Q's re my Scotland trip next week

[BonnieScotlandBound]

We are off to Scotland next week with a mixture of hotels and self-catering. We are staying in Edinburgh, the West Coast, the Isle of Harris, and then the highlands. We are planning on sightseeing, walking, eating in nice restaurants and some sports. We have our own car.

I am unsure what to pack. The weather forecast seems to be swinging between rain/ 13 degrees and then into the 20's later on in our holiday. I don't want to take too much stuff.

I am thinking perhaps walking/ hiking gear and layers with a couple of nice things thrown in for nice places to eat?

Yeah. A good waterproof jacket that won’t make you sweat if it’s muggy with the rain.

Shoes wise I'd have waterproof boots/trainers for the hiking, nicer trainers for sightseeing and a pair of heeled boots for evening. A waterproof jacket and perhaps a leather jacket for nights out and sightseeing (just my style though). Then for tops I'd take items I could layer so a mix of vest/tshirt and long sleeve plus a nicer top to pair with jeans for a night out. Bottoms would be jeans or leggings for the hiking.

Just be sure to pack an umbrella and shoes that keep your feet dry.

How long are you away for?

Don't bother with the umbrella. All of the places you mention are windy places - you're much better off with waterproofs. Take midge repellant for the Highlands and maybe the West Coast and Harris as well - it's usually ok if you're near the sea as there's always a slight breeze, but if you're anywhere away from a breeze this time of year it can be brutal. But on the plus side, if it's raining all the time, you won't get midges ...

I think a light jumper and a waterproof should be fine. At this time of year, it only really gets cold if you're wet. Wellies and spare shoes would be a good idea.

Haha, yeah I have a proper tan from being on Al last week, 20c and sunny all week. Yesterday I got stuck in flood waters after the monsoon. They don't say Scotland has 4 seasons in a day for nothing.
Definitely layers and waterproof clothing/footwear plus suncream/shorts just in case .

Agree re midges. I live here and the times I'm bitten worst is being caught between showers.

And yes to sunburn and sun cream at weekend, absolutely piss wet today.

Suncream is such a good suggestion too

Should I leave my summer floaty dresses and white trainers behind?

I'm really looking forward to my trip. Had a crap time lately and this holiday has been put off twice. I promise we will be mindful tourists, spend all our savings, leave no mess and of course willingly wear masks and maintain social distancing. I'm looking forward to some fresh air, hopefully, some unreliable WIFI so no one can bother me, lots of seafood, and lovely Scottish accents that soothe my nerves.

If I see a few hot blokes in kilts, I will be chuffed. I haven't been to Scotland since I was a child, so may be very misinformed.

Just the kind of visitors we love OP. Enjoy your trip.

A floaty dress might be nice, maybe not white trainers

Not to do with the weather but if you are eating in Edinburgh you really need to book. Even if it’s mid afternoon or early evening. Everywhere is so busy just now.

If youre going to be outdoors a lot, buy a net headcovering to keep the midges away from your face and eyes.

I second booking restaurants in advance and not just in Edinburgh.
We had a holiday in Lewis and Harris a couple of years ago and booked all the restaurants we ate at a couple of weeks before we left home. Did the same last year when we did the NC500.

Im in central Scotland closer to Glasgow. It's been quite mild now for a gd few weeks even on days where it's been raining. Layers are best but I imagine a light rain jacket will do over the top of whatever clothes you want to take.

I've worn jeans and a t shirt today. Took a light jacket to the park earlier but had to take it off as I was too warm. Today started out about 12 degrees and cloudy looked like it might rain early afternoon but it's now 19 degrees and sunny spells coming through.

Take a dress or 2 and hope it's nice. Last week was 22/23 degrees and sunny for about 4/5 days.

Take everything from your floaty dress to your winter woolies since you never know what to expect. It's 16 degrees today in Fife and really muggy so definitely short sleeve weather till the rain comes on.

Layers,waterproof jacket, sunscreen, midge repellant, sturdy boots. The weather forecast is likely accurate so it could be 13 degrees, raining sideways and blowing a gale one day, then 20+ degrees in glorious sunshine the next. But it's great, and the scenery is spectacular, particularly on the West coast. Have a great time!

Layers. It can be hot one minute, cold the next then raining the next. I have my heating on today!

If you want a good weather forecast while in Scotland and are on Facebook then have a look at Windy Wilson’s page. Very accurate. A bit of banter along the way too.

I’ve got my Edinburgh restaurants booked already. I may look at the ones in Harris. Got one booked in Oban. Self catering also.
Thx

Take something for every weather possible. On Harris book a tour of the gin distillery and buy the amazing gin. Visit both Seilebost and Luskentyre Beach. Don’t drive back up the Eastern side of the island unless you are a confident driver - that road is shit.

Off topic of clothing, be sure to pack Avon’s Skin so soft. The midges were out in force during our recent trip!!!

You might find the midge forecast useful: www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/

If you are going to be anywhere near the Kyle of Lockalsh. Try the restaurant Plockton Shores. It's absolutely fabulous.
But you would definitely need to book. Please note that the first review

I looked at on trip advisor was very negative and from 2015 and the woman concerned sounded very full of herself!

Off topic of clothing, be sure to pack Avon’s Skin so soft. The midges were out in force during our recent trip!!!

Does that Avon prevent them biting?

You also have to pre-book any attractions, e.g. museums in Edinburgh, historic sites etc.

@BonnieScotlandBound yes it does. I even found some for sale in a tiny wee garage in Kyle of Lochalsh.

We were in Edinburgh recently, boiling hot one minute, raining the next but it wasn't cold so dresses, skirts and t-shirt are fine just have a light waterproof with you to throw over of it rains. Maybe a hoody for evening if you're out late.