re: Scotland?

ha. very very true. and look both ways 10 times before you cross the streets. making right turns across the mid line is weird and you instinctively question yourself.

Buddies and I just got back from Scotland which was a side trip after the Saints game.

Spent 1 night at Carnoustie playing two rounds of golf and 1 1/2 days in Edinburgh

My recommendation would be to spend 2 days, 2 nights in Edinburgh. We really did not expect it to be as awesome as it was. It's a gorgeous city with lots to see/drink/eat. There are 4 universities housed in Edinburgh so the scene is young and vibrant.

Golf was great but very windy and chilly. Pack accordingly. We each wore 3 layers. Plan on walking the course with a round lasting up to 5 hours. Most clubhouses do not have tee times earlier than 8am.

IMPORTANT: Buy a burner smartphone from a local shop in Scotland so you have an easy way to communicate/navigate.

We bought the "foreign travel daily data" plans from ATT and verizon but experienced serious issues to the point they were almost worthless.

Just wanted to add another vote for Isle of Skye. And Edinburgh of course.

If your focus is the scenery, I'd look at booking a small tour group for a few days. That's the route I went. That way I could focus on enjoying the view without worrying about driving. Driver was also able to add in a great bit of commentary along the way.

Ended up meeting people from all over the world. Some I still talk to six years later.

The tour company I used was outstanding, but they're also focused on a younger, single crowd so not sure if that would fit for you.

Is it required that you take the distillery tour in order to partake in the tasting? To word it another way, can I skip the tour & pay for a tasting? One more way to ask is, if I just want to pay for a whiskey flight at the distillery, is this an option?

I would think that after taking one tour & learning about the process, the idea of listening to distillation lectures would tend to get in the way of drinking. What's your expertise on the subject. Thanks for answering. Slaynt vie!