Planning your next trip to Scotland

Pam , we just returned from our second journey to Scotland , and in addition to the new places we visited , we returned to others . Notable , was Stirling . We were last there in 2010 , a year before they reopened the Palace . Wait until you see it ! It is replete with masterful reproductions of furniture , interior design components ( lighting , structural decorative arts , etc. ) and all manner of textile arts . The zenith of accomplishment , of course , are the Unicorn Tapestries . Words cannot describe just how magnificent they are . We went through the Palace , visited the tapestry studio for a presentation by the virtuoso head weaver , visited other sections of the castle , and returned for a second viewing of the Palace , just couldn't get enough . The heads will also take your breath away In addition to the polychrome reproductions which adorn the ceiling , some of the originals are also on display . The stage production of " Whisky Galore " certainly looks like fun , but then again , what will " Whisky Galore " be without the likes of Joan Greenwood , Duncan MacRae , and Gordon Jackson ? ;-)

I am possibly not the best person to comment as my next trip will be popping out the front door to the recycling bin.

But a couple of places not mentioned, ie I want to go back to Orkney again.

To go to the NW Highlands, given how remote and beautiful it is, and we have a dark skies reserve in Dumfries and Galloway. Just again for the remoteness.

Another in the pipeline for me is doing a modern version of the old Glaswegian holiday tradition of 'gangin' doon th' watter', this modern version would be island hopping the Clyde estuary islands (Bute, Arran) and the Cowal peninsular in Argyll and Bute.

Have things been restored/reconstructed after the nasty fire in Glasgow School of Art this year?

I'm planning a trip to GB that would include some of Scotland in addition to Wales and the Channel Islands. I have been to Scotland once before but this time I want to concentrate on the Outer Hebrides - Lewis and Harris, Barra, and the Uists and probably Eriskay also. I've not seen the Whisky Galore movie or read the book but I will before going on my trip and maybe get a chance to see it performed in Gaelic. I was hoping to do this trip this year (2014) but it got shifted to 2015 and now may possible get put off again until 2016 but gosh, I hope not. Researching the islands it seems that getting there and getting around is proving to be the most challenging.

Good luck with your planning.

Hi Cyn

Sadly the School of Art is not fully back on its feet. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have only just deemed it safe enough for the forensic archaeologists to go in.

We just recently returned from Glasgow , and as we understand the situation , a good deal of the damage was in the library , which is probably the main focal point of the Mackintosh interior , We did not revisit the school on this trip , but did see Mackintosh sites that we missed last time - The Mackintosh house at the Hunterian , The Kelvingrove which has Margaret's " The May Queen " and " The Wassail " in their collection , Scotland Street School , among others . Going out to see " A house for an Artlover " in Bellahouston Park was a highlight on our first visit , several years ago . @ Nancy , don't miss " Whisky Galore " , it's one of the classic comedies produced by Ealing Studios in the late 1940's and early 1950's , These films are dry British humor and loads of fun , Some of the others to look for - " A Run for your Money " ( actually set in Wales ) , " Passport to Pimlico " and , of course , the best of them all , " Kind Hearts and Coronets " , with Alec Guinness playing all the members of a murdered family , truly priceless .

@Steven, thanks for the movie suggestions, I'll definitely give them a try - loved "Kind Hearts and Coronets", surely a classic.

These are some great suggestions. One place I've yet to get to is Shetland. I've had a couple of chances and I hope I get another. Here are some great videos.

• Vikings
• Coast

If you haven't read Ann Cleeves books, check them out!

Pam

Do not forget Islay!

Too true Monte! I do need to get there.

Pamela,

It was interesting to see Barra mentioned in this thread, as that's a bit off the radar for most tourists. One of my close friends recently discovered that he has family there, and he's since gone to visit them. Seeing the official Barra website has also prompted me to consider a future visit, so I'll be interested to hear about your experiences there.

The clan chiefs of MacNeil of Barra were a law to themselves, especially during the time of the lordship of the Isle. Who deep down would not love to be in the position of after eating sending a herald to the battlements to proclaim to the world 'The MacNeil has dined, princes and lesser men may now dine also.'

When BBC Scotland or STV do the MacNeils of Barra in documentaries, they are always interesting tales.