Trip in November - recommendations?

Your biggest factor is probably the weather - and there's no real way of guessing exactly what will turn up in November. I would probably stick to places you can access using better roads, but beyond that probably need a bit more info about what you want in your two weeks.

Early ideas are flying into Glasgow, spending 3-4 days in and around including Stirling, then headed to St. Andrews for the graduation. After that, would like to head North, maybe doing the North Coast 500 and some of the Islands but wondering about the weather factor just like you mentioned. Finish up by flying home from Glasgow. That's the rough idea, but I'm wondering how executable it is that time of year?

It’s not the best time to visit Scotland because of the short amount of daylight. Sunrise is not until around 8am and it sets before 4pm. Also it will be cold and possibly wet. But as you’re going anyway, it’s good to make the most of it. I’d stick to visiting towns and cities because then there’s always something to do regardless of the weather. Glasgow has plenty going on. You could be disappointed if you plan outdoor activities.

I don’t think it’s advisable to do the NC500. You could encounter some pretty bad weather which causes you problems. Also, a lot of hotels and restaurants will be shut for the winter. It’s very seasonal up there and even quite fancy hotels which you would expect to be open year round in most places do shut up shop.

The north could work out fine but you would be playing the percentages - and they aren't favourable really.

I would be tempted to head to another European city for a few days

If you want to do a road trip try the North East 250 or the SW300.
On the North East coast the weather is often better, and things are not as seasonal
While I've not specifically been doing the SW300 this last week I have been down in South West Scotland- an area kept more clement by the Gulf Stream, and again things are not so seasonal.
In the next week or so I'll be writing a trip report.
You could either make your way there through the Scottish borders, or motorway to Glasgow, then down the Ayrshire Coast.
But the NC500 is really a no no. The weather could be terrible and very few things open.

Plenty of people go to Scotland in November. The weather is unlikely to stop you from getting around. Chances are it will be grey with passing showers or you could have bright, cold days with plenty of sun. Unpredictable. January and Feb are the months when winter strikes.

The days will be getting relatively short and many castles etc will be closed for the season. Focus on the town and cities but if the forecast is favourable nothing to stop you from getting out into the countryside.

Sunset at the end of November here is about 4 PM, on days when sunrise will have been at 9AM, and outwith the central belt a lot of the facilities for tourists will have closed for the season in October. The NC500 is not something I'd want to do in November because of the daylight and the weather. I would recommend the North East/Dundee region and down to Stirling rather the Highlands and Islands at that time of year.

This is a two week trip and you are thinking of spending 3-4 days in and around Glasgow and Stirling and then the graduation in St Andrews.

That isn’t going to allow a lot of time afterwards. You haven’t got time to do the NC 500 or any of the islands - even in summer with long daylight that would be pushing it in the time you have available.

If you are wanting to visit one of the islands, think about Aran which is easily do-able from Glasgow and s often described as ‘Scotland in miniature. Spend a couple of days there.

Another alternative would be to head towards Oban and go across to Mull for a couple of days.

Think about adding in time around Loch Ness to the above.

Alternatively, after St Andrews head up to Aberdeenshire for a few days.

OR pick up This is a two week trip and you are thinking of spending 3-4 days in and around Glasgow and Stirling and then the graduation in St Andrews.

That isn’t going to allow a lot of time afterwards. You haven’t got time to do the NC 500 or any of the islands - even in summer with long daylight that would be pushing it in the time you have available.

If you are wanting to visit one of the islands, think about Aran which is easily do-able from Glasgow and s often described as ‘Scotland in miniature. Spend a couple of days there.

Another alternative would be to head towards Oban and go across to Mull for a couple of days.

Think about adding in time around Loch Ness to the above.

Or piuck up on isn31c'ssuggestion of the Borders or Dumfries and Galloway. These are both sreas ignored by teh tourists but do have a lot going for them