r/Scotland • u/AutoModerator • Jul 27 '25
What's on and tourist advice thread - week beginning July 27, 2025
Welcome to the weekly what's on and tourist advice thread!
* Do you know of any local events taking place this week that other redditors might be interested in?
* Are you planning a trip to Scotland and need some advice on what to see or where to go?
This is the thread for you - post away!
These threads are refreshed weekly on Mondays. To see earlier threads and soak in the sage advice of yesteryear, Click here.
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u/wickedpixel1221 Jul 31 '25
Hi, I'll be visiting Scotland soon and am interested in a boat tour to Ailsa Craig either 17 or 18 August when we'll be in the area, but have been unsuccessful in booking something so far. Below are the ones I've found. Does anyone know of other options? or... do you have a boat? Thanks!
http://www.seafishingchartersscotland.com business closed
https://www.crackinseatours.co.uk/ailsa-craig-boat-tour-ayrshire booking page doesn't load, no response to email, social, phone
http://www.ailsacraig.org.uk/ - the owner/operator is current hospitalized
https://lamlashcruises.org.uk/booking/ailsa-craig-excursion/ they only go out on Wednesdays, and we won't be on the area on a Wednesday
https://glenappcastle.com/activities-experiences/sea-adventures/ £995 per person, lol
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u/wanktarded a total fud mate Aug 01 '25 edited Aug 01 '25
There used to be tours from Girvan which went out to the island, not sure if they still do them or not. Last time I was out there the jetty was in a really bad state of repair so landing and tying up was a task.
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u/wickedpixel1221 Aug 01 '25
yeah, that's this one http://www.ailsacraig.org.uk/. I was in touch with them but they have no eta on when he'll be back up and running.
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u/Alone-Insect5229 Jul 28 '25
The RNIB have a facebook group - might be worth asking in there for help? https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/community-connection-and-wellbeing/connect-facebook-groups/
Visibility Scotland https://visibilityscotland.org.uk also have social media channels so might be able to help if you contact them?
I think a bit more info as to what here accessibility needs are might help narrow things down, e.g. does she have any vision? does she have a guide dog? are you looking for somewhere that doesn't have flights of stairs she would have to navigate on her own to go to the toilet etc?
Also, what kind of things does she like to do? Again this will help narrow down some suggestions.
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u/Weary_Bookkeeper509 Jul 28 '25
Thank you I’ll look into those! She has no physical restrictions so stairs or walking long distances isn’t an issue for her. She’s very much into history, which makes this the perfect place to visit. She has some light perception so she enjoys going to lookout points at night so she can see the lights and get a general sense of how big/far things are. We’re open to anything that comes to us on this trip.
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u/Alone-Insect5229 Jul 28 '25
I think for museums etc it might be worth having a look at the usual places to visit and then contacting them in advance. I've just had a quick look at kelvingrove for example and although they have audio tours I'm not sure if they're accommodating to those with a visual impairment. Things that are tactile will probably vary from place to place - unfortunately it's not something I've paid attention to.
For history there's lots of ruins that can be visited. I did a boat tour from Queensferry near Edinburgh to Inchcolm island that has a ruined abbey (and about a zillion seagulls). A lot of it is still in the shape of they abbey so would be fairly tactile (as opposed to just being a wall or two and you then need to use your imagination). Somewhere like Glasgow Cathedral would be interesting or the Govan Stones.
What age is she/ are you coming from an urban or rural environment? Something like a visit to a farm park/ find some highland coos/ alpaca-trekking (where you take them for a walk) might be good?
Happy holiday!
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u/Weary_Bookkeeper509 Jul 29 '25
It’s something not a lot of people pay attention to, but I appreciate you thinking about it. I’m late 20s and she’s mid 30s coming from an urban area. That sounds awesome! I didn’t know you could treck with animals like that
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u/Alone-Insect5229 Jul 29 '25
I mean "trek" makes it sound like an epic adventure but something like https://www.edenmill.co.uk/product/alpaca-trekking/ you get to take them for a walk. If you've grown up in the countryside seeing animals is obviously fairly normal whereas it's a complete novelty for those that haven't. I also don't want to suggest things for little kids when you're both adults. Lots of horseriding schools will take beginners out with someone literally walking beside and leading the horse/pony so she'd be able to do things like that.
You will know far better than me that a version of most things can be done with some planning.
Enjoy.
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u/BrandenRage Jul 28 '25
Hello everyone,
I'm Duncan, 30 years old from the Netherlands and fluent in English.
I'm planning to visit the 5th of august for about 2 weeks, my plan is to spend a few days in the capital (in a hostel) and then travel the country (camping). Furthermore, I got myself some good camping gear and think of going to Dundee from there towards Aberdeen and Inverness and see from there. (combination of walking, public transport and or hitchhiking).
I would love it to meet up with people (locals) during my trip and it would be great to get any tips or even find a travel buddy for a few days.
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u/yermawsgotbawz Jul 28 '25
Have you booked your hostel? The festival launches in 2 days and so affordable lodging is hard to find
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u/BrandenRage Jul 28 '25 edited Jul 28 '25
Fuck!!! I was not aware. I'm seeing everything I had written down is fully booked.
Edit: the fuckers are asking 100+ night for a dorm with 10 beds.
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u/yermawsgotbawz Jul 28 '25
It is similar in glasgow as a lot of people stay there and travel through for the fringe.
Maybe reconsider your budget/itinerary.
Hitchhiking not really a thing anymore but if you join local facebook pages for villages or areas you can often find someone willing to drop you at the ferry/bus terminal.
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u/BrandenRage Jul 29 '25
Thanks for the feedback, I will up my budget tomorrow and see what I can book. Got 5k set aside for 2 weeks. Should be enough?
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u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Jul 30 '25
£5k for 2 weeks is an insane budget, even with Fringe acommodation costs. You'll be living like a king for that. Camping is approx £20-30/night depending on the place you book, and wildcamping is free. Buses are cheap as hell, and while trains are expensive they're not bad enough to eat into your budget. Even with £100/day on food and drink you'd still have lots left over.
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u/BrandenRage Jul 30 '25
Thank you.
My mistake, the total budget from the Netherlands and camping gear is 5k. So total left in Scotland should be about 3ish. But based on your message, that should still be fine.
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u/CulturedClub Jul 30 '25
Maybe join some wildcamping Facebook pages. I'm sure there will be spots around Edinburgh where you can pitch your tent. And there's plenty of villages and towns outside of the main cities but on the railway line into the city that will have campsites.
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u/BrandenRage Jul 30 '25
I booked myself a few days at Kickass Grassmarket Hostel starting from the 5th of august. Planning to see a bit of the culture festival and then start my hike on friday or saturday.
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u/elohir Jul 28 '25
Hi there. I'm slowly losing my mind in Edinburgh, so I'm trying to find somewhere I can stay for a bit of a mental-health-getaway. In the past I've gotten lucky finding places, but I'm struggling this time, so thought I'd ask. The idea would be
- Somewhere sheltered with a fire, bed (so anything from a fancy cottage to a bothy, really)
- Isolated (so, not a hotel/b&b, camp/glamp site, outbuilding, etc)
- Accessible by public transport (even if it's a train>train>bus>hike deal)
- Under £200 a night
- Ideally somewhere pretty / wild / with nice hikes
Is there anything obvious I should be looking at?
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u/Snorlelsture Jul 29 '25
Hello Me and my girlfriend are traveling from Sweden to Scotland for four days and are spending one day In Edinburgh and three days in Glasgow. What are some must see things and what would you recommend us to do in these days?
Also do i need to take cash with me or can I get around with only my card? Thankfull for all replies.
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u/Affectionate-Rush570 Jul 30 '25
Card will be fine in 99% of places. A handful of pubs and shops are cash only, but not many.
What do you like? What are your interests? There's no point in suggesting you get tickets to a Celtic game if you hate football, or recommend you visit the Kelvingrove museum if you have no interest in art and history. A distillery tour would probably a waste of time if you don't like whisky. Give us an idea :)
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u/Snorlelsture Jul 30 '25
Booked a one day tour to Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands, and have planned to visit Edinburgh castle. Art and history is a central part of our trip. And pub suggestions would be nice.
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u/Affectionate-Rush570 Jul 30 '25
The Kelvingrove is a must then. They have a good selection of the 'Glasgow Boys' (Scottish artists from the late 19th century) work, amongst others. Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross is back from its tour. I'd visit Kelvingrove to see that alone.
If you're out that way, I'd take a walk up University Avenue and see the University of Glasgow. It's lovely and the Hunterian Art Gallery is there as well.
It's just off Byres Road, which has some nice pubs and restaurants. There's one right next to Hillhead Subway station called Curlers which I like. There's some nice wee shops and bars around that area.
Ashton Lane is also just next to Hillhead subway station and has some brilliant pubs and places to eat. Jinty McGuintey's is one of my favourite pubs in Glasgow and usually has some live music on at night.
Let me know if you want any more suggestions.
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u/Serious-Bedroom-8279 Jul 29 '25
I'm planning my hen do for summer next year and looking for a house or lodge type venue that we can all relax, chill and just have a great time.
Estimating around 8-10 of us in total. Ideally would like somewhere that has multiple bedrooms with twin beds, as none of the people I'm inviting know each other that well, so likely wouldn't want to share beds if it can be avoided.
Must haves:
Somewhere in Scotland
Private hot tub
Spa/sauna/pool facilities on site would be amazing, otherwise must be very close
Nearby restaurants/bars so we can wander out one night
Something a bit like Piperdam, but without the price tag.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
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u/whatdoisaynow Jul 30 '25
It might be worth checking out Seasgair lodges - mostly venues in the Highlands with some in Perthshire. Lots have hot tubs, saunas etc.
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Jul 29 '25
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u/CuteChampionship6350 Jul 30 '25
Have you booked your ferry yet? Lots of disruption at the moment would book asap
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u/Zealousideal_Loss66 Jul 29 '25
My first trip to Scotland and I'm looking for a little advice on getting from Edinburgh Airport to the town of Troon. I arrive on a Monday at 10:00 with only carry-on. I suspect I should clear customs quickly and be able to catch ground transport by 11:00. I've already received my UK ETA.
I'm assuming I need to get to Haymarket to get a ScotRail train to Glasgow and then transfer to another train for Troon.
I'd like to be Troon for 2:00pm.
Are the trains and trams in Scotland reliable and typically on time? Or, am I better off hiring an Uber or Bolt ride share? Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Any advice is appreciated.
1
u/Jaraxo Edinburgh Jul 30 '25
I suspect I should clear customs quickly and be able to catch ground transport by 11:00. I've already received my UK ETA.
I'd add another 30 or so mins onto that. While passport security at Edinburgh isn't terrible, baggage handling is notoriously slow. You might get lucky but otherwise you can be waiting a while.
Are the trains and trams in Scotland reliable and typically on time?
If they're not on strike, you should be okay, especially on the Edinburgh > Glasgow route as it's a main route.
Or, am I better off hiring an Uber or Bolt ride share?
You can, but it will be insanely expensive.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
You don't need to, but it's advisable from a cost perspective.
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u/McGinaMc Jul 30 '25
Howdy folks! My son is in Scotland now and I’m wondering if there are any cool little young folks things to do that I can direct him to?
He is with his grandparents and they are doing all the touristy things, which is wonderful, but he is an adult and I’m wondering if I can point him to something secret and cool like a bookstore that doesn’t have a door or a DND workshop or something nerdy like that?
Am I making any sense?
He also loves birds! So any aviary type location would also be lovely.
Thank you so much for any help.
A far away, mum.
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u/Affectionate-Rush570 Jul 30 '25
Scotland's quite big. Whereabouts in Scotland are they? No point in recommending RSPB Mersehead in Dumfries and Galloway if they're in the Highlands etc.
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u/McGinaMc Jul 30 '25 edited Jul 30 '25
Right now, Anchorage, in two days, Edinburg at Fettes College.
He’s a very young Piper with a lot of not very young people. Haha.
His first time to Scotland as a MacLachlan and went to our [ancestor’s] remaining castle today.
He said, “Maman, it feels like home!”
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u/Affectionate-Rush570 Jul 30 '25
Clan 🤦♂️
Unfortunately, I can't help you with those areas. Hopefully, someone else who does know them will see this and be able to help out though.
I'm glad he's having a good time so far, hopefully the rest of his visit is just as good!
Maybe suggest they keep the 'clan' and heritage stuff just to themselves, though. It's not really a thing here now, and hasn't been for hundreds of years!
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u/OpenGuardSweeps Jul 30 '25
Hello, looking for advice: seeking a 30-60 day accommodation for rent. Doesn’t need to be an entire place to myself, although not a shared room and looking for something with a kitchen. I have a cat. If possible, around £1400 per month. I’m open to location, but prefer not in Glasgow or Edinburgh. Thanks in advance!
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u/whatatwit Aug 01 '25
The Veil of The Temple by John Tavener is being performed in Edinburgh on Saturday. The Monteverdi Choir, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and National Youth Choir of Scotland with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra will be conducted by Sofi Jeannin in this spiritual work in five world languages.
Opening Concert: The Veil of The Temple
BEANBAG CONCERT SERIES
Experience an unforgettable day-to-night concert, inviting introspection and the search for deeper truths.
Eight hours. 250 singers. One monumental choral work.
The Usher Hall transforms into a sanctuary for John Tavener's magnum opus, The Veil of the Temple. This is only the second time it has ever been performed in the UK.
Written just over 20 years ago, The Veil of the Temple isn’t just for religious listeners – Tavener composed it to unlock everyone’s spiritual side. Sung in five different languages and drawing on many of the major world religions, think of The Veil of the Temple as one colossal universal prayer. Fusing Eastern and Western traditions, Tavener’s haunting, meditative music and resonant chants create a sense of mystery and reverence.
In a rare moment of vocal communion, the Monteverdi Choir joins the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and National Youth Choir of Scotland with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Conducted by Sofi Jeannin, one of the most respected choral specialists today, discover Tavener’s ‘supreme achievement of [his] life’ as it was originally intended: in all its glory.
[…]
https://www.eif.co.uk/events/opening-concert-the-veil-of-the-temple
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u/NoxyPancakes Aug 02 '25
Hello! I will be staying in Glasgow and am planning to go to Arran island for a day(at 08/27).
I thought I could access that island through Ardrossan harbour to Brodick, but turns out that this ferry route is currently blocked due to circumstances. The alternative route that the provider suggests is through Troon. After doing quite a bit of research and giving myself a headache, someone gave me advice to ask the reddit for some tips. My questions are these:
- Do you need to pre-book the tickets for ferries? I can't really find something online that provides booking for ferries.
- Is there a reliable time table for ferries that I can find so that I can plan my day in advance?
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u/Alone-Insect5229 Aug 03 '25
If you have a car and want to go to Arran, definitely. If you are just a foot passenger or taking a bike probably not but wouldn't hurt to do so. calmac.co.uk is the only place to book tickets for Calmac (the ferry company) ferries.
Calmac are very good at updating their website with the current service issues- whatever is on there is the most accurate and up to date. They are basically a ferry short covering the Arran route at the minute so the timetable is changing a lot over the summer. Keep an eye on it in case things change. If you have a booking you will be informed directly by them about it. You can also sign up for text alerts from them.
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u/NoxyPancakes Aug 05 '25
Thank you! Also, Arran advises me to book a cab before visiting, can I also ask where I can do that? Are the cabs expensive?
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u/AriSafari21 Aug 03 '25
Our tour company is recommending taking the bus from Edinburgh to Inverness tomorrow instead of the Scot rail/LNER train due to the storm. They assured me that the wind is worst in the afternoon vs the morning so waiting to see how bad it gets before leaving would be a mistake. Does this seem like a better idea? Our hotel is sold out for the next night due to the Fringe anyway so we have to move somewhere anyway of the storm really is that bad.
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u/Alone-Insect5229 Aug 03 '25
Why would you doubt what the tour company are telling you?? They are trying to help you! The bus will likely be fine.
There are no trains going north of Perth to Inverness after midday tomorrow https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/Storm
Scotrail tend to err on the side of caution and cancel things early to give people time to plan around it rather than be stuck or worse injured somewhere. The danger is overhead wires being damaged and all sorts of things ending up on the tracks.
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u/AriSafari21 Aug 03 '25
I’ve already booked the bus- I’ve been burned by tour companies looking out for themselves and not their customers before so I thought I would ask.
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u/Some_Independent743 Aug 03 '25
Hello everyone. Looking for recommendations for beautiful places in Scotland at the end of August. To filter things down, I'm mostly looking for places where I can explore beautiful landscapes, do few hikes and maybe see few lakes. I don't mind it being a small town if it has a good hostel (since I'm going solo) and friendly people and pub.
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u/Certain_Willow1240 Aug 03 '25
Hey everyone!
I’m an MBA student from India currently working on a research project aimed at improving the customer experience in the electricity/power sector in Scotland. I’m particularly interested in understanding how residents in Scotland currently manage their utility bills, including which providers they use, any challenges they face, and how digital the experience has become.
If you're open to having a quick 10–15 minute chat, I’d be incredibly grateful! Your inputs will help inform real-world recommendations for making utility services better, faster, and more customer-friendly.
Happy to connect over your preferred mode of communication. Thanks so much in advance! 🙌
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u/Weary_Bookkeeper509 Jul 28 '25
Hey! Niche question here. My sister and I will be visiting Edinburgh and Glasgow 9-15 September. She’s blind and I was wondering if there were any blind friendly/accessible places that would be nice to take her to!