Holiday help Scotland!

[KindergartenKop]

Please can someone help me because I don't know where to start my research? I've never been to Scotland and don't fancy driving all the way from London but I'm considering flying up there and hiring a car. Can anyone suggest anywhere to stay within about an hour of an airport near stuff that a 5 and 8 year old might enjoy? We're not super outdoorsy but like a little walk, one child is also really into wildlife.
Thanks 😊

What eveshopper said. It's a whole, diverse country. We could suggest Lochgelly or Larkhall.

Why Scotland.

Why not drive up to a chosen destination, stopping along the way. Manchester, Lake District, etc.

I know Scotland is a country, that's why I need help narrowing down what to do/where to go. I don't want to drive up because that's boring for the kids and I hate long distance driving. Dh can't drive.
Good point to avoid Edinburgh during festival season!
What's it like around Aberdeen? I'm looking at a cottage about an hour NW of Aberdeen.

I find Aberdeen itself depressing. There's a reason it's called the granite city.

Around it isn't bad, but there's more to do further west towards inverness or south towards Edinburgh way. Especially for kids.

Inverness way you've got landmark which I've yet to see a child hate.

I know Scotland is a country, that's why I need help narrowing down what to do/where to go.

My point was rather why Scotland? Why not think about what you want from a holiday then find a location to suit, which may or may not be In Scotland? Was there a particular reason you wanted it to be Scotland?

Also don't take the sleeper thinking it will be if any benefit time wise or financially - it's a drag of a journey with a crap sleep. You won't arrive at your destination feeling ready for the day!

All depends on what time of year you're going?

You could get a train from London to Aviemore. The Highland Wildlife Park is fab, and there's loads to do. Landmark adventure park is probably my family's favourite destination - and they're well travelled. The two main hotels - Coylumbridge and the McDonald - are both very child friendly and I believe non residents can use the children's facilities (soft play, playgrounds, pools) at a small charge.

Stirling is also good - Safari Park is excellent . There's also a good kids' park right next to it - Briarlands. Stirling Castle is child friendly and the Old Town Jail is fun. If you got a cottage out towards Aberfoyle the David Marshall Lodge is good.

Both Glasgow and Edinburgh have loads for kids. Glasgow has the science centre and transport museum. Edinburgh has Camera Obscura and Dynamic Earth and the Zoo. If you went to Glasgow or Edinburgh you wouldn't need a car - public transport is pretty good.

(Agree re North Berwick - can't think how you could occupy kids there for four days)