Scotland in Feb - itinerary help

Especially given that you won't have a car, think about flying rather than doing the ferry. Flybe and Aer Lingus have cheap (especially if bought in advance) flights around Scotland and Ireland. For 6 or 7 days, I would do perhaps 3 days in Edinburgh (and from Edinburgh you could do a day trip south to York and back), then by rail up to Inverness, and finally back down to Glasgow from which you should have no trouble catching a flight to Belfast or Dublin (and if it is the latter, you can see Dublin, then take the train north to Belfast).

Great, thanks so much! This helps a lot. I've been to Dublin many times, so I'm good with just zipping right over to Belfast. My cousins can pick me up there. I'm really clueless w/ Scotland as far as the "must see" places. Do you suggest training it from Inverness to Glasgow and staying over one night there before leaving? Thanks again.

There will be lots of things that you can do without a car. You can do day trips to Stirling, Glasgow, Linlithgow and St. Andrews. All of these destinations can be reached by train. Also, you might want to check with the TI in Edinburgh for some day tours. I know that that offer day trips to the highlands, but I am not sure I would do that one in February because of the daylight issues. But, I would look for day tours to the Borders to see the Abbey's, Sir W Scott's home near Peebles, and or Traquair House. Floors Castle was quite nice. Also, if you are interested in 19th century history you might want to check out New Larnark World Heritage Village. I've not visited yet, but it gets wonderful reviews. You probably have to do a tour to do it. http://www.newlanark.org Pam

Kara: Yes, to maximize your choice of flight ...many leave at 7 or 8 in the morning, too early to get to airport from a distant city...I would get to Glasgow the night before, and if the flight you are taking leaves very early (like 7 or before), stay at an airport hotel (there is a Holiday inn Express across the street from the Glasgow International terminal). Glasgow, like Liverpool, had a very bad reputation for a long time as a grimy industrial town, but in recent years it has revitalized itself greatly (like Pittsburgh in the US). There are art galleries, Victorian architecture...you could easily spend a fun day in Glasgow. Consult National Rail Enquiries to get the schedule for Inverness-Glasgow.

I agree that Glasgow is great city to visit these days. You don't have to stay at the airport however. There is easy bus transportation from the city centre to the airport. I did it last summer. If your flight is mid-day you can easily stay in Edinburgh depending on your wishes. ; ) Pam

Caution about St. Andrews. The train does not go there. You can get a taxi from the station in Leuchars. You may be able to book a bus trip from Edinburgh.