What do you expect when visiting Scotland?(2)

[Jock Scot]

I asked this question here many years ago and now that we have had a large influx of new members since then, I thought that I would ask again. So:-

"What would you expect to see when visiting Scotland?" Or, if you have already visited: "What did you expect to see in Scotland and didn't /did?"

Its alright to dream about coming here too, even if at the moment that may not be possible. Any and all answers greatly appreciated.

[Carlo]

The first time I went to Scotland I didn't expect much. It was a tour around England, Wales and Scotland when I was 13 and the main event was a visit at my mums former boss near London.

Since then and after a three months stay in Edinburgh, things have changed.
I expect to see my Scottish friends, go to Ceilidhs, revisit places and explore new ones.

[cehouse]

I would hope to see a formal tatoo in Edinburgh. I have spent sometime in England but did not get to Scotland. Our hopes are to travel there at some point while we are still physically able to enjoy it.
cehouse

[terry m]

Well, I admit unreservedly that I am a complete romantic at heart and a massive history buff. I freely admit that I travelled to the Highlands with my Mrs and teenage son and daughter with my head full crammed full of the Corries and tales of Wallace, Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
I had great expections of following a historic trail for our two week camping holiday. On that side of things I was not disappointed as we visited Culloden, Glencoe, Fort George and took in the scenery travelling out from our base at Scaniport near Inverness.
We found the scenery breathtaking and moving both in the sun and more moody days of cloud.
We befriended the local shepherd who took a shine to our kids who he said were polite and respectful. He would stop by every evening for a "dram" and to see what the crazy tourists had been up to during the day.
My wife is keen on fishing and had a go in the river Ness, everyone was wearing waders but she walked in just in her jeans.
We all still agree it was our most magical holiday. The Highlands cast a spell on us that still lingers.
We are going to Mull next year but this time it will be our grandkids that will be with us. I can't wait. I am trying not to expect too much of the magic of last time but for me Scotland is a magical place, but then I am just an ol' romantic.
I don't know about taking my kilt tho ...

[tulloch]

Great subject Jock. I expected yummy food and drink, friendly people. Pride in who they are. Beautiful, heart-breakingly lonely vistas. I knew I wouldn't see people running around in kilts, (except at highland gatherings, pipe comps), and I knew I wouldn't see pipes everywhere.

In 1970 I was there. I looked around and noted that the land had been full for over a thousand years. (In spite of the vast vacant lands it is populated, though sparsely in parts.) I thought then that we in the States had a lot to learn from Scotland about sustainable living. Still do.

Since then I have been fortunate to go to Scotland in '13 and this past summer. I have had really wonderful experiences. Good transportation system, great awareness of and care for historical legacy. Amazing vistas everywhere. (I love hills and stone.) The people I have met have been wonderful. The food is fantastic. I can't get enough. I really like Edinburgh. Love, love, love Glasgow. Inverness needs more exploring. Fort William was great. I am a history buff so I really fit in. There are museums galore!

I hoped to see red deer. Did not. Did see lots of sheep! And cows. Love them.

[Finistere]

I've been to Scotland a few times, first as a very young man, to a place called Crossgates, I had girlfriend there that I was keen on, anyway we went to the local pub and as a gentleman I ordered the drinks, I asked for a Scotch! to which the reply was "don't you mean whiskey sonny" not a good start, I've been to Inverness a few times because on my mothers side there is the Matheson line so I wanted see that area, but never saw Nessie, and only saw one kilted gentleman and he was a piper. Kit

[Father Bill]

Good question!

We're planning to have a good look at Caithness and the Orkneys. I'm particularly interested in the giants' dances and some of the old Viking works.

Beyond that, I want to meet friends and others, and do a mix of touristy things around Scotland (castles and so on) and just lifting a glass in a bunch of quiet pubs where we can see and hear what's important to people who live there, perhaps meet some folks and make some friendships.

As a priest, I really would like to see Iona and some of the ancient sacred sites - not just Christian sacred either. Rosslyn is on the list.

Edinburgh and Glasgow are beautiful, but not necessarily at the top of our lists. I really enjoyed Pitlochry and St. Andrew's when we were there and mostly I want to get off the more beaten paths and see... Scotland.

[Jock Scot]

Great subject Jock. I expected yummy food and drink, friendly people. Pride in who they are. Beautiful, heart-breakingly lonely vistas. I knew I wouldn't see people running around in kilts, (except at highland gatherings, pipe comps), and I knew I wouldn't see pipes everywhere.

In 1970 I was there. I looked around and noted that the land had been full for over a thousand years. (In spite of the vast vacant lands it is populated, though sparsely in parts.) I thought then that we in the States had a lot to learn from Scotland about sustainable living. Still do.

Since then I have been fortunate to go to Scotland in '13 and this past summer. I have had really wonderful experiences. Good transportation system, great awareness of and care for historical legacy. Amazing vistas everywhere. (I love hills and stone.) The people I have met have been wonderful. The food is fantastic. I can't get enough. I really like Edinburgh. Love, love, love Glasgow. Inverness needs more exploring. Fort William was great. I am a history buff so I really fit in. There are museums galore!

I hoped to see red deer. Did not. Did see lots of sheep! And cows. Love them.

At that time of the year the red Deer are usually----not always--- on the high-tops out of the way of the midges. Spotting them is a knack, as they could be well over a mile away. Once you get used to spotting the distant brown specs (most people expect to see Monarch of the Glen sized beast) ---------well they will see them, but as wee specs. Bring some good binoculars, they will help.

Here are some for you to enjoy! I know it sounds obvious, but they don't look this big at a mile distance, uphill and amongst the rocks.

[Jock Scot]

Good question!

We're planning to have a good look at Caithness and the Orkneys. I'm particularly interested in the giants' dances and some of the old Viking works.

Beyond that, I want to meet friends and others, and do a mix of touristy things around Scotland (castles and so on) and just lifting a glass in a bunch of quiet pubs where we can see and hear what's important to people who live there, perhaps meet some folks and make some friendships.

As a priest, I really would like to see Iona and some of the ancient sacred sites - not just Christian sacred either. Rosslyn is on the list.

Edinburgh and Glasgow are beautiful, but not necessarily at the top of our lists. I really enjoyed Pitlochry and St. Andrew's when we were there and mostly I want to get off the more beaten paths and see... Scotland.

How many years are you expecting to take doing all that Bill!?

[Father Bill]

How many years are you expecting to take over all that Bill!?

There aren't enough, Jock! Some samples and selections from the list, but Caithness and the Orkneys are on for sure, and likely Iona. The wee pubs? Well there are three meals in a day, aren't there?