Edinburgh gathering - 2009

[Phil]

I'll be staying at the Airth castle with the rest of the Clan Crawford expats. From a Google map search it appears that the Hotel is within walking distance to the Scotsmans.

If it is the same Airth Castle I know then it is about 30 minutes driving time out of Edinburgh, close to the Kincardine Bridge and Falkirk. Sorry but nowhere is within walking distance there, even Airth village is a tidy walk down the road and it is just a one-street town with a pub and a chip shop.

BTW - is there any percentage in carrying a lot of US$? Seems to me that a hand full of traveler checks in UK pounds and a couple of credit cards is the way to go. Am I missing something?

I wouldn't carry a lot of US$. Pubs etc. won't accept them and banks are open 9-5. Carry a Visa/Mastercard which you can use in the ATM's which are everywhere and check with the card issuer beforehand that it can be used abroad.

[Mael Coluim]

Yes. Put me down
Are you guys all sitting togather on saturday or just meeting up before it on the friday or something?

If we sit together it will have to be at a pub at a pre-arranged time. This discussion where to meet is still being knocked about.

[Mael Coluim]

Updating our tally who is coming to The Gathering.

1. Phil - he lives there!
2. Mael Coluim
3. Woot22
4. beowulf67
5. Acute Enigma
6. Derek Conley
7. Lily
8. Sir William
9. Robin
10. Hamish
11. Acaig
12. Oldhiker
13. Cessna152towser-he lives nearby
14. FortCollinsJerry
15. Shagger999UK-he lives nearby
16. ThistleDown
17. TeamCrawford
18. Jimmy
20. Skyelander
21. Luckey
22. Nervous Jock
23. Paul
Anyone else?

[Paul]

what are the basic arrangements then?...
meeting before and disbanding?
and are you guys taking spouses & partners?

[English Bloke]

Updating our tally who is coming to The Gathering... Anyone else?...

Working away, sorry. Love to go but...

[starbkjrus]

Won't catch me with alot of cash. I'll have my debit card.

Phil beat me to it but let me add my two cents worth here....

Don't bring manu US dollars DO bring credit cards (Visa always works for me). Make sure you have a PIN number set (and tested) before you leave the states so you can use cash machines in Scotland. Some machines are not on a correct network but I've never had an issue using a Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) machine.

In the US and Canada we are used to using a debit / credit card for everything. Not so in the UK. Hotels and restaurants you should be fine. Pubs not so much. It's normal to pay as you go so you don't want to pull out a card every time you buy a 1/2 pint.

Have fun. Wish I were going.

[Lily]

Got my tickets last week, just for saturday, the rest of the weekend I,ll be spending on kilt (buying) hunting.
Just a weekend fun with my older sister.

[Paul]

aww. My kilt wont be ready in time cause the kiltmakers on holiday

[Phil]

Don't bring manu US dollars DO bring credit cards (Visa always works for me). Make sure you have a PIN number set (and tested) before you leave the states so you can use cash machines in Scotland. Some machines are not on a correct network but I've never had an issue using a Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) machine.

Just make sure it is a 4-digit PIN. I know some countries use a 6-digit one. And yes, unless you want to leave your card behind the bar and run a tab the rule is to pay as you go. Tipping is not expected in bars unless it is an upmarket one with table service. Then look at around 10% - we don't have the same tipping culture here.
Please note - fortcollinsjerry raised an issue about walking from his hotel. I know Scotland is small compared to North America but don't be fooled into thinking that everywhere is within walking distance. Even suburban Edinburgh hotels and guest houses are mostly too far to walk but there is a very good bus service.
Mael Coluim asked about pubs and here is a good website which gives descriptions of many - http://www.edinburgh.pubs.freeuk.com/ . There are two principal locations, the Royal Mile/Grassmarket area and the Princes St./George St./ Rose St. area. Elsewhere pubs tend to be more widely spread but there are still plenty. Contrary to popular belief I am not an afficionado of Edinburgh pubs and can only speak for a few. The Bow Bar in Victoria Street, just off the Grassmarket is a favourite and carries a good selection of "real ales", i.e. beer as it should be not the modern fizzy stuff. There are others such as the "Malt & Hops in Leith" but it is not so central.
There are also loads of clubs to suit all tastes from lap-dancing to the more straightforward, none of which I can speak for but they are there for the more avid party-goer.
Lastly, Edinburgh is generally a safe place. Nobody carries guns, not even the police, and, provided you are sensible and aware of what is going on around you no harm will befall you. Taxis are virtually unobtainable on Friday and Saturday nights so if you are far from your hotel find out when the last bus home is unless you can walk there.

[Jimmy]

aww. My kilt wont be ready in time cause the kiltmakers on holiday

Paul but you can hire one for the weekend or borrow one, you must be kilted on this weekend