Greetings from the U.S.

[steveinUS]

Hi everyone, I've been browsing your Forum for a little while and thought I should join and contribute.

We are in the U.S. (specifically Westminster, Maryland) and my wife and I are planning a trip to Scotland in the spring. My excuse for making the trip is Border Terriers 2020, the 100th anniversary celebration of the Border Terrier breed (our current Border's name is Clark Kent Golding a.k.a. Superman; his predecessor'a name was Fuggles). We're not bringing our little guy, but (being easily amused) I can only imagine what a hoot it will be to see a dog show with hundreds of Border Terriers in attendance. From Kelso (the site of the show) we will venture out and are planning a trip of 10-12 days end-to-end. We are building a list of must-see locations which will fit into that time frame, including a few days in Edinburg, the overnight ferry to Shetland (and a side trip to Mousa to see the Broch which sounds fascinating), distilleries and breweries, etc. It seems like a side trip to Islay should also be on the list, but there may not be time.

So, I have been homebrewing for 25+ years, and also making mead. We're very much looking forward to enjoying local brews and meads (in addition to Scotch) on our trip, and will be making use of the Forum to harvest the collective wisdom here.

Cheers, and thanks for having me.
Steve

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Welcome to the forum Steve. :thumba:

Sounds like a brilliant trip we have a number of Scottish members who i am sure will be glad to recommend places to visit.

 

[Banbeer]

Welcome along Steve, happy holidays:thumba:

 

[GotOneBrewin]

The 1996 film (movie) Trainspotting provides the American tourist all he needs to know for visiting Edinburgh.

 

[thewelshwizard1]

Welcome guys

 

[steveinUS]

The 1996 film (movie) Trainspotting provides the American tourist all he needs to know for visiting Edinburgh.

A light comedy, that one . Probably deserving of a second viewing though, thanks!

 

[GotOneBrewin]

Be sure to sample the fine soups of the Highlands

 

[Gingerbrews]

If you're going to Islay (presumably for the whisky), stop off at Fyne Ales near Inveraray on the way there to try their beer. I'd recommend it.

 

[Clint]

Hiya Steve! You'll love Scotland..make sure to get some Haggis!
I too have a border terrier called Blue though my boys call her BooBoo!

 

[JonBrew]

Hi Steve.

I lived in Edinburgh for 4/5 years and still visit regularly being just up the road now in Perth.

Edinburgh has a wealth of great 'craft beer' bars, but if you're looking for proper Scottish pub experience I'd suggest seeking out the Athletic Arms (known locally as the Diggers) - they always have at fantastic 80 Shilling on cask which is brewed locally.

Other great Edinburgh pubs are The Bow bar, Guildford Arms, The Stockbridge tap and the Cloisters. The Halfway House just up the steps is from Waverly Station is worth a visit, largely due to it's uniqueness.

All of the above mentioned will also carry a good to great array of whiskey.

 

[Gerryjo]

Hi and welcome to the forum...

 

[JonBrew]

Also, just remembered, you should check out the Scottish Malt Whisky Society when you're in Edinburgh. I believe the branch in Leith is members only but the one on Queen Street is open to all.

 

[Brew_DD2]

If you're going to Islay (presumably for the whisky), stop off at Fyne Ales near Inveraray on the way there to try their beer. I'd recommend it.

This. Great brewery!

 

[stephen1546]

Get yourselves up to the East Neuk in Fife!!.

 

[steveinUS]

Many thanks everyone! Please keep your suggestions coming. I have to get the Spousal Unit to focus on this with me for a couple hours and let me make some flight reservations, then build the rest of the trip around that.

 

[GotOneBrewin]

You'll have a great time in Scottland...as long as you avoid the south in early May as everybody knows it is Haggis mating season, they can be quite forceful little beggars.

This place isn't far from Kelso, great if you are doing some serious walking later on and need a bit of a warm up.

Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve

https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/grey-mares-tail

Moffat DG10 9LH
https://goo.gl/maps/gktjGcAsPDUMDhAA8

 

[Deadhead]

With a trip of 10-12 days, you're not going to be able to get to both Shetland and Islay. Well, that is, unless you're willing to not sleep or see anything.

I'm assuming you're hiring a car? The roads in Scotland can be much slower than the roads in the US, so make sure you give yourself time to get places. The drink/driving laws in Scotland though are very strict, so do be careful.

I'm sure you're going to have a great time.

 

[Rodcx500z]

+1 on slower roads, 2 years ago we had a week in Dornoch on the east coast lovley place and scenery to die for, but the A9 is a killer blanket 50mph with seqensial camras I set the cruise control and went to sleep for 150 miles

 

[foxbat]

Scotland's great, you'll run out of time before you run out of sights to see. Bring your biggest umbrella and strongest midge repellent.

 

[steveinUS]

Very helpful group here, thanks so much!

Wife and I had a sit-down yesterday and committed to pacing ourselves rather than trying to do too much. Flights are now booked, arriving in Edinburgh on Monday morning and departing from Edinburgh the following Friday morning. So that gives us 11 days in country. We will rent a car for the duration. How does this sound for a tentative outline of our itinerary:

• First 3 days in and around Edinburgh.
• 4 days in and around Kelso; first two sightseeing in and around Kelso and the Borders. Next two days spent at the dog show.
• 1 day leisurely drive to Aberdeen to catch the Shetland ferry in the evening.
• 2 days on Shetland including Lerwick and Mousa. Considering taking a tour bus trip around Shetland one of these days...opinions? Then return to Aberdeen on the overnight ferry.
• 1 day (last day) leisurely making our way back from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, looking for something to see/do in between.
• Fly out in the morning.

About Shetland, my initial searches took me to the Valhalla Brewery on Unst, but it seems that they've closed. I also read that they were bought by Viking Mead, but they have also apparently tanked. So unless something else up there strikes my fancy between now and the trip, I think we'll be satisfied with taking in Lerwick and its surrounds, as well as the boat trip to Mousa, the theme being not trying to squeeze in too much.