Scottland In June/Juli?

[THAIPHUKET]

How is Scottland in June/July? Very wet? Still pondering were to go. Thai lady speaks English well to go to an English speaking country would certainly enhance the experience, Scottish accent may , however, be a challange. How to do it in an affordable manner?

Upps, just realized that Visa is not Schengen, is it more difficult to get?? Schengen Visa no problem.

[NanLaew]

Yes, Scotland needs a UK visa but should be time enough for that.

The best bit of a Scottish summer is usually late, say July-August so weather won't be too wet unless you are over on the west coast. However, the northwest coast around the Summer Isles is usually drier and absolutely beautiful for cruising.... long summer evenings... drinking wine as the sun sets after 10pm and the skies stay in twilight through the night.

Central Belt... Fly in to Glasgow, a former 'City of Culture' or stately Edinburgh, seat of Scottish Government. Then up the East coast to the 'Granite City' of Aberdeen and start the 'Whisky Trail' through the distilleries in the North East. It's great way to see the hills and glens even if you don't drink. There's a nook in the extreme corner of the Moray Firth where I spent numerous childhood holidays and the weather always seemed dry and sunny. That's around Nairn, Inverness and the Black Isle. Then drive (or sail) down the Great Glen and Loch Ness and look for 'Nessie' before Loch Lomond and back to Glasgow.

[StreetCowboy]

I'd say the Scottish Summer starts on the last Friday in June in the beer garden in the whitewashed pub in Sliverknowes in Edinburgh, when the Royal High girls are demobbing in their sexy black blazers. (Mind, I'm going back a few years to the last millennium now).

You'll probably not find the accent a problem unless you have to resort to speech for communication, but that will be the same wherever you go, and you might find that there are a higher proportion of native English speakers in Scotland than other parts of the sceptred isle, if this forum is to be believed.

I would recommend the towns of the Borders, and the Ayrshire coast; Stirling and Inverness are nice small cities, though if you are reasonably fit, central Edinburgh is still easily walkable. The East Coast beaches are cold, but beautiful; the most beautiful beaches in the world are on the Hebridean Atlantic coast, but its a long way to go...

If money was no object, and you enjoyed extremes, a trip to Shetland around the Solstice (end of June) would give you your longest day.

Perhaps you'd be so good as to pop into the Athletic Arms on Dalry Road opposite the Fountain Brewery after the football on a Saturday, to let us know how it is getting on, as well?

SC

[roamer]

How to do it in an affordable manner you ask ?

Well we will be doing it this year instead of LOS. Wife, one daughter, 16 and her friend. Now both wife and daughter reckon that its the most gorgeous place on the planet. I think they are not far wrong.

This year we will be camping, can't get much cheaper than that !

Not for everyone though and cost wasn't the driving factor. Wife wants to get closer to nature, daughter and friend are experienced scouts and can camp anywhere. Me.....well what makes you think I have anything to do with the decisions ?

Really looking forward to it, driving up to Skye is something else.

Affordable ? Well guess B&B's are other options. That and car rental. Not cheap compared to SE Asia I guess but depends on what you want to do.

[smokie36]

How to do it in an affordable manner you ask ?

Well we will be doing it this year instead of LOS. Wife, one daughter, 16 and her friend. Now both wife and daughter reckon that its the most gorgeous place on the planet. I think they are not far wrong.

This year we will be camping, can't get much cheaper than that !

Not for everyone though and cost wasn't the driving factor. Wife wants to get closer to nature, daughter and friend are experienced scouts and can camp anywhere. Me.....well what makes you think I have anything to do with the decisions ?

Really looking forward to it, driving up to Skye is something else.

Affordable ? Well guess B&B's are other options. That and car rental. Not cheap compared to SE Asia I guess but depends on what you want to do.

Can I very quietly recommend you forget about the west coast and islands for a moment and head north through Caithness.....

Also Lunan Bay in Tayside is well worth a look.

[smokie36]

http://www.syha.org.uk/home.aspx

http://www.scottishcamping.com/

[smokie36]

My experience is a bit different to NanLaew....June is the best month for me...yes the weather can vary but much less midgies around the west coast and the best of the long days.

[roamer]

How to do it in an affordable manner you ask ?

Well we will be doing it this year instead of LOS. Wife, one daughter, 16 and her friend. Now both wife and daughter reckon that its the most gorgeous place on the planet. I think they are not far wrong.

This year we will be camping, can't get much cheaper than that !

Not for everyone though and cost wasn't the driving factor. Wife wants to get closer to nature, daughter and friend are experienced scouts and can camp anywhere. Me.....well what makes you think I have anything to do with the decisions ?

Really looking forward to it, driving up to Skye is something else.

Affordable ? Well guess B&B's are other options. That and car rental. Not cheap compared to SE Asia I guess but depends on what you want to do.

Can I very quietly recommend you forget about the west coast and islands for a moment and head north through Caithness.....

Also Lunan Bay in Tayside is well worth a look.

You certainly can suggest it smokie, nothing is set in stone, can I have your reasons ? I can appreciate its a less crowded path...

[smokie36]

How to do it in an affordable manner you ask ?

Well we will be doing it this year instead of LOS. Wife, one daughter, 16 and her friend. Now both wife and daughter reckon that its the most gorgeous place on the planet. I think they are not far wrong.

This year we will be camping, can't get much cheaper than that !

Not for everyone though and cost wasn't the driving factor. Wife wants to get closer to nature, daughter and friend are experienced scouts and can camp anywhere. Me.....well what makes you think I have anything to do with the decisions ?

Really looking forward to it, driving up to Skye is something else.

Affordable ? Well guess B&B's are other options. That and car rental. Not cheap compared to SE Asia I guess but depends on what you want to do.

Can I very quietly recommend you forget about the west coast and islands for a moment and head north through Caithness.....

Also Lunan Bay in Tayside is well worth a look.

You certainly can suggest it smokie, nothing is set in stone, can I have your reasons ? I can appreciate its a less crowded path...

http://www.somewheretogo.co.uk/northern_scotland_attractions.html gives a good flavour of what's on offer.

More than anything for me is the friendliness of the locals.

Other than that if you go the other way then I'd suggest the Isle of Arran.

Have a great trip!

[theoldgit]

I personally think that Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. When I was working I was responsible for a facility a little south of Glasgow which meant I had to fly up there every month, always enjoyed that part of my work.

[cdevon]

People camping in the Scottish countryside in summer are likely to provide a very good meal for swarms of midges - Scottish midges are much more numerous and much hungrier than Thai mozzies !

[smokie36]

People camping in the Scottish countryside in summer are likely to provide a very good meal for swarms of midges - Scottish midges are much more numerous and much hungrier than Thai mozzies !

They are most prevalent on the west coast and islands. Take mozzie repellant!

At least there is no malaria....

[StreetCowboy]

How to do it in an affordable manner you ask ?

Well we will be doing it this year instead of LOS. Wife, one daughter, 16 and her friend. Now both wife and daughter reckon that its the most gorgeous place on the planet. I think they are not far wrong.

This year we will be camping, can't get much cheaper than that !

Not for everyone though and cost wasn't the driving factor. Wife wants to get closer to nature, daughter and friend are experienced scouts and can camp anywhere. Me.....well what makes you think I have anything to do with the decisions ?

Really looking forward to it, driving up to Skye is something else.

Affordable ? Well guess B&B's are other options. That and car rental. Not cheap compared to SE Asia I guess but depends on what you want to do.

Can I very quietly recommend you forget about the west coast and islands for a moment and head north through Caithness.....

Also Lunan Bay in Tayside is well worth a look.

The East Coast can be really quite cool, even in the summer. Though I suppose, coming from Thailand, you'll be sure to bring your sweaters anyway...

Reading this thread puts me in mind of going home in the Summer with the bairns to do a bit of travelling; it would be nice to drive on long roads with good signposts and smooth tarmacadam and gutters and lines.

Oh happy reverie...

SC

The kids liked Arran, which is similar in topology to HK island, but further off-shore, and with a less frequent ferry service; and more sheep... amongst other differences.

[roamer]

Will keep the route flexible with an eye on the weather. If it gets a little too inclement will just seek out B&B's or whatever. Midges are a hazard of Scotland in summer, such is life. No midges and the place would probably be overrun with tourists. Oh ye take the high road and I'll take the low road and I'll be in Scotland a fore ye.....

[smokie36]

I'd say the Scottish Summer starts on the last Friday in June in the beer garden in the whitewashed pub in Sliverknowes in Edinburgh, when the Royal High girls are demobbing in their sexy black blazers. (Mind, I'm going back a few years to the last millennium now).

SC

If you're referring to the Cramond Inn I can update for you as was in last year.

The fine old pub is now in the hands of Samuel Smith who it must be said serve OK beer but the food and decor leave something to be desired.

Was dining with my mother so the local schoolies were off the radar on that occasion....thanks for the tip however.

[StreetCowboy]

I'd say the Scottish Summer starts on the last Friday in June in the beer garden in the whitewashed pub in Sliverknowes in Edinburgh, when the Royal High girls are demobbing in their sexy black blazers. (Mind, I'm going back a few years to the last millennium now).

SC

If you're referring to the Cramond Inn I can update for you as was in last year.

The fine old pub is now in the hands of Samuel Smith who it must be said serve OK beer but the food and decor leave something to be desired.

Was dining with my mother so the local schoolies were off the radar on that occasion....thanks for the tip however.

My apologies to the OP for the digression; I forget the name of the pub. It was on the right , maybe two thirds of the way up the main street as you (well, we did, anyway) walked from the Ferranti factory up towards the park, and I believe the royal High was on the opposite side of the park. Whitewashed stone pub, with a saloon bar and a lounge bar on either side of the entrance (I expect - that could be misrecollection brought on by twenty five years of mild and bitter living) and a beer garden through the back. The beer garden was too small for a Sainsbury's, so it could still be there... Anyway, it would be easy to recognise, because it was about 27 degrees, sunny, Friday lunchtime, end of June...

I always thought the Crammond Inn was down by the sea, but I'm not really from round those parts...

SC

To be honest, it is so long since I was drinking in Edinburgh that I could not recommend a good pub. Apologies to the OP. If I were looking, I would perhaps start at the cafe royal oyster bar at the East End, or the Guildford Arms next door, which had a particularly attractive ceiling.

[smokie36]

I'd say the Scottish Summer starts on the last Friday in June in the beer garden in the whitewashed pub in Sliverknowes in Edinburgh, when the Royal High girls are demobbing in their sexy black blazers. (Mind, I'm going back a few years to the last millennium now).

SC

If you're referring to the Cramond Inn I can update for you as was in last year.

The fine old pub is now in the hands of Samuel Smith who it must be said serve OK beer but the food and decor leave something to be desired.

Was dining with my mother so the local schoolies were off the radar on that occasion....thanks for the tip however.

My apologies to the OP for the digression; I forget the name of the pub. It was on the right , maybe two thirds of the way up the main street as you (well, we did, anyway) walked from the Ferranti factory up towards the park, and I believe the royal High was on the opposite side of the park. Whitewashed stone pub, with a saloon bar and a lounge bar on either side of the entrance (I expect - that could be misrecollection brought on by twenty five years of mild and bitter living) and a beer garden through the back. The beer garden was too small for a Sainsbury's, so it could still be there... Anyway, it would be easy to recognise, because it was about 27 degrees, sunny, Friday lunchtime, end of June...

I always thought the Crammond Inn was down by the sea, but I'm not really from round those parts...

SC

To be honest, it is so long since I was drinking in Edinburgh that I could not recommend a good pub. Apologies to the OP. If I were looking, I would perhaps start at the cafe royal oyster bar at the East End, or the Guildford Arms next door, which had a particularly attractive ceiling.

Aj I don't know the place then. Which is probably fortunate enough.

For the casual observer I'd recommend a lunch at the Ensign Ewart on the Royal Mile......sit in the back room and try the sandwiches.....good value.

Or for some early evening fun try Sandy Bell's but only if you can sing......

[Patsycat]

The East Coast can be really quite cool, even in the summer. Though I suppose, coming from T

Reading this thread puts me in mind of going home in the Summer with the bairns to do a bit of travelling; it would be nice to drive on long roads with good signposts and smooth tarmacadam and gutters and lines.

Oh happy reverie...

SC

The kids liked Arran, which is similar in topology to HK island, but further off-shore, and with a less frequent ferry service; and more sheep... amongst other differences.

Oh goody!! Then you can take a wee detour to the Athletic Arms yourself!!

OP, Edinburgh has the Festival in August as well.

[robert121]

Yes, Scotland needs a UK visa but should be time enough for that.

The best bit of a Scottish summer is usually late, say July-August so weather won't be too wet unless you are over on the west coast. However, the northwest coast around the Summer Isles is usually drier and absolutely beautiful for cruising.... long summer evenings... drinking wine as the sun sets after 10pm and the skies stay in twilight through the night.

Central Belt... Fly in to Glasgow, a former 'City of Culture' or stately Edinburgh, seat of Scottish Government. Then up the East coast to the 'Granite City' of Aberdeen and start the 'Whisky Trail' through the distilleries in the North East. It's great way to see the hills and glens even if you don't drink. There's a nook in the extreme corner of the Moray Firth where I spent numerous childhood holidays and the weather always seemed dry and sunny. That's around Nairn, Inverness and the Black Isle. Then drive (or sail) down the Great Glen and Loch Ness and look for 'Nessie' before Loch Lomond and back to Glasgow.

Well Nanlaew you have mentioned nice places but would like to add on with information you have provided. You will get detailed information about the weather at http://www.lastminutecottageholiday.co.uk/springweatherscotland.html . So it will be easy for you to decide the traveling time. Also be prepared for some difficult sort of accent as it is different with what we are used to here generally.

[Patsycat]

Supposedly the best and nicest accent in the whole of the British Isles comes from Inverness.

Very softly spoken and understandable.

[StreetCowboy]

...Also be prepared for some difficult sort of accent as it is different with what we are used to here generally.

Adaekenhow.

You'll have no trouble with the accent so long as you can ask people to repeat themselves politely, know when to give up and guess imaginatively, and maybe listen to a lot of Billy COnnolly before you you go.

Unless you sound like a posh English twit; I jest - even then, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised.

In the last twenty years or so, Scots have recently pulled themselves into the modern world, though I am not sure what damage having their own parliament has done. As far as I can see, it has highlighted the impact of generations of emigration on the local pool of project management talent, though it could also be a warning against the hazards to projects that are posed by politicians.

Anyway, if you can, get a chance to go on the Glasgow Underground, before it goes under the Renovator's Trowel; and see if you can smuggle one of the trains out under your jacket...

SC

Edit: Replaced poss. offensive term with 'twit'

[smokie36]

...Also be prepared for some difficult sort of accent as it is different with what we are used to here generally.

Adaekenhow.

You'll have no trouble with the accent so long as you can ask people to repeat themselves politely, know when to give up and guess imaginatively, and maybe listen to a lot of Billy COnnolly before you you go.

Unless you sound like a posh English twit; I jest - even then, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised.

In the last twenty years or so, Scots have recently pulled themselves into the modern world, though I am not sure what damage having their own parliament has done. As far as I can see, it has highlighted the impact of generations of emigration on the local pool of project management talent, though it could also be a warning against the hazards to projects that are posed by politicians.

Anyway, if you can, get a chance to go on the Glasgow Underground, before it goes under the Renovator's Trowel; and see if you can smuggle one of the trains out under your jacket...

SC

Edit: Replaced poss. offensive term with 'twit'

"Posh English twits" should visit Bellshill or Cowdenbeath where they will be perfectly well understood. Don't forget to bring a copy of the Telegraph for identification purposes.

[StreetCowboy]

...Also be prepared for some difficult sort of accent as it is different with what we are used to here generally.

Adaekenhow.

You'll have no trouble with the accent so long as you can ask people to repeat themselves politely, know when to give up and guess imaginatively, and maybe listen to a lot of Billy COnnolly before you you go.

Unless you sound like a posh English twit; I jest - even then, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised.

In the last twenty years or so, Scots have recently pulled themselves into the modern world, though I am not sure what damage having their own parliament has done. As far as I can see, it has highlighted the impact of generations of emigration on the local pool of project management talent, though it could also be a warning against the hazards to projects that are posed by politicians.

Anyway, if you can, get a chance to go on the Glasgow Underground, before it goes under the Renovator's Trowel; and see if you can smuggle one of the trains out under your jacket...

SC

Edit: Replaced poss. offensive term with 'twit'

"Posh English twits" should visit Bellshill or Cowdenbeath where they will be perfectly well understood. Don't forget to bring a copy of the Telegraph for identification purposes.

I worked as a bookie's runner as a youth, and it was my job to bring in the newspaper. I brought the Telegraph one day, which baffled most folks, but the racing information was far more comprehensive.

SC

[smokie36]

I worked as a bookie's runner as a youth, and it was my job to bring in the newspaper. I brought the Telegraph one day, which baffled most folks, but the racing information was far more comprehensive.

SC

Suffice to say that my runner disappointingly finished second this year.....unlike the SNP who won by several furlongs.

Hurry up and visit twitters before the wall goes up again!

Edit: f in the wrong place as usual.

[StreetCowboy]

I worked as a bookie's runner as a youth, and it was my job to bring in the newspaper. I brought the Telegraph one day, which baffled most folks, but the racing information was far more comprehensive.

SC

Suffice to say that my runner disappointingly finished second this year.....unlike the SNP who won by several furlongs.

Hurry up and visit twitters before the wall goes up again!

Edit: f in the wrong place as usual.

I dread to think what idiocy the SNP will get up to.

I blame Sean Connery, myself. He's very popular in Taiwan...

SC

EDIT: Apologies to the OP for the digression; For the OP - I would recommend going to visit Scotland sooner, rather than later, for fear of what the SNP might do with such a majority in the local parliament (this based solely on rumour - and a couple of minutes on the Telegraph web site.

I'm nervous of any party with "Nationalist" in its title; whether it be the british nationalists or the national socialists... Such national unity always seems to lead to divisiveness and conflict...

[brizzle]

Supposedly the best and nicest accent in the whole of the British Isles comes from Inverness.

Very softly spoken and understandable.

Inverness was the only place that my Thai wife who was with our one and half year old daughter at the time received any hostility in our weeks travels in Scotland. Nothing major mind you...just a group of racist ladettes in a shopping centre who had some growing up to do.

It kind of surprised me a bit as Inverness seemed to be such a nice little city but I guess it has its problems like anywhere else.

[smokie36]

Supposedly the best and nicest accent in the whole of the British Isles comes from Inverness.

Very softly spoken and understandable.

Inverness was the only place that my Thai wife who was with our one and half year old daughter at the time received any hostility in our weeks travels in Scotland. Nothing major mind you...just a group of racist ladettes in a shopping centre who had some growing up to do.

It kind of surprised me a bit as Inverness seemed to be such a nice little city but I guess it has its problems like anywhere else.

Surprised by this. Normally such comments are reserved for the English.

[NanLaew]

I dread to think what idiocy the SNP will get up to.

I blame Sean Connery, myself. He's very popular in Taiwan...

SC

EDIT: Apologies to the OP for the digression; For the OP - I would recommend going to visit Scotland sooner, rather than later, for fear of what the SNP might do with such a majority in the local parliament (this based solely on rumour - and a couple of minutes on the Telegraph web site.

I'm nervous of any party with "Nationalist" in its title; whether it be the british nationalists or the national socialists... Such national unity always seems to lead to divisiveness and conflict...

Off topic but now the SNP has a majority government for the first time, they have 4 years to get it right and not make the referendum the be all and end all of their auspicious mandate. Here's hoping they actually listen to their home-based electorate and the profligate diaspora... with the exception of the actor in the Bahamas (but please keep sending the cheques pal); and not implode like they did after the heady days of 1974 when they had 11 seats in Westminster. It was great to see Winnie Ewing talking up sense and sensibility among all the fresh euphoria.

Just a thought... if there is eventual Scottish independence, will they have a sensible visa policy? It would be a bugger to have the M74 clogged with minibuses full of sassenachs and furreners doing the quarterly visa run to Gretna!

I to think they should ditch the 'National' from their moniker. It's a pity they never snagged the name 'Scottish Power' from the light company before they sold it to the wops Spaniards.

And why on earth are your reading the Telegraph.... apart from the comprehensive form guide for the cuddies that is?

Back on topic: I am looking out the back bedroom window at Bennachie with the 'Mither Tap' stickin' oot... and to think about 30 years ago when I was a kid in the oil patch I reckoned I wouldn't want to come back here. Scotland is stunning and should be on everyone's 'places to see before I die' list.

[brizzle]

We stayed with our young daughter in a lovely farm cottage near Alford in Aberdeenshire on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.During the week we were able to visit the National Park as well as all of the East Coast from the Black Isle down to Stonehaven and beyond.

We also purchased a 2 person Tesco value tent and left the cottage and travelled west via Glencoe and the lochs for one night to do some camping at Fort William under the shadow of Ben Nevis.Travelled to Mallaig the next day after a very eventful rain soaked windy night in our new home! The weather the following day was perfect just perfect and the beaches and scenery on the Mallaig drive are simply stunning. Come to think of it pretty much all of Scotland is stunningly beautiful.

Due to the fact we drove from from England(all the way from Bristol but the old VW didn't let me down!) into and out of Scotland on different routes we also got to see a lot more besides.

Our cottage cost 300 GBP during the peak school holiday month of August..it was great to get up in the morning isolation and see the nature all around from your cottage windows...rabbits ,red deer garzing etc.

If you travel in June or July you might well get a cheaper price then this. Ebay is well worth a look ...you can sometimes snap up a real bargain there.

Happpy travels ...as a little taster of things to come I have attached some photo's of our camping and the beaches on the way to Mallaig the next day..

[citizen33]

I did a three week tour around Scotland with my Thai wife, son and 18 year old Thai niece about two years ago, and the Thai family members really liked it. We had a car and did a big loop that took in Ayrshire, the Highlands and Loch Ness, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. The weather in August/Sepetember was variable with some rain, but the scenary was still impressive. One surprising thing that appealed to the Thais was visiting ice rinks - a novelty for them. Some time ago I had a seven year stint living on the East coast and found the weather difficult to predict - there were years when June could be warmer there than south of the border. B&Bs are fairly economical but charge by the person. One really cheap option, if you book far enough ahead, is Travelodge Hotels, which are basic but clean, and charge per room. Check their website.