The Scotland title in the Frommer's guidebook series is now into its 10th edition, the latest being published in 2008. It begins in the now-familiar Frommer's way of rounding up 'What's New in Scotland', which is a useful feature for anyone who has an older edition and is wondering whether to update. It also shows that the writers and publishers are on the ball, picking up on recent changes like the new ABode Hotel in Glasgow and that the former One Devonshire Gardens is now the Hotel du Vin (some guidebooks and even some websites haven't yet made that update, which is no longer so recent.)
Scotland Travel Guide: Best Travel Experiences
Following 'What's New in Scotland' the Frommer's authors, Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince (who also write Frommer's England and Wales Guide), choose their personal 'Best Travel Experiences'. Scotland has so many special travel experiences that it's hard to pick out the best, but there's no arguing with their number one choice – check out the local pubs. Other top Scotland travel experiences recommended include a cruise on the Caledonian Canal, exploring the Orkneys, taking the ferry to the Isle of Iona, and visiting Edinburgh at Festival time – having secured your flights, accommodation, and tickets a long way in advance, of course.
Scotland Travel Guide: Edinburgh, Glasgow and Beyond
Edinburgh and Glasgow both get their own chapters, which cover the highlights of Scotland's two main cities. They're each about 50 pages long, so thorough enough for anyone traveling to either place and then on to elsewhere in Scotland. If only staying in one city or the other, though, a dedicated city guide would be best.
For those travelers going beyond Edinburgh or Glasgow, the Frommer's Guide covers all the country's most appealing aspects for visitors: the Speyside Whisky Trail, golf at St Andrew's and elsewhere, visiting Ben Nevis (though no information on actually climbing it), Loch Ness, and the many Rabbie Burns connections. Plans for the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, due to open in 2010, aren't mentioned, however, perhaps due to lack of space as the Museum has been in the planning since 2004.
Scotland Travel Guide: the Scottish Islands
The Frommer's guide also covers the best-known of the Scottish islands, including the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Those two wonderful whisky islands of Islay and Jura are included, with four of Islay's distilleries being mentioned but not famous whisky names like Ardbeg, Bruichladdich and Caol Ila, or the new distillery of Kilchoman. Again, space may be a reason.
The Scotland guide may not be quite comprehensive, but it is thorough and detailed on the things it does cover. It would be an excellent choice for the first-time visitor to Scotland.
Buying Frommer's Scotland Travel Guide
The latest Frommer's Scotland Travel Guide runs to almost 470 pages and costs $21.99 in the USA, $25.99 in Canada, and £14.99 in the UK. It can be bought in bookstores, at Amazon and other online bookstores, and at the Frommer's online bookstore.
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Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
