots came from)
Would I recommend going? 
100$
Would I go back? 
I would love to go back!!!
Total Cost: 
Honestly I have no idea. I can't remember.

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