To ask folk in Scotland what to wear?

[weatherwhirl]

Hi, I'm off to Scotland for a week with a pal and would like to know whether to bring shorts and sandals in the hope of warmish weather?

I'm in SE England and here it is chilly at night but surprisingly warm in the day. I'm going to the Aberdeen/ Moray area.

The weather forecast is not great, with rain mostly forecast for the week, but I live in hope!

[weatherwhirl]

Me, Carrie Antoinette? Err, nope. 😂
Yes, I think it is Dunottar Castle, thanks for the tip!

Don't laugh, but is there any chance of seeing the northern lights in Moray at this time of year?

[Swingsarefun]

Full body cover in the evening is a good shout for midgie protection.

[fioreun]

Strong northern lights and swarming midgies up here in the last week. Not sure they are related.... Have a great trip :-)

[weatherwhirl]

Yes, I've heard about the infamous midges - they leave really itchy bite marks. Must be a pain dealing with that every summer.

Northern lights would be awesome.

Well, it's sounding increasingly as though the shorts are a bad idea all round.

[fioreun]

Aurorawatchuk app is your friend, and somewhere with a clear view north and no lights, good luck.

[amusedbush]

I have lived here my entire life and I still haven't mastered how to dress in September, so best of luck

[Teacupsandtoast]

Midgies are only an issue on the hills, and they aren't as bad as the west coast thankfully. The aurora has been present a few times in the past couple of weeks, but it's hit and miss with cloud cover!

You're a bit limited without a car, but yes, train to Stonehaven, ice cream at aunt bettys, walk to Dunnotar Castle, then have fish and chips from The Bay chipper. In Aberdeen, you can get a bus over to Greyhope Bay to go to the lovely new cafe/dolphin watching centre. Another bus would take you to Seaton Park which is lovely, then you could go for a walk round Old Aberdeen/the university campus. There's an art gallery and maritime museum in Aberdeen, and there's plenty of interesting architecture in the city centre

[SleepingAgent]

I'm a little bit north and west of there and it's 16c with light rain just now. But could be either torrential or sunny by 2pm

Definitely bring layers.

To be honest, I don't love Aberdeen. Beyond Marischal College and old Aberdeen/Uni area, which is worth seeing, the main town centre is a bit shit. Union Street has gone downhill, especially the lower end full of vape shops etc. The beach is nice but Newburgh (see the seals), Balmedie, are better and Stonehaven has a nice boardwalk from the harbour to the other end. The Bay fish and chip shop in Stonehaven is fab and gets great reviews.

The north Moray coast has lots of pretty towns. Nairn is famous again for its long beach and very popular for a day trip/weekend. Hopeman, Burghead, Findhorn, all nice spots. There's a hippy community at Findhorn who are lovely folk and the place has a nice vibe.

Other end, Portsoy, Cullen, Sandend also nice. Portsoy known for its ice cream and harbour.

Hope you have a good time.

[SleepingAgent]

Ah just noticed you don't have a car. That makes it more difficult for some of my suggestions sorry. I don't know Keith area well but hopefully someone will have some suggestions.

[IMustMakeAmends]

Honestly yesterday we were in full wet weather gear in the morning and shorts and vest tops by the afternoon. It was then boiling all afternoon. This morning we were in long trousers and t-shirts as it's wet and cool but very close and humid. Scottish weather is very changeable!

Hope you have a lovely time!

[longtompot]

We are going to the west coast in a few weeks and I'm packing for all weathers but especially wet, but we are driving up so have space.
Any midge repellent recommendations?

[TabbyM]

The haar was in this morning so it is fairly cool - I am in a t-shirt but wore a waterproof and was too hot walking in this morning.

Last Sunday was beautiful blue skies and I got sunburned so have a look at the forecast!

[CapMarvel]

If you are on the east coast Midges are not a problem. The haar and wild haggis on the other hand....

[Longtimelurkerfinallyposts]

I live in Scotland and have worn shorts pretty much every day for the last two weeks. And sandals many times. And went swimming in the sea last week.
The secret is to have clothing for all possible weathers with you at all times!

[TabbyM]

If you are in Aberdeen Crathes Castle is on the 201 bus route.

If you are in Keith there is a preserved railway out to Dufftown which has a castle and a distillery or two.

[10HailMarys]

I spend a lot of time on holidays/breaks in Scotland and basically you want to bring stuff for any conceivable weather conditions at all times of the year, especially in the Highlands and islands. Anything that can be layered is your friend.

[Rosesandstars]

I think it's more jeans than shorts weather and you'll need a coat as it's predicted to rain quite a lot. So lightweight coat, a few jumpers, jeans/trousers and maybe pop some shorts in just in case you luck out with the weather (*unlikely!).

[Sparklybanana]

General rule is layers. Dress, cardigan, raincoat, sun cream, umbrella, gloves,sandals and wellies.

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

As an aberdonian, shorts and sandals would be a brave move- that season is long gone. Today its lashing rain, foggy and cold. Boots and a lightish jacket and I'm still a wee bit chilly

[fairtrauchled]

@Cheapaschips1

Duvet jacket and waterproof is essential packing for holidays in Scotland at all times of year.

Seriously??

[weatherwhirl]

Brilliant, you've all given me so much to think about and so many great tips.

So I will just layer up and take waterproofs. And now I know where to get the best fish & chips, and ice cream, so a really big thanks, everyone. Good news about the midges too!

We'll be in Aberdeen the first 24 hours, in Keith for a few days and then I will be in Aberdeen alone from first thing in the morning to about 2 to 3pm as my flight back is about 4.30pm ish.

How soon before the flight can you arrive at Aberdeen airport? I'm hoping it's more relaxed than Heathrow, where I'm expected 2 hours before departure, which seems excessive.

[CapMarvel]

Aberdeen airport is small. For domestic flights 2 hours is probably excessive. Traffic can be bad getting out there though so don't push it too close.

[MaryLennoxsScowl]

If you’re in Keith for a bit, take the train to Huntly - the castle is pretty and the castle hotel is (or was - it’s been a while) also very picturesque. Go for a walk down the Deveron River from the castle - keep going past the castle and follow path under the arched bridge. It’s quite a walk from the station to the castle but the river is lovely.

[FannyFifer]

I never know what the hell to wear to even just go to the shop.
Today, torrential rain, warm, then blazing sunshine, roasting, now colder & torrential rain again. I've had a T shift on, a shirt on, a jacket on & off, an umbrella & also both trainers & boots on at different times.
I'm now in the house & not going out again.
Sooooo good luck.

[Kedece2410]

Yes, I've heard about the infamous midges - they leave really itchy bite marks. Must be a pain dealing with that every summer

Midges aren't as bad as people would have you believe. I've never had any problems with them - ever It's unlikely they'll bother you in Aberdeen