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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:
OnlineAlienator · 23/02/2019 08:13

I always go to scotland and its always heaving with tourists!?

Banjax · 23/02/2019 08:13

The midgies are only in some areas, guys.

We go back to scotland in April/May - weathers always great then.

bigbluebus · 23/02/2019 08:14

I've always had a policy of going South when holidaying in the UK in the hope that the weather will be warmer. The last time I went to Scotland was as a child to visit relatives who lived there at the time. I have a photo of me, cousins and uncle swimming in a loch - so the weather can't have been that bad, but I also remember being bitten in the Trossachs Grin.
I am, however, spending 2 weeks in a motor home this Summer travelling up the West coast of Scotland so am hoping for the glorious weather we had last summer.

Bagpuss5 · 23/02/2019 08:14

I live in south Scotland, it's fab, but have to say Scotland's roads are dire considering how much holiday traffic must be on it peak season (when locals stay home).

ArmchairTraveller · 23/02/2019 08:15

Yes, Plexie, that’s why the Smidge website is useful from May onwards.
But the OP was asking why, and they are a significant problem for many visitors on the west coast and islands.

Meretricious · 23/02/2019 08:15

Holidayed in Scotland every year as a kid as family from there, been walking there loads, worked by Loch Lomond. Camped on Skye.

There’s been a lot of midges...

But I love it. Happily booked a holiday there for two weeks with DH who only knew Edinburgh. It rained pretty much solidly with low cloud.

There’s not really enough indoor to keep anyone occupied in NW Scotland for two weeks. We came home.

Igneococcus · 23/02/2019 08:15

If anybody who loves the Scottish countryside could please have a look at this:
www.facebook.com/SaveGlenEtive/?modal=admin_todo_tour

The Highland council approved 7 hydro schemes in Glen Etive which is the most stunning and wild (currently) place. It would be a travesty if they go ahead. Any support would be much appreciated.
Sorry OP for hijacking your thread.

Bittermints · 23/02/2019 08:15

Go to Arran - Scotland in miniature, but not in the far north.

SileneOliveira · 23/02/2019 08:15

Because the Scots don’t like the English

Wow - my English accented husband has lived here for 12 years and never had any issues at all. There are lots of people from England all over the place, especially in the islands. Thousands of people who have escaped the rat race to live a quieter life in the Highlands.

OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 23/02/2019 08:16

@trilbydoll shhhh, that can be our secret!

Skyejuly · 23/02/2019 08:17

We go to the highland every year even though it's a 14hr drive.

We go in April and never been 'cold cold' last April we got sunburnt in Skye. No midges at all. It was sunny the whole week.

I love Scotland in the rain though. It's the best place ever.

Omgineedanamechange · 23/02/2019 08:17

Cos its fecking freezing.

SileneOliveira · 23/02/2019 08:19

Agree that May is usually the best month, weather-wise. It's because all the kids up here are sitting their exams and it's blistering.

Original poster
N0rdicStar · 23/02/2019 08:22

The weather in the SW of Eng can be truely shite, is Scotland really that much worse in August? As much as I love Cornwall some of those Scottish beaches looked just as stunning if not more so and the mountainsShock.

OP posts:
Weepingwillows12 · 23/02/2019 08:23

I have family in Scotland and love it. Haven't holidayed there for a while and the reason for me is simply distances. I am in the south so it's a big drive to start. On holiday I like to visit things rather than staying at the Holiday site but Scotland is huge and limited roads so you drive a lot. Cornwall and Devon have alot more family friendly attractions with an hours drive as they are much much smaller places.

Will definitely be going again though. Want to visit North Scotland and the Isles.

FraggleRocking · 23/02/2019 08:23

I’ve been on 4 holidays to Scotland so far and would definitely do more. I love it. Stunning scenery, wildlife, history, culture. It’s a long slog of a journey but it’s worth it. Plus, I’ve seen the warning signs and always worn spray as a precaution but have never actually encountered a midge.
Visited Cornwall once - it was beautiful but nothing to want to go back for in my view.

HorseDoorBolted · 23/02/2019 08:23

Went on my honeymoon to Scotland in July couple of years ago and drove all around the west coast.

It was GLORIOUS. Was worried about midges (were fine), scenery was incredible, people lovely, weather good, it wasn’t all sun but that’s not what I’m looking for. Honestly it was one of the best holidays I’ve done.

HorseDoorBolted · 23/02/2019 08:24

It is a long way, but no more of a pain to get to than Cornwall IMHO.

Bloodybridget · 23/02/2019 08:24

Some of my best ever holidays have been in Scotland. Depends what sort of holiday you like. I've never had a really bad midge experience; obviously they can be awful, you just have to plan season/location/time outdoors.

MaybeitsMaybelline · 23/02/2019 08:25

I always think Scotland is such a bloody long drive, and I live in northern England, but four hours just to Edinburgh and then beyond to go anywhere else.

I don’t go to Cornwall either for that reason.

I guess I hate car travel.

underneaththeash · 23/02/2019 08:26

We went to the Cairngorms last week (and last year for half term as well). We skied last year....no snow this year unfortunately. But, the children quad biked, swam, walked and we saw a red squirrel.

And we drove from near London!

Went to Edinburgh festival last summer too.

I like Cornwall as well.

madeyemoodysmum · 23/02/2019 08:27

I enjoyed it but from the south east the down sides were

Stopped for 2 night to get there and one night home to cope with driving. Ok our choice and added to holiday but also added to expense

The weather was pretty shit for August We had some sun but only realty one and half days in a week.

Everything’s as so far apart so a lot of driving up there too.

However the scenery is stunning and the food was great. I discovered I like haggis.

We decided tho that we could go to Lake District or north wales for a similar holiday for less days and cash.

BooksAreMyOnlyFriends · 23/02/2019 08:29

Try going to Glenfinnan and getting a parking space within 2 hours of the 'Harry Potter' train arriving. You'll see how popular it is then Smile.

Elphame · 23/02/2019 08:29

Midges - last time I was just about eaten alive.

Orkney though is lovely and I can't wait to go back

Mrstwiddle · 23/02/2019 08:30
  1. Weather 2. Midges 3. Unfriendly people (if you’re English)