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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why Scotland isn’t more popular as a holiday destination

669 replies

N0rdicStar · 23/02/2019 07:52

Just been watching that hidden Scotland programme. I promise you I don’t work for the tourist board.Grin

I lived there as a forces child for a few years and was born there previously. Loved it but my mother hated it and refused to ever go back so we never did. Know nobody else who has ever holidayed there but oh my goodness it’s beautiful and seems to have everything- history, beaches, mountains, wildlife.....

Why do we all flock to Cornwall and the Lake District?

Is it the weather? Can’t just be the distance as the above are long distances for many.

On the back of that can you give me the best bits.

OP posts:
FritataPatate · 23/02/2019 07:53

One word: midges.

Ooplesandbanoonoos · 23/02/2019 07:54

Another word: weather Grin

Sirzy · 23/02/2019 07:54

It is on our to do list for this year. But other than one weekend in Edinburgh I have never been before

I think for a lot it will be the distance and the weather combination.

I would imagine though Except for those in the cities most people up there are quite happy to keep their hidden gems hidden

Uptheapplesandpears · 23/02/2019 07:55

I haven't been to Scotland much and want to go to the Highlands sometime. Are the midges really bad there?

CountFosco · 23/02/2019 07:56

About 15million people a year visit Scotland so it's not exactly an under developed tourist destination Confused.

troubleswillbeoutofsight · 23/02/2019 07:56

Midges have probably put me off the whole of the west coast from May to September. Scotland is probably my favourite place in the world but I have terrible reaction to midgie bites so can’t do it again

ArmchairTraveller · 23/02/2019 07:56

I could cope with the rain, but the midges are unbearable. They have their own midge forecast, so people can decide when and where to go!

emma6776 · 23/02/2019 07:58

I live in Edinburgh. We have a zillion tourists here! I have to factor in an extra 40 minutes for my walk to work in festival season, so I assume you’re meaning more rural areas. The Isle of Arran is beautiful.

FancyPantsMcGhee · 23/02/2019 07:58

It's massively popular and tourism is a huge industry. I'm surprised you don't know anyone who has holidayed in Scotland but fair enough. There are plenty who do, from all over the world. Just try getting from one end of Princes Street to the other in Summer and you'll see Smile

Midges can be a pain for some on the West Coast although they've never much bothered me. Avon Skin So Soft is your pal.

CountessVonBoobs · 23/02/2019 07:58

A) it is actually a very popular tourist destination
B) the weather.

SileneOliveira · 23/02/2019 07:58

Because the weather is unpredictable.

You don't need to preach to me about how wonderful Scotland is - I live here. We've had amazing holidays by Loch Ness, on Islay, Orkney, Mull.... All over the place. But when it's cold and raining it can be miserable.

Midges - you need very specific weather for midges. They are an issue on summer evenings when it's still with little wind. Moreso inland than on the coast. Please don't think you'll be plagued with midges during the Edinburgh Festival or on a christmas break in the Cairngorms. Because you won't,

Thatsnotmyotter · 23/02/2019 07:59

It’s bloody freezing?! 😬😂 We went to Loch Ness/Inverness in June a couple of years ago. We had an amazing time cycling, hiking and running but bloody hell it was cold all the time! Doesn’t bother us but I can see why it might not appeal to others.

Original poster
N0rdicStar · 23/02/2019 07:59

I honestly don't remember midges being as issue( rose tinted glasses?)

Can remember epic winters but not the summers. Surely they can't be worse than the South West.

OP posts:
IamPickleRick · 23/02/2019 07:59

I’d love to go but it’s just too far to drive with 3 kids. We’d fly but that feels too extravagant to stay in the UK when it’d be the same trouble and cost to fly someone warm. And you’d need a car once there anyway.

So it’s a few reasons and maybe one day we’ll make it.

BikeRunSki · 23/02/2019 07:59

I reckon 50% of all my holidays ever have been to Scotland, and about 9 out of the last 10! Only time we’ve had a problem with midges was when we were camping in woods by a lake.

trilbydoll · 23/02/2019 08:00

There's lovely deserted beaches in Northumberland and we can drive there. Scotland is just a bit too far!

Barbarafromblackpool · 23/02/2019 08:00

I love Scotland. My father is Scottish and I went to uni there, but I've only been up twice (funerals) in the last 20 years. It's just such a long drive (I'm in London). When my children are older I hope to take them.

Sexnotgender · 23/02/2019 08:01

Scotland is a huge tourist destination Confused

adaline · 23/02/2019 08:01

I love Scotland - we only live across the border and went for our honeymoon last year. It was beautiful but it was a long drive even though we're only in Cumbria, and it was bloody cold too!

MaMaMaMySharona · 23/02/2019 08:02

A few years ago my DP and I did a road trip through Loch Lomond, up to Oban, then over to a log cabin that sat in front of a loch near the Isle of Skye. One of the best holidays I’ve ever had!

Littlebird88 · 23/02/2019 08:02

some parts are so busy in the tourist season it's impossible to do or see what you want.
western highlands area ... a nightmare .
single track roads complelty full of cars eye

lastqueenofscotland · 23/02/2019 08:02

A lot of the really stunning places up in the highlands are really really far away with pretty questionable roads

sailorsdelight · 23/02/2019 08:02

It’s the weather!!! There’s amazing outdoors stuff in Scotland but a very high chance of doing it in the rain, wind or cold even in summer! It’s like Northern Ireland - stunningly beautiful but very changeable weather and a lot of Brits don’t want that! Other nations are fine about it - tons of yanks, Spanish etc knocking about N.I. and Scotland... for them it’s all part of the experience...

unexpectedthird · 23/02/2019 08:03

I live in the Highlands and we are crawling with tourists despite the rain and midges. 😂
In the past few years Skye has struggled to cope with the number of people visiting it and the numbers visiting the other islands is increasing yearly too.

Lots of people from all over the world choose Scotland as a holiday destination.

thatmustbenigelwiththebrie · 23/02/2019 08:03

What are you talking about? It IS massively popular as a tourist destination.

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