9 days in Scotland

Inverness- at least 3-5 days, possibly longer- lots of great day trips possible from here Aviemore- 3 days or more- lots of REALLY good whisky distilleries in easy train trip range, and lots to do here Edinburgh- 2 days or more Glasgow, 1 or 2 days
Orkeny Islands- 1- 2 days, or long day trip from Inverness If I had to absolutely limit it to 9 days (that's 9 days on the ground, not counting days flying in and out)- 2 days Edinburgh, 3 days Aviemore, 4 days Inverness. These are each less than a 2 hour train ride from each other, too, so you don't loose much getting from one to the other.

We spent 10 days in Scotland this past August (first timers). We visited Ayr (Robert Burns Center), Edinburgh, Stirling, St. Andrews, Inverness, Skye, Loch Lomond, and Glasgow. A lot depends on your particular interests. If it's history, you really can't beat Edinburgh and Stirling (wished we had spent more time here). If it's natural beauty and quiet seclusion, Skye is fabulous. I think that there is a big difference in the highlands surrounding Inverness and Loch Ness and that of Skye.
So, in my opinion - after having visited just once -- I would make two full days in Edinburgh as my first priority, two full days in Skye as my second priority, and a full day in Stirling as my third priority. The rest is up to you -- and you really can't go wrong no matter what you choose -- Scotland is that wonderful. Enjoy!

Thank you very much! I'll add your suggestions to my planning notes!

I've been to 6 countries with rick's books and he often does an awesome job; however, I definitely think he under represents Scotland. I went there for 10 days and it was great. The only thing I would do differently next time is swap out Glasgow for another destination. Two week trip, yes I would include it. . . only nine days go to a different destination. I don't know if it is 9 days including or excluding the flight. Exclude Inverness if you need a travel day. Edinburgh 2 days Stirling via Culross 1 day St Andrews and Anstruther 1 day Oban, Mull, and Iona 1 day (I replaced Glasgow with this) Mallaig via Glencoe 1 day Ferry to Isle of Skye, Stay in Staffin 1 day Isle of Skye, Stay in Plockton 1 day
Inverness 1 day