Hi Debbie,
I'm originally from Glasgow but have lived in or visited practically all of beautiful Scotland at some time or another ...
For the last 8 years i've been living in Inverness and the scenery round here is amazing ! If that's what you want, come to the Highlands. This is only my 3rd post but it's gonna be big ... here goes
There is lots to see like Loch Ness (where the monster lives), culloden Battlefield and too many castles to mention also the Highland Games are on Sat 19th and Sun 20th of July...there is also a wide range of accomodation to suit all budgets.
If i were you i'd fly into Inverness then hire a car as it would be a very long drive otherwise especially with your little girl. Use Inverness as your base and explore from here.You MUST take a day trip to the Isle of Skye (set off about 8.30-9am). The road there takes you through the Kyle of Lochalsh, which contains a mountain range called The Five Sisters of Kintail (i almost cried passing through these, so beautiful) and also DaisyMae Donan Castle which is iconic and has been used in many calenders and also featured in the opening scenes of the film Highlander.Also at this time of year all the deer follow the stags down from the hills and you'll see them in the glens herds as big as 300 sometimes. Lot's of pull-over points to get out and watch. If you stop at these places you'll arrive on Skye just before lunch time (the Skye bridge is now toll free) follow the road into Portree where there are lots of nice little places to eat lunch and a tourist information office for things to see on skye.
Once back in Inverness i'd take day trips to surrounding areas like The Black Isle or as we call it up here the land that time forgot! Also head for Dunrobin Castle in Golspie, Sutherland. You'll pass the Moray Firth and see all the seals basking on the shores you can also take Dolphin spotting trips from the Inverness harbour area.
Hope this is helpful and i've persuaded you ! Type any of the places i have mentioned into google and see for yourself . We are also having a good summer this year, well so far .... but to be honest with scottish scenery the wetter, more overcast and mistier it is the better. Tourists really moan when it's sunny as it's not the scotland they've pictured:lol: lol Oh yeah, don't forget the midgey spray,brolly and most importantly your beer money ! lol
I'm emigrating to Texas USA in about 2 months and while i always miss Glasgow, when i'm far away and homesick, singing Flower of scotland drunkenly into my wineglass i will be dreaming about and longing for the Highlands x x
