I am going to be in Scotland for 8 days in late September. I plan to start Edinburgh-Inverness and spend a couple of days in Inverness but then head to the central west coast/southern isles - maybe base myself in Inveraray. I want to spend 3 days +/- in this area and then head through the lowlands for a couple days before back up to Edinburgh. I am looking for ancient scotland, ruins, and highland landscapes, etc. My ancestors came from the southern west highlands and western lowlands. I will have a car. Any recommendations on sites to visit in this region, good B&B mid-range price to base (thinking Inveraray as a central location?), other information that might be useful? Already planning on Kilmartin, Arran, Glen Coe, Oban.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1862 posts
We stayed overnight at the George Hotel in Iveraray. The room was lovely and we had an excellent meal in the pub....We visited nearby Kilchurn Castle, a lovely ruin on Loch Awe. We got to the castle via a small boat which ran from a nearby pier on Loch Awe.....on a later trip to the same area, we were surprised at how close Kilchurn Castle is to Glencoe if you travel via Glen Orchy. http://www.thegeorgehotel.co.uk/bedrooms.php
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
How about an example of places in the 'southern isles' and 'central west coat'. The terms aren't in general use. How anchient? Prehistoric? What kinds of ruins?
Posted by
OP
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
3 posts
I want to base myself in Argyll. I think this will give me a central location to work out from. I don't have the time to go really north. I am looking for pre-17th century ruins - would love anything between 1000-1500's, and yes - ancient sites - pre- or early - christian times. Thank you
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
See if you can get to the Isle of Islay and visit the Kildalton Cross and church. Also, the seat of the MacDonalds, the rulers of the Isles is there too. If you have a car the ferry goes from Kinacross to Port Ellen.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1518 posts
We stayed at the Killean Farmhouse B & B near Inveraray and Castle Campbell on Loch Awe. It was a beautiful and convenient location. Scots stay there...so it doesn't feel touristy. My husband is Clan Campbell, so we routed ourselves to all the historic Campbell locations. Even (in a whisper) Glen Coe. Dollar Castle is worth a visit. Also Argyle House in Sterling. I'm an Ogilvy so I represented the Stuarts.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
70 posts
Make sure you do a photo stop at Glencoe...magnificent.
Posted by
OP
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
3 posts
Thank you all for your responses and help. I will most definitely check out everything that you have suggested!
Posted by
Colorado Springs, Colorado
5 posts
Head to Kilmartin. It is a small town south of Ft William and Oban and west of Inverary along A816. There is a hotel and the Rosebank B&B. Across the street is the Kilmartin museum and the fields around it are full of bronze age and stone age cairns and carved stones. http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/info/see-do/kilmartin-glen-p247711
Posted by
Colorado Springs, Colorado
5 posts
Head to Kilmartin. It is a small town south of Ft William and Oban and west of Inverary along A816. There is a hotel and the Rosebank B&B. Across the street is the Kilmartin museum and the fields around it are full of bronze age and stone age cairns and carved stones. http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/info/see-do/kilmartin-glen-p247711
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Donna, have you seen Nigel Tranter's books? He several historical novels that deal with the time period that you're talking about. His books are not bodice rippers, probably the antithesis. His style can take a bit getting used to, but he will give you an historical view of the Western Isles. I really enjoyed them. So, with that in mind, I would recommend visiting Mull. The Duarte Castle is marvelous. You can go to Iona, and just soak up the Western Isles. I will second Kilmartin Glenn. If you are interested in understanding a bit about contemporary Scotland's quest for Independence and it's relationship to its history, check out the book Stone Voices. The books opens discussing the standing stones near Oban and has a long section on Dunadd. I went to Skipness Castle which is mentioned in one of the Tranter novels. Heck almost every castle I visited was in one of his books. :) Pam