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

[N0rdicStar]

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

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.

We towed our tourer from Bedfordshire to fort william once.
It's the distance. We were elated to reach Glasgow- until we realised we had hours and hours until fort william.
We loved it though, a lovely place and the weather was kind except for 1 day.
We stayed on the lochside under Ben Nevis in July and it never got dark!
No bother with midges either.

I think tablet makes up for all the bagpipes.

I don't like porridge

Nor do I but the haggis keeps me full 😁

SilverySurfer
One of the most famous tropical gardens, Inverewe, is in the west of Scotland!
www.visitwester-ross.com/members/inverewe-gardens-poolewe.asp

Scotland thrives on tourism - people attracted by its stunning scenery, a rich cultural history and active 'arts' attractions and festivals. Countless Lochs, Glens, Islands and Castles and great sporting attractions on land, water and highlands. Never encountered anti Englishness (I'm a Scot, but with English partner) and regularly holiday in my native land as well as abroad.
Midges appear at sundown near water and pine trees. Avoid that time in that location and you'll be fine. They appear in the English Lake District in those conditions too - sadly I'm not immune.

Can't imagine why anybody imagines Scotland doesn't have thousands of tourists every time of year.

Crap weather.

I'm English and living in Scotland on West Coast fr past 25 years
weather differences to England

according to Met office long term studies on the last 30 years

average summer temperature in July
London 22C, Cornwall 19C, west coast of Scotland 15-16C, East Coast Scotland 17-18C, Yorkshire 19-20C

average rainfall in July
London and most of England and East Scotland 40-80mm, Cornwall Wales about 100mm, Lake District West Coast of Scotland 150-200

No of days when at least 1mm rain in London 8/31 Cornwall most of England and East of Scotland 13/31, Lake District Welsh Hills Scottish Borders, Cairngorms 15/31, West Highlands Fort William , Skye 18/31
lake District

so in July Scotland is on average 6C cooler . the West Coast is at least twice as wet with double the number of days when it rains but East coast is as dry as England

Skye is unbearably busy in peak season now. We went to the Outer Hebrides last summer (Barra and Harris) and it was busier than we expected - the ferries book up well in advance, but you could still get away from folk.

Every year I say I'll take the family to the far north - haven't managed it yet. Torridon, Ullapool, Caithness. These places are harder to get to but that's part of their appeal.

the midges are worst in the west coast rainy areas from May to August
They like grey moist still days, they do not like torrential rain bright sun or high winds hence why worst in evenings as sun low in sky, they like trees and inland water not often on the beach

the beaches near Nairn are dry and warm in the summer

It's the distance for me. I love the Lakes and do a lot of hill walking.

I've been to the Cairngorms once and the walking was lovely. But it wasn't nice enough to make the extra distance worth it. I can get to the Lakes in 3 hours. It would be a significant extra journey to Scotland.

I did think about going to somewhere further south than the Cairngorms but couldn't really see anywhere which looked as nice and the thought of the midges put me off.

Bloody hell I've just booked west Scotland for the last week of August ! Please tell me the midges aren't that bad

Where are you staying ? Get smidge and if you have your own accodation citronella candles and take antihistamines with you.

@littlepenguin i live on the West coast of Scotland & i have no revollection of ever seeing midgies here.

It depends on the weather, @liitlepenguin . Any sort of breeze keeps them away so they're more likely to be found in sheltered clusters.

Nearer the time, you can check the midge forecast here
www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/

It's pretty accurate, I'm told.

We are staying near Whithorn?? By Newton Stewart! Argh ! I will pack lots of anti misfire things !!

I've been walking in Scotland and I've been to the Edinburgh fringe. But I'm not sure I'd go to Scotland for a beach holiday, it's likely to be cold and wet even by British standards!

It does take a while to get there.

We are in a house rather than camping if that makes any difference

PS: My answer to midges is the strongest DEET I can get

Yes you should be fine .

Wow. I’m amazed at this thread, and the suggestion that Scotland isn’t a popular tourist destination. Scotland has always been a regular holiday destination for me and my (all very southern English) family. We go prepared for all sorts of weather, obviously, but it’s just so unbelievably beautiful. I don’t recall any midges to be honest. Or any anti-English people. (Or being dogged by bagpipes and tartan at every turn...)
Anyway, good, if there are still lots of people that don’t want to go, leaves more space for those of us who do.

Little penguin near Newton Stewart should be fine - midges are worse further north. Its a lovely part of the world - enjoy!

Never had any problems being English in Scotland (lived here for 14 years), had problems when I've visited Ireland though, I felt unwelcome there.

"Because the Scots don’t like the English"

Highlands is absolutely full of English accents.
Half the B&Bs and campsites are ran by people that have moved there to escape the hustle and bustle.

I live in the SE of England. Scotland is about a 6 hour drive away. In the other direction, 6 hours drive/shuttle would get us a decent way into France/Belgium/Netherlands with better weather and (in France) better roads.

Hubby and I spent four years living in Scotland. We feel we’ve ‘done’ Scotland and have no desire to return.

Because the Scots dont like the English???
I adore Scotland. My best friend is Scottish and still lives there. We visit regularly and the reception has always been amazing. I'm just planning my next visit.

Actually Mollymawk makes a good point ...
Don't go! It rains haggis 24/7 and savage 6' tartan clad ginger Independance Ninja Midges will hound you to until you flee back down south again ...