5 ideas for what to do and where to stay in Scotland in 2019

Planning your holidays is exciting. Where shall we go? What shall we do? What is there to eat, see and taste?

The choice is overwhelming.

If you're looking for something different to do and don't fancy a trip across the Channel or the West Country this year, consider Scotland.

You can avoid all the horrendous traffic down the A303 or M5 to the West Country. You can avoid the crowds on the narrow lanes and the packed beaches. You can avoid Operation Stack if you're heading to Dover or Folkstone.

Scotland is none of those nightmares.

We love Scotland. It's a beautiful, wild part of Britain that's stacked with history, sport, culture, delicious food and drink. Unless you're in a city, the roads are quiet, and the beaches are peaceful.

But, what is there to do and see in Scotland? Here are five ideas on where to go and stay in Scotland in 2019.

1. Athletics in Glasgow - 1 to 3 March 2019

If indoor athletics are your passion, head to Glasgow in March to see over 600 top athletes from over 50 countries gather to compete at the European Athletics Indoor Championships.

The athletes will compete at the Emirates Arena over three days for European Athletics titles. There are six sessions over the championships in which the athletes compete in track and field events.

The stars include Mo Farah and the Great Britain relay teams.

Where to stay
Strathclyde County Park Club Site
The site is 20 minutes from central Glasgow and an excellent place to rest after watching the athletes do all that exercise. The park is near the park, where there are acres of woodland and wetland to experience.
Price From £12.90 for a standard pitch per night (on one adult staying).

2. Music and malt whisky - 24 May to 1 June 2019

Whisky. Perhaps Scotland's most famous export. Music goes hand-in-hand with a nip of whisky in a pub.

What better way to combine the two with the spectacular west coast of Scotland than at the Island of Islay's Festival of Music and Malt?

The festival will give you the chance to experience traditional music, ceilidhs, Gaelic lessons, golf, bowling and, of course, whisky tasting. Plus, there'll be plenty of food to try and bagpipers to listen to and other cultural experiences.

When the weather's fine on Islay, from the southern end, you can see Northern Ireland. There are eight distilleries on the island.

Where to stay
Carradale Bay Caravan Site
The site is a 40-minute drive from the ferry to Islay. Leave enough time in the day for the 2-hour crossing from Kennacraig on the Calmac ferry.
Price You will need to call the site for rates and availability - Tel: 01583 431665

3. Get a Tattoo in Edinburgh - 2 - 24 August 2019

Edinburgh is a great city to visit. In August its liveliness reaches a crescendo with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The Tattoo has military bands from the UK and abroad performing to the crowds, and international dancers too.

The famous Fringe Festival gives you the chance to see comedy, musicals, dance, children's shows and more.

Where to stay
Edinburgh Club Site
The Caravan & Motorhome Club site is a short drive from the city centre, and it's close to the coast if you need a walk.
Price From £22.30 per standard pitch per night (on one adult staying)

4. Toss a caber in the Highlands - 7 September 2019

Maybe tossing a caber is too much, but it's fun to watch Highlanders compete in this Sottish sport. Caber tossing is one of many sports in the Highland Games held in the Braemar Gathering yearly. The Royal Family and Highlands Clans gather to watch sportsmen and women take part in traditional competitions.

Where to stay
Forfar Lochside Club Site
This site is about an hour from the Braemar Gathering and Balmoral Castle. Sitting on the shores of Forfar Loch, the campsite has beautiful views of the Highlands.
Price From £16 per standard pitch per night (on one adult staying)

5. Get into the spirit of it - Halloween 25 to 31 October 2019

Halloween is a good time of year to have some fun before the run-up to Christmas.

The Scone Palace owners, the Earl and Countess of Mansfield, welcome in visitors who like a terrifying experience at Halloween. You'll find ghosts and ghouls in the playground, maze, gardens and banquet room!

Where to stay
Balbirnie Park Club Site
The Balbirnie Park site is about 40-minutes from Scone Palace and sits in acres of parkland. It's a good spot for dog walkers, hikers and cyclists.
Price From £11.80 per standard pitch per night (on one adult staying)