Can you tell me where I want to go in Scotland?

[Hassled]

We're going to Scotland this summer, purely on the basis that I've been to Edinburgh once, 20 years ago, and it's ridiculous that we know so little about it. Plus, I have the most Scottish name going (some of the Hassled's originated from Perth - my father was very proud of this).

So - where? I know nothing. Don't say "Do you fancy the Highlands or the Islands?" (as my friend just did) because I have no idea. I don't know what they're like. We'd quite like a beach, and I like mountains and dramatic scenery, and we're not fussed re how far North of the border it is (I don't think)and we'll have a car. At least 2 adults and two young DCs, possibly my older DCs (who are adults) as well. Can anyone help?

I know there's a rogue apostrophe in there, but still - anyone?

At Andrews? Very nice beach and we have been there when it was very hot and people were swimming and surfboarding. Or Fort William - a good base for outside holidays and there is also the Harry Potter steam train there.

and check out visitscotland.com for some ideas.

Not much mountain-type scenery, but the East Neuk of Fife has lots of nice beaches (Elie, Crail) DH insists it is the "Scottish Riviera" , but that is because he is a Fifer and biased. You'll also get a great fish supper, and it's close to St Andrews, which is nice to visit. Fewer midges than the West Coast, and generally drier weather (although can be colder) HTH

Aviemore area - lots to do if you get the weather.

Thank you!
I've looked at VisitScotland but I've not got very far because I don't know which region I'm going for - will persist. And will investigate St Andrews.

Oh yes, the midges. Around Loch Lomond is lovely. Barbeques (how is that spelt?) on the shore keep the little buggers away.

Loch Lomond area anyone?
Aviemore looks nice, thanks - will add to research list.

West coast is prettier than east imo. Tis prone to wetness, but more mountainy and lochy than the east. You could head up the coast through D and G, Ayrshire and on to Oban et al. Frt William is lovely, agree with wahwahwah there definitely.

St Andrews is lovely, as is Fife, but I went to uni there so can't really see it outwith that context iyswim? Plus it is as windy as hell. And full of Fifers. Avoid Aberdeenshire imo (my home territory). Not the friendliest of places. Though once you get up to ELgin, Nairn, Inverness it is lovely again. I would say the West looks more like imaginary Scotland on the whole though.

What do you like doing, sitting on the beach or outdoor activities? Do you want remote or small town? Elie is lovely for beach and has a great watersports centre. It is also easy to pop to Edinburgh, Perth and St Andrews for day trips (Edinburgh festival in August). The scenery is a bit more dramatic on the west coast, especially Skye and there are nice beaches and swimming spots there (although is a long drive to get there and can be wet).

X posts. I'm liking the sound of Loch Lomond but I think visitscotland makes everywhere seem like paradise.

Loch Lomond is great, yes. Midge-tastic, but worht it.
Personally hate Aviemore - bugger all there.

nicky- I AM a west-coaster!! It's DH that is the pointy-heided Fifer

We're not an especially sporty lot but we do like walking. I don't want to base the holiday solely on good beaches because it's putting all our eggs in one basket if the weather's shit, so I guess we could lose the beach bit.

I've looked up Elie - Scotland is huge, isn't it ? Elie does seem like a good location, though.

What I need is for someone to settle the East/West fight for me, so I reduce the options available.

Ach, jooly, the poor man!

I am a former East coaster, now a convert to this fair side.

Seriously, both coasts have a lot going for them. Us westies are just friendlier and better looking.

Hills and rain - west
Beaches and wind - east.

Oh, and good walking routes everywhere really. You could do bits of the West Highland way.

I love both the West Highlands and the East Neuk of Fife (Elie, Crail etc) - both beautiful in their own ways.
I would say that for a family holiday you'd be more guaranteed a good time in Elie - fab beach but lots of other very pretty places/stuff to do a short drive away. Perth not too far either! You can end up spending a lot of time in the car when you get to the Highlands as it's more spread out.
And the weather is generally sunnier in the east.
I don't know about Loch Lomond.
Don't bother with Aviemore.

It's rain all over to tell the truth. Last two years (late August) spent in Scotland - rain, rain, rain and bloody cold. DH (from Glasgow) makes me go and we have a good time but warm it ain't. Best not to plan on beaches although Nairn is lovely and Loch Morloch has a sandy beach.

It's definitely cooler than down south for obvious reasons, but the weather is down to luck, as it is anywhere on this fair isle. I have spent many a beautiful day in Scotland on the beach and swimming in the sea!!

East is drier, scorching today. I have lived east and west, I would go to Oban then travel up to Lochinver for the most stunning scenery, fantastic views and amazing White sandy beaches with beautiful sea - you could island hop a little, visit Skye then on the way back drive along the side of Loch Ness - if you have time head east of Inverness - Nairn and Findhorn are both excellent beaches (Nairn is more typical seaside town, Findhorn is just stunning). From there I would travel south to Grantown on Spey, Aviemore(not pretty but you could go to the wildlife park from there) then down to Dunkeld and Perth on the road south. I love Perth, it is small and pretty by the river Tay.

Ooo Elie, Elie! We go there for the day lots as he beach is lovely and we then go to Anstruther for fish and chips. From there it's easy to head north or even back along he coast and over the bridge to visit Edinburgh.

The problem with going to Loch Lomond is that there will be loads of weegies about.

If you are thinking of Elie - look at elielets for accomodation. I love Elie - spent summers there as a child, dh proposed on teh beach and I had my hendo there. But it can be full of a lot of "sailing" types wearing rugby shirts with the collars turned up

If you are willing to travel a bit further and want a good beach, head for Mull.

We stayed here recently. The beaches were amazing. We also drove past thiswhich looked amazing. We went during a heatwave so there were no midgies whatsoever!

Oh yes, Anstruther for fishnchips. mmmmmm.
The coast road up there is really nice too.

If you like nice beer visit the black isle brewery in Beauly, I love the Yellow Hammer, Red Kite and Blonde beers - the family friendly Belladrum festival is there if you fancy something like that - beer and food is excellent at the festival, local, organic etc. You could have a trip on the train they used in the Harry Potter films up that direction too ( I don't know much about that but if you google you will find it I am sure).

I am not getting into east/west argument, I love Scotland, but the drive up to Oban (especially on a motorbike makes my heart swell and I get goosebumps because of the beautiful scenery) - it is a pity about the midges, they can be really bad in the damp west coast, so be prepared! Sometimes going in April/May and September/ October is better because they aren't so bad.