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.

This is an utterly pointless discussion because Scotland IS a popular tourist destination and is currently outperforming the rest of the UK. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-43418122
Those of you saying you'd avoid coming to Scotland because some Scots don't support English sports teams had better not come and join the tourist hordes. Such thin skins may not survive the bad weather and midges.

Doubletrouble99 Maybe it was freaky weather but it really was that cold. We were really gutted that in December that year they had double figures at Christmas!! We live in south Germany so 35-40 is not unusual in summer and, as someone born and raised in the UK, pleasantly warm

@Mary54 do you live overseas? Wondering because you say you went from 38 degrees to 8. 38 is the hottest temperature ever recorded in the UK so either you happened to travel on the hottest day ever, or you live somewhere uncomfortably hot. We've barely worn coats over the last few weeks and we've been traveling all over Scotland. And it's February.

To be perfectly honest, some people on this thread are coming across as very insular and narrow minded. I'm beginning to understand how Brexit has happened.

Downside is of course -20 in winter. But it’s ok when you expect it and can dress appropriately. Simply didn’t expect 8 degrees in August!

What’s a haggis anyway

I love Scotland, have been ten times (from south-west England) and am going for another two weeks this summer.

Some shocking ignorance on this thread but I suppose it leaves more room for those of us who want to be there.

The lake district isn't immune to midges either.

I've been to Scotland twice, once near Loch Ness and the other time travelling the west highland railway line. Loved every minute, and the scenery was fabulous. Apart from Glen Coe which gave me the heebie-jeebies.

I'm beginning to think I need to go to Scotland again

If you get the weather then there is no better place then Scotland the beaches are stunning (look up lunan bay) my personal favourite. A lot of our kids wear wetsuits in the water (Lidl & Aldi sell out fast) my granddaughter stay in for hours with one on. There are loads of amazing days out and the castles are second to none. Yes the midges can be a pain but last year they weren’t that bad as they need rain to hatch so as it was such a dry hot summer I hardly saw any. Edinburgh is probably one of the most vibrant city’s in Europe. The hill walking is just great hardly any other people around.

Ljdorothy yes, I agree wholeheartedly with you. It’s a really shocking insight into people’s preconceived ideas, ignorance, deep rooted stereotypes and possible bigotry.

My fondest memories are driving from Glasgow to Oban listening to Simon & Garfunkel and ABBA on the massive brick tape recorder in our car. We went every year because we had family. Good times.

Went back as adults with families 2 years ago. Gorgeous place, but MY GOD the bastard midges 😂 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The weather is pretty crap here, to be fair. We’re used to it, expect it, accept it, but we still head down to Edinburgh for holidays to get some sun in the summer.

But, no one comes here for the weather. They come for the amazing food and drink, the history (ancient and modern), the flora the fauna and ornithology which you struggle to find elsewhere in the uk, and the music, several international music festivals which lead to all the local hotels etc being booked out for more than a year ahead. Oh, and it’s beautiful.

the breathtaking beauty as you drive through glencoe

Yes, if you like looking at big rocky hills. Not all of us do. I wish someone would understand that not everybody rates greenery and mountains as beautiful. I find it dull, dull, dull.

the food is apparently pretty dire if you're really nit picking

Oh ffs just when you thought this thread couldn't get any more bloody ridiculous

Also a Scot living in England. For 20 years. No hatred here.....

@SherlockHolmes no ones forcing you to look at it

Scotland isn't just scenery and mountains Sherlock, as has been pointed out in numerous posts. But no worries. Stay right where you are.

Have had to google Glencoe. I get that this style of scenery won’t be to everyone’s taste but I would still describe it as being objectively beautiful!

No tourists you say? It’s only February and I had to wait for 3 trams to go by before I got one with space the other day going towards town from the airport direction. No one is unfriendly to those with English accents. Even in my daughters school only around 30% of the kids have scottish accents and these are largely made up of the Sikh children. It’s never been an issue. We’ve holidayed in many places in Scotland which are practically tourist resorts rather than residential towns. Had to get the train from Pitlochry the other day and the streets were mobbed. Midges are only an issue in certain areas in certain conditions

Between midges and the weather, it's more a short break destination than a fortnight for us.

Someone seriously dissed glencoe? I’ve heard everything now. The food in the highlands is amazing too.

I love Scotland. Edinburgh is one of my very favourite places anywhere. Have certainly experienced bitterly freezing cold weather but that was in Jan and Feb. Have had glorious sunny days in July & August, though not every time.

Oh crap
We have booked to go to the west coast of Scotland in June.....I get eaten alive in England am I going to be one large bite infested lump of flesh come June????
Any hints or tips to avoid getting bitten?

I don't holiday Inn the UK ever but I would love to drive the NC500 route. Looks absolutely stunning.

I work in tourism in Scotland and can honestly say, by September I wish everyone had your view! They don't Scotland is a hugely popular tourist destination and is busy 8 months of the year. People don't care about weather or midges it is culture and experiences they are looking for.