Scotland without driving

I'm going to recommend a B&B in Nairn, near Elgin, whose host is extremely helpful with specialized questions like yours. It is called Tali Ayer and the hosts are David and Rowena Cameron. See http://www.tali-ayer.com/ Even if you don't end up booking in with them, a phone call would likely give you some helpful ideas about local transport options.

If you can research and come up with specific sites for the ancestral home that would focus your visit. the local TI or the parish church might help. Bthen a taxi ould take tou there.

A few years back we di a roots trip for my husband's Swiss ancestors. His great-grandfather emigrated from there, landing in Ohio as a dairyman. But we knew the great-grandfather's brother founded a brewerie in a small town near Thun. Webhad two different addresses from Internet research but were determined to find the property.

We rode the train to Thun and hired a taxi from the station. I showed the driver the two addresses and explained I did not know which was correct. (This is going on in German and while I cannot speak Swiss Germn, she could understand me, as I could her). When I told her we were looking for my husbnd's ancestrlpoperty, she said he has " Swiss blood" and asked if I do too. I answered "no" ( my ancestors are Irish) but said I have a Swiss heart.

Between the two inflicting addresses we had trouble finding the place, nd at one point she switched off the meter so we were not charged. When we finally did find the property, we found that the unle's brewerie had been given to the community when he died, and on the day we were there, they had a special exhibition of he architectural features of the place. When I told the entry official of my husband's connection, she gave us a private tour of the features. If only I ould have understood Swiss Gemn better!

I hope you no your wife have a similar good experience. Depending on how far you want to range, a taxi may or my not be he answer.

Thanks folks. We know of places like Duffus and Bishopsmill, not specific addresses. I think she'll be happy just visiting the towns and places from the 1700s that would have been there when her people lived there. Her branch came to the us in late 1790s, not sure about any who stayed. If we track down a specific cemetery, that would be a must visit :)

Have you searched the census records (every 10 years) or the Latter Day Saints records?

Nigel, thanks. Been doing genealogy for over 35 years, but the Scots linkage for the spouse is only been uncovered in the past 6 or 7 years. The Elgin area folks seemed to come from Aberdeen in 1600s, but Morey specifically Elgin area is the center for them for 100 years until her branch headed to the US. Obviously a lot of family stayed and that's always being researched, but not really looking to visit 4th cousins 2x removed in Scotland unless they are looking too :) I did find a local guide/driver whose rate is 28 pounds per hour inclusive I may consider for a full day of exploring. But if a car rental for a few days is less.... Choices will be the death of me yet.