1. From Edinburgh Castle, down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh spans centuries
of Scottish history, and continues to this day, as the capital of Scotland. When kids see the
Stone of Destiny, the coronation stone of Scottish kings and queens, if it weren't for the glass
and security system, kids would naturally want to take a seat.
Edinburgh Castle – Visit Edinburgh Castle, a magnificent pile of rock, where the Scottish
kings ruled, lived and fought against their enemies. Scads of weapons and armor in the Great
Hall and be sure to see the Scottish crown jewels. The Stone of Destiny – where the Scottish
kings and queens were crowned, has been returned to Scotland and is now on display in the
castle. Stick around for the "one o'clock gun," fired every day at one o'clock (except Sunday).
Princes Street Gardens – The moat for Edinburgh Castle was drained in 17th century to
make way for these gardens. Climb up the 200 foot Scott Monument to Sir Walter Scott for a
stunning view of the city. Don't miss the statue of Scott and his dog at the base of the
monument. Also, near the National Gallery of Scotland, look for the floral clock – on the
quarter hour, a "cuckoo" comes out.
Outlook Tower and Camera Obscura – From the tower, you'll get an excellent panorama of
the city. The Camera Obscura, a tourist attraction since the 19th century, is a giant pinhole
camera, where images of the city are projected onto a viewing area.
Brass Rubbing Centre (off High Street) – One family writes that they went several times to
the Brass Rubbing Centre with their kids. The Centre is located in Trinity church and has a
varied collection of stones and brasses to make rubbings.
Museum of Childhood – This museum should really be called the "Museum with the Most
Toys." Toys of all kinds, moving toys, stuffed toys, war toys (tin soldiers model airplanes),
paper toys, toys from around the world. You can't miss another amazing dollhouse, six feet
long and four feet high, complete with lights and running water, and a huge doll collection.
Holyrood Park – Holyrood Park encompasses 650 acres, a natural landscape so close to the
city. Holyrood Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth when she visits Edinburgh.
The palace, founded by James IV in 1498, was also where Mary Queen of Scots Italian
secretary, David Riccio, was murdered.
Climb up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano 822 ft. high. The easiest path up is to start on the
eastern side at Dunsapie Loch. Don't miss the swans and the ducks paddling around the loch.
Walk along the Salisbury Crags to the summit. From the top, you can see for miles around,
including the Firth of Forth. It's more fun for the kids to hike up, but there's a road to the
summit also.
Greyfriars Bobby statue – Visit the statue of that devoted Skye terrier, the dog who
mourned his master, standing guard over his grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years.
(Bobby died in 1872).
Edinburgh Zoo – The Edinburgh Zoo with 80 acres, has the largest colony of penguins in the
world. The zoo is also home to endangered animals such as Siberian tigers, pygmy hippos,
poison arrow frogs and red pandas. For more information, check out the Edinburgh Zoo.
Dr. Daniela Martinek

2. Loch Ness – If you're going to do one thing in Inverness, it's take the kids on a boat ride
down Loch Ness to look for Nessie. The legends of the Loch Ness Monster go back aways.
The oldest legend, from 565 AD, concerns St.Columba. One of his disciples was swimming
across the lake, when the monster rose up "with a great roar and open mouth." St. Columba
commanded Nessie to drop the guy, "Think not to go further, nor touch thou that man. Quick,
go back" and Nessie obeyed. These days Nessie may not put in an appearance, but you'll have
a great afternoon cruising this lovely loch.
Official Loch Ness Exhibition Centre (Drumnadrochit) – In this fascinating multimedia
exhibition, you'll hear about different legends of Nessie, and scientific research to get to the
bottom of this mystery. This very long, very cold, deep lake has been studied by expeditions
in small submarines and by sonar detection. The very geology of the lake sets the scene for
legends of the very elusive creature, thought to be a dragon in ancient times, and more
recently, a plesiosaur.
Urquhart Castle – On the edge of the Loch Ness sits the ruins of Urquhart castle. It hasn't
crumbled all on its own – part of it was blown up in 1692. Don't be surprised if you hear a
bagpiper piping tunes that evoke the ghosts of clans past – he's real. You can run up and down
the grassy ruined rooms or just sit peacefully on the stone ramparts, watching the wind ruffle
waves on Loch Ness.
Walk along the River Ness – The River Ness is a wonderful spot for a stroll through town,
with views of Inverness Castle on the hill. Next the river, there's a small cemetary, Chapel
Street Cemetary, with old gravestones and interesting inscriptions.
Dolphin watching on Moray Firth – Take a cruise along the Moray Firth to look for bottle
nosed dolphins. Along with dolphins, you'll see seals, porpoises, and sea birds such as osprey
and terns.
Around Inverness
Fun food
If your kids like salmon, we had the best Scotch smoked salmon, for lunch, for tea, for dinner.
Also, shortbreads, scones and other pastries are delicious. Also, when you see it on the menu,
try the Clootie Dumpling pudding. It's "sort of like a sponge pudding with raisins and currants
in it. You mix all the ingredients in a batter, put them in a cloth (cloot) and steam the whole
thing. When it's done, you slice it, and eat it with hot custard."
Shopping
Lots of fun things to buy, including the ever popular tam o'shanter in various plaids, silvery
jewelry, clan insignia, sweaters, and bright green Nessies. Bring home CDs of Scottish music.
Dr. Daniela Martinek

3. The Isle of Skye,"The Misty Isle," has absolutely gorgeous scenery, iron-black craggy peaks
looming over the moors that sprout wild yellow iris in summer. As you explore the island
with kids, take it at a leisurely place, allowing time to just sit and enjoy the natural beauty.
Hiking – This is just a spectacular place to get outdoors with kids. At Portree, take the
Portree Forest Walks, splendid hiking along the shore in pine forests. The Point of Sleat,
also called the Garden of Skye, is another good area for walks, with views of the islands of
Eigg and Rum in the distance.
Pony Trekking – Go pony trekking around Fairy Glen (near Uig) on Highland ponies. Skye
Riding Centres at Borve, Struan, Woodend and Uig will be happy to set you loose on four
legs.
Boat trip to look for seals – From Elgol, take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk to look for seals.
Fine views of the Cuillin mountains. At Elgol, the beach is a good spot for kids to scramble
over the rocks and run around.
Dunvegan Castle – On the west coast, Dunvegan Castle is the seat of the Macleods. The
most precious relic in the castle is the Fairy Flag. The Fairy Flag was brought to Scotland
from the Mediterranean and is over a 1000 years old. According to one legend, the enchanted
flag can be flown three times, in times of great danger, to defend the MacLeods. The flag has
been used twice in battle, and quite successfully, as the MacLeods were undefeated.
Armadale Castle and Clan Donald Museum of the Isles – On the southern tip of Skye is
Armadale Castle, a stronghold of the MacDonalds. The castle houses The Museum of the
Isles, which tells the history of the Donald clan, starting with their illustrious founder
Sommerled who pushed the Vikings out of Scotland. In the Castle Gardens there are 40
acres of bluebells, wildflowers and lovely plantings. The surrounding 20,000 acres have
nature trails, where you get wonderful glimpses of the Sound of Sleat.
Dr. Daniela Martinek