Help planning Scotland trip

[blisstwins]

Hi All,
I am going to Scotland for the first time later this month and am extremely excited.
We will be in Edinburgh for 5 nights, then Inverness, and then Glasgow.

I am interested in any suggestions for unique restaurants, shops, things only locals might be able to recommend. I am a vegetarian but my travel companion is not. We are interested in high end and budget recommendations, just things that are wonderful. We are both so excited about the visit.

Any day trips or planning suggestions would also be appreciated. We have some hotels booked, but would also appreciate any suggestions if there are places you have stayed and recommend.

Thanks in advance!

I am Scottish and love the highlands but Inverness would never make up a key part of a trip like this for me. I find it to be grubby and underwhelming mostly and if you want to go to the general area alternatives open up greatly when you have access to a car.

How long do you have to cover the Highlands and Islands? The perhaps we could suggest an alternative itinerary for that time?

I'd recommend Steam Bunny off Leith Walk, Mara's Picklery (Marchmont) and Pomelo off Sciences Road - all will have decent veg options.
Not touristy, quirky, one off businesses worth supporting

I recommend Rabbies tours. Day trips from all 3 cities. Maximum of 16 passengers so not spending ages getting 53 passengers on and off. Always seem popular with American and Canadian tourists when I have been. Plus longer trips which they can arrange accommodation for, if not booked up for Easter.

Lots of good advice. I'd agree about not driving if you are not confident with our roads which are twisty and, once deep in the H&I, often single track. Agree with the suggestion above to look at Rabbies tours, which will enable you to see the highlights.

Oban might be a good base to then take trips to the islands. Skye is lovely - but so are many other islands such as Mull (and not so crowded).

Inverness is okay, a good base for Culloden, Moray Firth dolphins, Fort George, Clava Cairns etc.

between 2-4 days and i would be so grateful for tips for this area and the west coast. looking for a place between the north and glasgow. thank you so so much for your advice.

Glasgow restaurants I would recommend (not strictly veggie, but all have decent veggie options):

• Ka Pao (Byres Road) the original one and better than the Edinburgh one, I think

• Gaga (Thornwood)
• Lobo (Queens Park area) probably the best meal I had in Glasgow last year
• Upstairs at The Chip (Byres Road) still worth going to
• Roya

If you are looking for a pub, try The Park Bar for trad music

music! i cannot wait!

In Glasgow go for a wander around the University and visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Would also recommend Transport Museum

I would second Kelvingove + Botanic Gardens in Glasgow, as well as a ride on the Subway (as opposed to London’s Underground, Glasgow’s transport was influenced by America). Also look at a trip “Doon the Watter” on PS Waverley if you are visiting in summer.
Stirling is amazing with a castle I rate more highly than Edinburgh (beautiful recreated renaissance palace with costumed actors).
Also would avoid Inverness in favour of Aviemore/Cairngorm or Braemar/Ballater (great walks on Balmoral Estate).
Have a super trip!

And the Ship moored near the Riverside museum - can't recall the name of it.

Edinburgh - Stockbridge is lovely. The walk down from Princes Street takes you through the New Town (250 years old!) The Botanical gardens are nice and have great views of the castle. Lots of good cafes and restaurants. Just a lovely neighbourhood

Agree that Inverness is underwhelming.

If you do go to Loch Ness then take a drive south the South side of the Loch - the road through Dores , Foyers and go to Fort Augustus. The scenery is fab and it's much less touristy than the other side. Stop at Dores and visit Steve Feltham the Nessie Hunter next to the Dores Inn and stop in Foyers to see the Falls of Foyers. Fort Augustus is a nice wee town and you can watch the boats going through the locks on the Caledonian Canal built by Thomas Telford in the 19th century

Or from Inverness go to the Black Isle - lovely beaches and Cromarty is nice. You can do cruises on Loch Ness or go dolphin watching in the Beauly Firth from Inverness. Fort George and Cawfor Castle are worth seeing also.

Not necessarily helpful for the trip planning but I just saw that Lannan's Darcie Maher made it on the Times 30 most influential people under 30 list:
https://www.thetimes.com/article/02498866-cc50-46b2-9359-9a61264bc6ab?shareToken=56d1279a2c0370ad03ac79b75534befe

@blisstwins

how was your holiday? as wonderful as you both hoped?

If you fancy doing a wee trip report, I'd love to read it 💐