Getting started on a group trip to Scotland for next July. Initial impetus is to see the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews, but also want to see some of Scotland so anticipate getting a couple cars and heading north after the golf tournament concludes. Have a few questions for folks in case anyone is knowledgeable.
1) Lodging in St. Andrews during the Open is, as expected, very pricey. Thinking of staying in Edinburgh and training/bussing over to St. Andrews and back each day. Looks like a bit of a pain, but Edinburgh is a place we'd want to see anyway so seems like a way to save some money on lodging and see both places at once. Anyone done this? Thoughts or recommendations on this or alternatives?
2) When we head north, would love to hear recommendations on must see towns or locations. Our interests run more towards nature than history/castle stuff, although a mix is always good. Worth treking over to the West to see the Isle of Skye and if so how much time would you devote to it if you had about a week to devote to driving around Scotland.
Thanks for any input.