Vacation in Scotland

[BThomHie]

A few friends and I have gotten together and have decided that a a casual trip down the Spey with the scenery and tradition of distillation would be a great way to spend a couple of weeks. The concept of kilted canoeing as olympic sport has come up in conversation.
We will probably land in Dublin and take the ferry from Belfast to Ary to pay homage to the Bard. After that it is ancesteral castles and touring.
We have all driven in the Left hand lane love to tell the stories of mistakes survived and believe that coach or driver is best for all concerned at this time.
Any advice on what - where - how is greatly appreciated.

[Phil]

I take it you mean Ayr when you mention the Bard. Actually Alloway, just outside Ayr, is his birthplace and there is a visitor centre and Burns cottage there with a museum containing original manuscripts.
Good luck canoeing the Spey and I hope the anglers are hospitable as you pass. There is also a well-established rafting/canoeing enterprise on the River Tay which you might like to explore also and it takes in places such as Kenmore, Pitlochry, Dunkeld down to Perth. As far as castles, there are an abundance but Dee-side might be your best bet with Braemar, Balmoral, Corgarff, Crathes, Craigievar, Drum and others all along its length - and you can also do some canoeing too!
As to driving, the roads are not too hectic and the locals fairly forgiving. Just remember to keep to the left!

[tripleblessed]

At the risk of being accused of being overly cheeky, I'll just mention in passing you're talking about driving and canoeing
in close conjunction with the distillation process, and it occurs to me said proclivity might have some connection with the aforementioned driving errors . In the spirit of friendship andpublic service, I'll rearrange schedules to make myself available as a designated driver; with several successful trips to England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, and South Africa, I've no trouble negotiating the turns, the narrow roads, or shifting left-handed. In a dazzling burst of generosity, I'll allow you to cover my expenses so it won't appear that you are taking advantage of my good nature. Of course, absent that, I would have to politely decline and just wish you an enormously enjoyable time enjoying all the amenities along the way.