Spring in Scotland

It helps to love history when you're here because the country is steeped in it, but if you don't you will still love the castles. Besides the timeshare being one, nearby are Glamis (pronounced "Glams") castle, where the Queen Mum grew up, and which although open to visitors, is still occupied, Stirling Castle, former seat of government, and a little farther, Balmoral.

Don't miss a day in Edinburgh, including a tour of the Royal yacht Brittania. Spend a few hours in beautiful St. Andrews, and any of the numerous fishing villages along the Fife coast, e.g. Elie, Crail, St. Monans, and Pittenweem(love that name!).

Quick Tips:

Request a castle suite at the Kilconquhar Castle timeshare, and the friendly staff will accomodate if possible. The villas are very nice too, and modern, but don't you want to tell your friends you stayed in a Scottish castle?

Bring a warm jacket when you tour, as the wind off the North Sea can be quite cool even in spring or summer. Eat in pubs, there are lots of them around, and they're the least pricey in a fairly expensive country.

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is essential to get around. There are bus tours from the timeshare, but they can get a little pricey for more than one person, and you lose the freedom. In Edinburgh, watch where you park (become familiar with the painted markings) or you WILL get a ticket. Better to park on the outskirts and take a bus in to town. Most things on the Royal Mile and Edinburgh castle are walkable if you're fairly fit.

Best Things Nearby:
St. Andrews, not just the golf course, but the town as well. Also any of the fishing villages along the coast like Edinburgh, just an hour away. Stirling Castle, Glamis Castle are both less than an hour away and well worth the visit.

Best Things About the Resort:
A real 17th-century castle, with the beautiful original castle grounds, stables, gardens, etc., which are meticulously maintained, with added putting greens, driving range, etc. Large timeshare unit and very friendly staff.

Resort Experience:
A real castle, fully renovated and a bit too modernized but without losing too much. The original castle on the site goes back to the father of Robert the Bruce, who would become King of Scotland (after William Wallace a.k.a. Braveheart). Beautiful grounds, deserving of a castle and still meticulously maintained, including putting greens outside your door and a driving range a short stroll away.

• Unit Type: 3 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

I don''t usually go for this classy and pricey of a meal, but it was billed as an evening of Scottish "fayre" and culture, and it didn''t disappoint. We were escorted into the dining room by a gentleman in full Scottish regalia. Excellent service as well as music, comedy skits by locally well known actors and of course, the piping in and serving of the haggis, complete with a stirring rendition of Robbie Burns ode to a haggis. And what a nice dining room, right at the timeshare, and dating back to the 1600''s. Really worth it.