Things to see/do in Scotland and/or Isle of Man?

My parents arrive next Thursday for a two week visit.  I think we would like to be out of NI over the 12th and 13th. My mom just emailed and said my dad liked the idea of going to Scotland, but I realized that I don't have any idea of what do! We'd probably take the ferry over, and we'll have a rental car so we could take it along. Anybody have a top ten list of places to go and things to do?

Mom was also asking about the Isle of Man, since that's pretty close to us. Anything interesting there?

My parents arrive next Thursday for a two week visit.  I think we would like to be out of NI over the 12th and 13th.

Good idea, but i just want to say... dont come to Glasgow those days, because there is a big Orange Walk here too.     I would normally say dont hesitate to visit Glasgow, but if you are trying to get away from that stuff, then Glasgow's not the place to be.

Mom was also asking about the Isle of Man, since that's pretty close to us. Anything interesting there?

We have LOTS of intersting things to do here!

There are museums in just about every town.
We have a old victorian steam train and a electric tram that takes you up to the top of the Island.

We have a traditional Manx community in the south of the island (it's where Waking Ned was filmed)

Castle's Galore...the one in Peel is said to be Camalot......

If you wanna know more the best place is to go to the IOM tourism website...

Edinburgh is a must see if you're in Scotland, one of the most beautiful cities in the world (in my opinion) with loads to see - The Castle, Holyrood Palace, Scottish Parliament (only if you want to see one of the strangest buildings around), Mary Kings Close, Greyfriars Kirk, The Royal Mile, Botanic Gardens, loads of art galleries and museums.  And lots more.

Aside from that, the west coast of scotland is pretty spectacular - Oban is a great little place for a one-nighter and you can catch ferries from there over to the Isle of Mull and Iona.

If there's a whisky lover in the group, you could take a drive through the speyside valley.  The scenery is pretty amazing and every now and then you drive past a distillery - most are open to the public for a tour and a wee dram.  (It would involve a drive from somewhere like Aberdeen to Aviemore - A95)

Hope that helps
caroline