I am traveling to Scotland with my son in July2023 and have tee times in St. Andrews at three courses on the 19th, 21st and 23rd, departing on the 24th for Edinburgh and flying home on the 25th. We will arrive in Edinburgh at 8:00 on 7/16 and I am trying to decide whether to take a few days to explore Edinburgh before heading over to St. Andrews on 7/18, or go there directly and arrange a fourth round of golf on the 17th. Our flights and tee times are all booked and paid for, and are non-refundable. I was there in May with a golf buddy, and we took an early train from Leuchars to Waverly Station and spent the day on the Hop On Hop Off Bus tours. We saw everything on our list and were back in Leuchars by 19:00. If we go to SA first that would be an option for us. My friend had been to Europe or the UK and neither has my son.
If we choose to stay in Edinburgh at the beginning, I need to see about getting to the City Centre from the airport and where to stay for two nights. One problem I foresee is, in addition to our carryon luggage, we will have large rolling golf travel bags which don't work well on trains or buses, and in some cases don't fit in small taxis. I have also thought about staying near the airport and taking a taxi to/from the city. I will be getting a rental car to go to St. Andrews, but not sure I want to drive in Edinburgh. I would appreciate any thoughts on my predicament. Thank you.
Jim