Even though you don't have reservation bookings for Skye, don't give up on it. The majority of B&Bs on Skye don't advertise on the internet, so you won't find them there. If you know what dates you'll be on Skye, and can't find anything on the internet, try calling the tourist information office in Portree. 011 44 1478 612992, or the tourist information office in Broadford 011 44 1471 822713. They should be able to help you find something.
If you completely strike out, there is much to see and do in Aberdeenshire, although the scenery won't be as spectacular as that of the Highlands and Islands.
From Inverness, you could start out by visiting the towns of Nairn, Forres, and Elgin, along the A96. However, the small fishing towns along the coast should be visited for their charm and views. Findhorn and Lossiemouth, off of the A96, then turn east on the A98 at Fochabers, toward Cullen. Just before you reach Fochabers, the B9104 will take you to Spey Bay, where you have a decent chance of seeing dolphins (also below the Kessock Bridge, in Inverness).
Once you're on the A98, side roads will take you to the fishing villages along the way. Buckie, Portnockie, Portsoy, Cullen (which gave its name to Cullen Skink, a delicious fish chowder), Banff, Gardenstown, and especially Pennan, where many of the scenes in the movie "Local Hero" were filmed.
Once you get to Fraserburgh, which is relatively unremarkable, the A98 becomes the A90, which will take you in to Aberdeen. Just south of Peterhead and Boddam, take the A975 toward Cruden Bay. About a half mile south are the Bullars of Buchan, a chasm dug out by the sea. It's a fascinating place, and if you hit it just right, the noise from the sea rushing in and out makes a great sound. Best of all, it's free.
Just a wee bit south of the Bullars of Buchan is the path out to Slains Castle, which was built in 1597. It's now in ruins, but Bram Stoker stayed nearby in 1895, and Slains is supposed to be the inspiration for Dracula's castle in his 1897 novel.
Stay on the A975 until it rejoins the A90 just north of Aberdeen. If you enjoy beautiful beaches, Balmedie is just a couple of miles south of the A975/A90 intersection.
Aberdeen is not a particularly attractive city, although it has many historical sites. The discovery of oil in the North Sea in 1973 was a great boost for the city, but it has lost its distinctive Scottishness, and prices have gone up accordingly. You can still find reasonable accommodation, however, if there are no major conferences in town.
The beach is quite attractive in good weather, as is the old fishing village of Footdee ("Fittie"). There are many parks (Duthie and Hazlehead being among the best). The Winter Gardens at Duthie Park would rival botanic gardens just about anywhere. The floral displays and the cacti displays are gorgeous.
Aberdeen is one of the places in Scotland where you're most likely to see dolphins. From the Torry Battery, just south of the harbor, there is a dolphin watching station, which is open year round. The friendly guides have binoculars which you can use.
In the area around Aberdeen, there are many castles worth visiting. Castle Drum, Crathes, Craigievar, Fyvie, Tolquhon, Castle Fraser, are among the many. But one or two would be enough. Hiking up Bennachie (about two hours up and back) is an Aberdeen tradition in good weather. It's near Inverurie.
Dunottar Castle, south of Stonehaven, is a must. It's in a spectacular location, overlooking the North Sea. It's in ruins, but well worth a visit. Just south of Dunottar is the RSPB bird sanctuary at Fowlsheugh, where you'll see thousands of seabirds perched along the cliffs. If you go all the way out to the end of the trail, past the observation hut, you'll have a pretty good chance of seeing puffins.
Whichever adventure you take, have a great time in Scotland!
Mike (auchterless)
