One Night in either Perth, Pitlochry, or Stirling?

Um, that was restaurant :)

While I've never spent the night in Stirling, my wife and I did visit. They have a good open top tour bus and the city is full of history. It is a pretty location and the city is rather compact.

Thanks Douglas, have kind of been leaning towards Stirling even though it's not that far out of Edinburgh, because I figured that we would want to do some sightseeing there.
We will have two nights in Edinburgh, but basically two full days, (staying our last night by the Glasgow airport).

I love Perth, but I'd have to go with Stirling. So much to do and see there. The restaurants are great. You can see the castle, Bannockburn, the Wallace Monument, etc.

If going to Edinburgh, don't miss Mary King's Close (right by the castle) and the Royal Yacht which is easily reached by bus to the waterfront. Enjoy trip.

Look closer at Pitlochry. There is a festival theatre there and if there is a show or performer playing the night that you would be staying there, that might shift your thinking. I once heard an Aly Bain Concert there that was fantastic. Also, if you haven't toured a distillery yet, and want to, the Blair Athol distillery is in town and walkable if you are staying in town. It's a nice tour. There's another smaller one that a bit longer walk. Also, nearby is Blair Castle which is quite good. And, I enjoyed the Explorer's Garden that is near the Theatre. I would not stay in Perth, but if you are interested in music and want a small town, then think about Dunkeld. You could take your time driving down to Dunkeld, stopping off at Blair Castle, taking the scenic route via Queen's View and generally enjoying the scenery. Then stay in Dunkeld enjoy the Music Bar, the cathedral and check out the little houses. You could get an early start the next day and tour Stirling Castle. If you are driving and Edinburgh is your last stop consider dumping your car as soon as you get to Edinburgh. You won't need it there. Pam

I agree with Pamela-Pitlochry gets my vote. We love the town and the Pine Trees Hotel is very charming-can walk into the town and we had a nice meal at Olde Smithy and also at Moulin Pub. It is an easy drive to Dunkeld(do the Birnam Wood walk) which is worth a visit. Along the way you can stop for a hike at the Hermitage, a beautiful place on the river where salmon were jumping upstream. Also in the area is Blair Castle which is magnificent. Near Blair is House of Bruhar, a shoppers paradise-if you have lots of $$$$-the food hall is like a mini Harrod's.

What about going from Inverness to Aberdeen, staying one night in Aberdeen and then heading down to Edinburgh?

There is someone on the helpline who lives in Aberdeen and hopefully she will respond. But I have to say that in over ten trips to Scotland, I've not made it to Aberdeen. I tried once, but the hotels were so expensive that I ended up going to Ballater and exploring Aberdeenshire from there. I think that there are some attractions in Aberdeen, but I would vote for Dunkeld, Pitlochry, or Toni's Aviemore. Aberdeen is oil city and so during the week the prices are business prices and thus higher. Or at least they were when I looked a few years ago. Pam PS There is a great mystery series by Stuart MacBride that is based in Aberdeen. ; )

I'd probably follow Pamela's advice. Aberdeen has lovely areas outside and is a brilliant place to live, but while I'd rather live here than anywhere else on the planet I wouldn't choose it for a one night stopover. As a separate issue, it is a very expensive place as there's a lot of oil (hotels are very pricely, but luxury goods Market is poor as we go to London, etc)
S :0)

Jennifer, We have been to Scotland six times and have been through the towns you mentioned. As I recall Pitlochry was a very attractive town in quite a scenic area.It reminds me of McCall without the lake. Stirling is a pretty big town. The Wallace monument and a castle are there for siteseeing. I don't know about Perth, but for the other two cities, it's like comparing Lewiston to McCall. We live in Genesee.You can find us in the local phone book if you would like to call.Be happy to talk to you.
Sharon&Monte Steiger

I want to thank all of you for taking the time to respond, you have been so helpful. Thanks to your suggestions, I think we are going to spend that night in Dunkeld. Monte, I am going to take you up on your offer and will look you up. What a small world!:)

Completely OT, but along the small world theme...hey from Troy!!

Actually scratch that, my friend finally chimed in... We are going to stay in Pitlochry (if I can find accommodations). I have lots of inquiries out, but most the B&B's won't allow a one night stay, am checking hotels too.

Try "smoothhound.com" we have used them several times with lots of luck.

You'll be delighted with pitlochry. Have a good time.
S :0)

We spent a night in Pitlochry many years ago and I'm so sorrry we didn't have time to go from Edinburgh when we were there two years ago. I loved the buildings and the scenery, and will always remember watching the salmon leaping upstream.