Scotland in late Feb or early March?

Hello Michael, my husband and I are also planning a trip to Glasgow in late February to attend a conference, so possibly we may be there at the same time. I will let other, more knowledgeable folks reply to your questions about what is possible, but wanted to add a couple of things from my research so far.

I am attaching the link to the question I asked on this forum a little while back. From that a takeaway is that being flexible is key to take advantage of good weather windows.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/strategy-for-planning-a-trip-to-glasgow-in-february-2026

As to the areas you asked about visiting, I think Skye is possible; not sure about others. Hopefully others will jump in and offer better advice about what is possible driving-wise, which is not an option for us, so I did not ask about.

Have a wonderful trip!

The Outer Hebrides get little by way of snow. There are year round ferries (which could well be lumpy) and flights to Stornoway and Benbecula. Rent a car, drive down through the Uists to Barra for flight to Glasgow or ferry to Oban.
You will see the islands in their wild and dramatic condition, expect some good winds and likely rain . Most everywhere, except maybe the Blackhouse should be open. Restaurants will still be open for the locals.
Much the same for Orkney. Fly up or take probably an exciting ferry ride up. Almost all the archaeological sites are still open and proper snow is rare. The bigger hotels open year round, and all other shops /restaurants are open.
See North Atlantic isles in the wild.
Build in buffer time from both in case of weather playing havoc with both flights and ferries.
If you want to stand a good chance of avoiding snow and less wild weather explore Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders.
If you want an island trip try Bute or Great Cumbrae.
If you go up to Shetland there should still be some of the Community Up Helly Aa events on. Lerwick in January is the big one, but every Community has its own over a 2 month period.

OK, looks like this post worked...

Thanks for the comments.

I'll check out that link to the other one that you started a little while ago. Going to a conference in late February? Is it an oceans sciences conference?

I will look into the islands... they are on my bucket list and I had a trip planned in 2020 that got cancelled (except a few really poor hotels who refused to give refunds and instead gave credits that were only good for a year or so).

I don't have the time to do the full trip I was planning, but I could try to hit the Outer Hebrides. That would be really great... I've long wanted to see the stones at Calanais. To see them in the winter could be a real treat.

Just been looking. While Calanais IS open the Visitor Centre is being redeveloped. So all this year and until next Spring there are no facilities (restrooms etc) and very limited parking. That won't be a problem in the winter months!
But in the summer, could be an idea to use the infrequent bus #W2 from Stornoway.

Most everywhere, except maybe the Blackhouse should be open.

Arnol Blackhouse on Lewis is open daily 10-3 (last entry 2.30) except Wednesdays and Sundays in March. It shuts for lunch between 12.30-1.30.

The fire has to be kept lit throughout the year, otherwise the roof begins to fall in...

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village - you will be able to wander round the village although not in the houses.

Callanais and Dun Carloway Broch are open 24/7

There's Lews Castle, which has a nice little museum. When I was there, they had a few of the Lewis Chessmen on display, but I'm not sure if that was a loan or not. Regardless, it's a lovely walk in that area, although of course you won't have the greenery in Feb/March.

There's also Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln, which I really liked seeing. It was a tricky walk up to it in May, so if you do head out to see it, wear some good sturdy hiking boots.

I would check out the website Undiscovered Scotland, which has the best info on all of these gems, and you can click on the map to get more info on places. https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk And if you like hiking, https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk is the best place to go.

While Calanais IS open the Visitor Centre is being redeveloped. So all this year and until next Spring there are no facilities (restrooms etc) and very limited parking.

Also, you cannot get to the stones right now via the path near the Visitor Centre, as it is closed off. But you can get there via the upper road (which I saw many people using anyway since they probably didn't realize there was another entrance).

Thanks for the comments everyone... I'll be doing research for the next few months and will take it all under advisement.

I'll be away for a few days so won't respond but when I return, I will follow up with any additional comments people have.

Note about the weather, snow isn't the big problem that causes disruption anywhere in UK for much of the year - it's strong winds. Snow is less frequent, more predictable and usually easier to manage.

Only 2 weeks ago in Scotland :.
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25277496.disruption-west-coast-main-line-tree-fall/

same day another one came down south of Manchester. Yet the weather news was all about temperatures...

As said, the islands are accessible all year round, ferries run as normal albeit on a winter timetable.
We visit the Outer Hebrides and Skye all year round and absolutely love the islands over New Year and in fact throughout winter.
The sail out to any of the islands is always incredible beautiful - spectacular on a big sea! I especially rate the views on the Ullapool - Stornoway run.Magnificent.
Bring warm and waterproof gear - wind chill is the thing.
But the light and colours are stunning.Best time for photography IMO.