As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
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We have decided to forgo our Disney trip this year and instead go to Scotland and be part of Homecoming 2009. There is a big clan gathering in September and have decided to be part of the festivities...however, neither DH or I have ever been out of the country and need some help!
Can anyone give me some tips about travel overseas, traveling to Scotland and/or place to visit while there? We will have four days to ourselves before the clan gathering.
Wow, what a wonderful plan to have a homecoming - it sounds like a lot of fun.
I'm ashamed to say that I've never been to Scotland (one day, I keep promising myself!) but I desperately do want to visit Edinburgh, as I've heard lots of good things about it.
As for international travel, a couple of things to keep in mind:
1) Apply for your passports early. I don't know what times they recommend in the US, I only know the details for over here, but you don't want to be panicking at the last minute that you don't have them in your hands! :
2) Remember that your flight over here is likely to be a night-time one (they nearly all are) and you probably won't sleep very much. That means you will be exhausted when you get here and will probably want to sleep at some point during day one. Don't make big plans for day one, as you will be jetlagged.
3) Remember to tell your credit card company that you're going overseas, so that they recognise the transactions over here and don't put a stop on your card.
4) Very bad for us - but BUY YOUR POUNDS NOW! Seriously, the pound is at a 23 year low against the dollar right now and you will be getting great value for money if you purchase some UK pounds as soon as you can. Obviously I hope the pound improves (and I'm sure it will!) so buying as soon as possible may be a good move..
Thanks for the advice! We are applying for our passports in the next couple of weeks - luckily we are down to a four week wait. And I will definitely purchase some pounds now! That was something I didn't even think about!
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Where is the gathering? It might help to know which way you're headed. The Highlands and Lowlands are both beautiful in their own way.
I've flown into Glasgow both times I've gone -- and then driven to Edinburgh.
My clan is mainly from the Kyle of Localsh area, so I see Skye as a must-do. But other islands may work better for your itinerary.
I love Glamis castle, and my husband (the non-Scot) really enjoyed the ruins at Loch Ness. If you're Bravehart fans, Stirling Castle is nice. Though the statue of William Wallace in town looks an awful lot like Mel Gibson!
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Carolyn
Last edited by Carousel96; 03-10-2009 at 06:07 PM..
We were there in 2000 and 2006. Edinburgh is a great city! Easy to walk around to everything. We stayed on Princes Street at the Ramada and with friends in the Grassmarket area.
You have to see Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace (I think the Gathering is in Holyrood Park, right?), the new Parliment building. The history museum is huge and very interesting, a science museum is there too, but I didn't have time to tour all of it. We are Presbyterian, so we had to see the John Knox house and several of the churches, dang, what is the big one right on the royal mile?, you have to go in there it is beautiful and the Thistle Chapel is definitely something to see, and we also toured GreyFriars Kirk where the story about GreyFriars Bobby was centered. The Whisky Tour/Experience is right on the Royal Mile just down from the castle, it is fun, but if you are real whisky drinkers, visit a real distillery. Across the street from there is a great big tartan weaving place, great shopping, can't think of the name of it! Shopping on Princes street is fun and the street behind it, and Rose(?) street is the alleyway with all the great bars, it is behind Princes Street. We also toured the royal yacht Brittania last time, it was fun, but not a must see unless you are a serious royal lover!
Any of the pubs are great places to soak in the atmosphere and get good food.
Stirling Castle and Bannockburn Battlefield are not too far away. And neither is St.Andrew's, if you are a golfer it is a must, but we had a great time there, probably spent 3 full days touring there. The golf museum, the old castle and the old cathedral, just amazing!
OK, I've probably rambled enough, and I don't know if you will even see this as the question was a little old. But I hope you have a great time! And say hello to the Buchanan, McAllister, and Kincaid Clans while you are there!
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Donning my Wellies to cut Peat in Scotland
Melissa
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If you can do it, I strongly suggest getting to the area your ancestors came from. I was 16 the first time I went to Scotland -- with my parents. We went to Helmsdale (where the ancestors sailed from) and Kildonan, where they'd lived. I'll never forget this old man in Kildonan who looked at my dad and said "You're the first one who's come back."
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