A little rain must fall...

Let's face it, the weather in Scotland is not perfect, and almost any Scottish vacation is going to include at least one rainy day.  Don't worry, though, there is still plenty to do even if the weather is not cooperative!  Here are my top rainy day picks for Edinburgh:

 

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is defiantly my top pick for a rainy day in Edinburgh.  Filled with gallery after gallery of beautiful portraits, I could spend the entire day here.  As an avid reader of Scottish history, some of my favorites are the 16th century portraits.  Some of them are so realistic, it is easy to think that the subject would walk out of the canvas.
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/

Holyrood Palace

So much more than just a museum, Holyrood Palace is the setting for some of Scotland's most dramatic history.  Visit the rooms where Mary Queen of Scots lived and where she witnessed her loyal servant, Rizzio, murdered.  The Palace's collections include impressive artwork, historical pieces, historical photographs and more.  I would highly recommend visiting the newest exhibit "Long to Reign Over Us", a lovely collection of photographs marking the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
 http://tickets.royalcollection.org.uk/palace-holyroodhouse/palace-holyroodhouse-2015/2015

Dynamic Earth

Looking for a more family friendly venue for a rainy day?  I would highly recommend Dynamic Earth.  There is so much for your family to see and enjoy at Dynamic Earth.  Your family will have a grand adventure while learning about the world around us.  Some of the features include the Tropical Rainforest, the Time Machine and the Yellow Submarine.  You will not regret taking your children on this fun filled day!
http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/

Mary King's Close

Fancy something a bit more spooky, perhaps.  Well, then, I have a place for you.  How about visiting the haunted, subterranean world of 17th century Edinburgh?  Go on a guided tour of the underground world to learn who inhabited this close and what happened to them.  Plague, death, ghosts, this place has it all.  Are you brave enough to visit?
http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

Edinburgh Theatre

Perhaps your idea of a rainy day in Edinburgh is a bit more cultured.  Why not check out what's on at the Edinburgh theatres?  Edinburgh's theatre scene is alive and well, and offers a wide variety of entertainment.  Whether your prefer a mystery, a musical, an opera or the ballet, it can all be found here. Some upcoming events include Mary Poppins and Carmen.
http://www.edtheatres.com/

Fancy a Pint?

Of course, the best ending to any rainy Scottish day is meeting old and new friends in a pub.  One of my favorites while visiting Edinburgh is the Royal Mile Tavern located on the Royal Mile.  It is a cozy, traditional pub with fantastic food, good drink and live music every evening.
http://www.royalmiletavern.com/

Chistmas Fantasy in July - Inverlochy Castle

Since it is nearly 100 degrees and so humid that it feels like a sauna in my part of the world today, I thought that I would take a moment to reflect up on a place that I have dreamed of spending Christmas for several years now.  Yes, this dream does generally come up in the hot summertime, but it is still a dream that I would like to fulfill.  If your Christmases are anything like mine, they are generally enjoyable, but usually filled with rushing from place to place, eating large meals and opening gifts at each home. This becomes even more daunting in the modern age with so many broken and blended families.  By the time that Christmas is over, with its stress, family dramas, overeating, hurried driving, etc., you end up exhausted and wondering how it all passed so quickly.  So, my go-to fantasy of Christmas involves myself and my husband sneaking away one Christmas to a beautiful, luxurious and peaceful place, and to enjoy the time as it slowly passes.  Where might this place be, you ask? Well, let me tell you....

Morning, December 24 - 
Imagine that you arrive at the airport in Edinburgh.  Now, usually when you arrive here, you must make your way to the car rental area and spend time checking in and claiming your car, but today, there is non of that hassle.  Because today, THIS is what picks you up, a gleaming Rolls Royce Phantom, here to shuttle you to your fantasy Christmas break. You settle back in its plush seats and take time to relax (and possibly nap) as it drives you to your luxurious holiday accommodations.
Yes, the drive is a little long, 3 hours, but who minds with such a comfortable ride?
After your relaxing drive across breathtaking countryside, you arrive, and before you looms the Inverlochy Castle Hotel.

Photo courtesy Inverlochy Castle

Photo courtesy Inverlochy Castle

This Victorian castle is stunning.  Set in amongst lochs and mountains with views of Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle is simply beautiful.  After being greeted warmly by the courteous staff, you are whisked away to the room that you have requested (the Queen's Suite).  Once inside the Queen's Suite, you indulge in a luxurious bubble bath in the deep antique tub. When you emerge from your relaxing bath, there is tea and biscuits, which you eat while looking out the large windows at the snow covered mountains.
After an afternoon of relaxation, you assemble with the other hotel guests in the festively decorated Great Hall, where you are treated to Christmas music and a Champagne reception before being treated to a delicious meal.  After dinner, you return to you room where you curl up in your comfy four-poster, canopied bed and sleep the night away with visions of sugarplums in your dreams.
Christmas morning dawns bright and crisp with a fresh layer of snow covering the nearby mountains.  After enjoying a delicious chef-prepared breakfast, you bundle up and take a leisurely stroll our the hotel grounds, enjoying the views of Ben Nevis.  A little cold from the morning walk, you decide to spend the rest of your morning in front of the fireplace in the Great Room getting to know your new friends who are also enjoying a Christmas break.
A little while later, you return to your room where you are greeted by Father Christmas, who has brought you gifts and Champagne! After enjoying your champagne and gifts, you make your way
back down to the Great Hall, where you are served a traditional Christmas lunch while listening to beautiful music.

Photo courtesy Inverlochy Castle

There are so many dishes to choose from, but your favorites are the Roasted Turkey with winter vegetables and chestnut stuffing, followed by mince pies and chocolates.   After lunch, you decide that a leisurely walk around the grounds is in order, followed by an afternoon curled up in front of the fireplace, reading your favorite novel.  After such an enjoyable day, you are ready for a light dinner and an evening listening to live Christmas music in the Great Hall.

Photo courtesy Inverlochy Castle

Boxing Day Delights
After such a restful and enjoyable Christmas day, you are up early and ready for an eventful Boxing Day.  In the Dining Room, you indulge in a Full Scottish Breakfast. With so many delicious choices, you leave the Dining Room filled to the brim with breakfast goodies.  A walk around the grounds in the fresh snow seems like just the thing to work off some of that extra energy.  After your walk, you return to the front grounds and enjoy a spellbinding falconry display, followed by Clay Pigeon Shooting (which you excitedly join in) and a Sheep Dog trial later in the afternoon. After spending the day in the fresh air and sunshine, you decide that an early night would top off your day, and retire to you Suite for the evening where a room service dinner is brought to you.
Your Christmas break has flown by, but you leave the next morning (in the Rolls Royce) happy and well rested, full of Christmas Cheer.
To find out more about Inverlochy Castle Christmas http://inverlochycastlehotel.com/festive/christmas/

Well, this is the end of my Christmas Fantasy. I hope that wherever you are, you enjoy a little Christmas magic in July today,

Five Fabulous Scottish Bed and Breakfasts

Six Brunton Place Guest House - Edinburgh

photo courtesy sixbruntonplace.com

At the end of a busy day, there is nothing better than to return to a warm, cozy room and relax.  Six Brunton Place Guest House in Edinburgh is an oasis in the middle of a bustling city.  It is conveniently located in the heart of Edinburgh, just across from the lovely Royal Terrace Gardens.  Six Brunton Place boasts 4 comfortable rooms and a mouthwatering breakfast selection.  It is within easy walking distance of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is very close to several restaurant.  
 http://www.sixbruntonplace.com/index.html

photo courtesy northlandsbandb.com

Northlands Bed and Breakfast - Pitlochry
There is a reason that Pitlochry has been a major tourist destination in Scotland for over 150 years.  The natural beauty of the area combined with the Victorian feel of the high street draws people from all over the world.  Northlands Bed and Breakfast combines the charm of a Victorian home with elegant, modern accommodation.  With 3 spacious, comfortable rooms and a fresh, delicious breakfast served overlooking the gardens, a stay at Northlands is restful and rejuvenating!
http://northlandsbandb.com/index.html

Pitreavie Guest House - Dunfermline

photo courtesy pitreavieguesthouse.co.uk

Comfortable, homey rooms and beautiful gardens make Pitreavie Guest House an ideal base for touring Scotland.  Located in Dunfermline, just miles from Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Stirling, Dunfermline makes an excellent touring base for east and central Scotland.  Pitreavie boasts a wide selection of rooms, from an en-suite single to two family rooms.
http://www.pitreavieguesthouse.co.uk/index.htm 

photo courtesy daviotlodge.co.uk

Daviot Lodge - near Inverness
A comfortable, 5 star lodge in the country, close to Inverness and just a couple of miles from Culloden Moor, Daviot Lodge is a wonderful place to stay in the highlands.  Spacious, well appointed rooms and a breakfast of high quality local ingredients makes your stay perfect.  Daviot Lodge has several rooms for you to choose from!
http://www.daviotlodge.co.uk/index.html 

Barrimore Guest House - Oban 

photo courtesy http://www.barriemore-hotel.co.uk

Location and lots of character make the Barriemore Guesthouse in Oban one of the top B&B's worth visiting in Scotland.  Located on the Esplanade with views overlooking the bay, the Barrimore boasts spacious, updated rooms an a terrace where you can kick back and enjoy the view.  Just a short walk from beautiful downtown Oban and the sea front, you will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast with selections such as Oak Smoked Loch Fyne Kipper, Smoked Haddock or a traditional Scottish breakfast.  The Barrimore provides a high level of accommodation in updated, comfortable rooms.

http://www.barriemore-hotel.co.uk/index.html