Scotland - first time

Why don't you ask your friend who has already been what they considered must-see places? It's impossible to give an estimate for what a "good length of time" would be for you, since you haven't settled on what you would like to see yet. Wouldn't your friend have an opinion about that, too?

Your question: "Whats a good length of time for being in Scotland. And what are the places that should not be missed?"

As Nancy says, we can't really give you a meaningful answer to the first question here, how long a stay is right for you depends on too many variables that we (and I guess you, at this point) don't know.

Re the 2nd question, it really would take more space than we have here to tell you what should not be missed. Books have been written about what not to miss in Scotland, and you probably will need/want to buy one.

Until you buy your book, to get you started

click here & scroll down to Scotland

for a start on you figuring out what places you should not miss.

Scotland is a wonderful place for landscapes, history, castles, food, and --- well whisky is better than beer in my own opinion. I'd suggest at least 10 days or more if you can. Edinburgh- 2 days, Aviemore- 3 to 5 days, Inverness 5 to 9 days, Glasgow upto 2 days.... then if you want more......
Why don't you use the "How to Search the Helpline for Answers to Your Question" post and search for postings about Scotland to start, then come back with more specific requests.

Thanks for your suggestions Toni! The trip isnt for another year - so I wanted to get the Helpline readers opinions as well as my friend's opinion. She has family there, so alot of the time will be spent with family too. Why the heck doesnt Rick Steves have a stand alone book on Scotland???!!!

From other posts, 2 weeks is MORE than enough time to be there right? I'm thinking of 10 or 11 days roaming around Scotland and then if she wanted to stay longer, she can and hand out with family she hasnt seen in years.

I love Scotland, and a month would not be too long for me. I would try to spend at least two weeks if you can. More would be better, though if scenery gets boring to you, two weeks might be plenty. Edinburgh is a fabulous city and a must see IMO. I would also try to spend time in Inverness, which has many sites nearby, and the Isle of Skye, which is extremely beautiful. Oban is a good base for seeing some of the Inner Hebrides islands -- Iona is one with a lot of history.

This December, Rick Steves will have a new series of books called "Snapshot." Scotland will be one of them.

If you like history then you might want to pick up some history books which may give you some new insights into Scotland. In particular, I recommend A Dance Called America as its about the diaspora of the Scots to North America. It's a fascinating book. Another book is Steel Bonnets by Fraser. It's all about the border country of Scotland. You learn about the Reivers and the different families that raided and lived on both sides of the border. If you want your history via fiction look for books by Nigel Tranter. You may have to go to Amazon.co.uk to get these.

For modern Scotland there is some great fiction. Ian Rankin, of course, is terrific. Edinburgh is practically the protagonist in his mysteries. I've also enjoyed Andrew Grieg's books. Rankin you can get in any US bookstore. With Grieg you'd be back to Amazon.co.uk.

Do you like music? You should try to find time to hear some traditional music. There are festivals--Aberfeldy, Tarbert and other places where you can hear it live. Also, there are pubs where you can hear it as well. Check out Pitlochry's Festival Theater and think about attending one of the plays or concerts.

As for Guidebooks I've liked the Footprint guides.

BTW, while I do like the whisky, the ales are good too!

I could stay in Scotland for weeks, but if I were planning a first trip I would plan on a couple of weeks.

Pam

If you like to read novels and enjoy history George MacDonald is one of my favorite Scottish novelists. He wrote around the time of Dickens, knew Mark Twain. My favorite is WHATS MINE IS MINE, if you can find it unabridged.

I loved "An Innocent in Scotland" by David McFadden. Full of historical notes during his travel around Scotland. It's both humorous and lyrical. (Pamela, I believe he was in Dumfries and Galloway.) He's also written "An Innocent in Ireland" as well.

Thank you all for your recommendations!!!!!!

Has anyone taken the Mercattors in Edingurgh?

Travelgirl - Yes our family did one this past summer. I found it quite enjoyable.

Just re-read your post and realized I didn't address the "food and beer" part. Aviemore has a wonderful hotel (small and very "local") called the Caringorm. It is across from the railstation. The resturant there serves wonderful Scottish food of excellent quality at very good prices. There is a microbrewery near the outskirts (just a nice long walk) that gives tours and samples. But to get a true taste of Scotland, you need to try whisky. My favorite single malts are Belvinie (12 year old-double wood)and Dalwhinnie. There are lots distilleries are not too far from both Aviemore or Inverness. You can do your own "tour" or there are companies that will take you to several. Or ask the barman at a good pub (like the Caringorm's) to arrange a whisky tasting for you. My favorites are from the Speyside distilleries (I don't really like the Islay malts, but you might). Also - if you go in the fall or winter, try warm whisky with honey and leamon- a real treat sitting at the fireside of a pub and having a few pieces of shortbread cookie.