I was in Skye in June and don't think I will hurry back. Found locals to be unfriendly hotel was overpriced and not very good and it was sooo expensive. Eating and drinking out required a mortgage. Scenery is beautiful but we had almost solid rain.

If it was me I would go to Inverness and the Highlands. Wide variety of accommodation and lots to see. I'm sure there are threads telling you about what to do. Would make sure you go to Culloden. Can't explain the feeling but its eerie to go this battlefield.

Agreed re Culloden - there's something really moving about just walking around the battlefield and the new information/visitor centre is excellent.

We spent a day on Skye (at Armadale) and thought it was brilliant - the weather was gorgeous (April this year) and the gardens were breathtaking.

We stayed in Inverness for a week and loved the city - the people were really lovely (but all the people we've met in Scotland were lovely; in fact, that goes for all the people we've met in the UK in general).

Unless your teenagers are into hiking, I agree that there may be more to entertain them if you are based around Inverness, rather than on Skye.

Two of the above responses seem to be based partly on the weather. It's true that it does rain a lot on Skye, but it also rains a lot throughout the Highlands.

Going by what your family are interested in there is plenty for them on the Isle of Skye.Your wife is interested in scenery ,Skye has some of the mot spectacular in the world.Boys interested in History,lots of castles,prehistoric remains at the high pasture caves,Iron age dwellings ,the Brochs(two amazing exmples in Glenelg,although not on The Isle of Skye is just a short ferry ride away,you could also fit in Eilean Donan castle).The history of the clans and the clearances,I could go on!

Last but not least,one of tastiest Malts is made at Tallisker distillery on Skye.

You'll already have had 4 days in the east of Scotland. You have to (IMHO) spend the rest of your time in the west. I would forget Inverness and head for somewhere central to both Skye and the west coast. The Fort William area would allow you to drive to places like Glencoe, Ardnamurchan, Oban and Skye. Fort William itself isn't the prettiest town but it's well located to see the best scenery.

If you want to concentrate on Skye, stay near the bridge so you can travel to Wester Ross as well as the rest of Skye.

You don't mention your budget. That would help with suggestions for specific places to stay.

I agree with thegoodwitch - sound advice :)

Agree with Good Witch !

Thanks for the great advice everyone - General plans are now beginning to take shape.

Day 1 and 2 Edinburgh (Castle, Museums, Ghost tour - boys will love this [which one?])

Day 3 - Get car - drive to Rosslyn and then across to Ayr (to visit ancestral castle ruins) Looking to spend the night anywhere from Ayr north to prep for trip to the West coast.(Overnight in Stirling?) Suggestions?

Day 4-6 - Looking for one central location in the west, What are do-able day trips and how much time?

Oban? Skye? Loch Lomand and Loch Ness?

Day 6 afternoon - Drive back to East Coast to Anstruther (staying at a friends house)

Day 7 - St Andrews

Depart Edinburgh on afternoon of day 8.

Someone asked a question about budget... I would say a 'medium budget' we are not scrimping and saving, but also not looking at 5 star locations, we are a pretty hardy family, will be traveling with backpacks but will bring clothes to go out to a nice dinner once or twice.

Stirling is definately worth a stop. There are several great distilleries as you head towards Inverness, the climb to the top of the Wallace monument is good exercize for anyone. Stirling castle, etc. Do plan a stop over. I can't really recommend the B&B we stayed at- but the town was great.