Scottish holiday suggestions?

Vitor

I'd suggest three areas to consider -

1. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. It is beautiful, accessible, and has plenty within driving range: loch cruises, short hill walks, villages such as Luss, Callander and Aberfoyle, plus easy access towards Inveraray, Stirling, Glencoe or the west coast depending on how far they want to drive. The obvious top-end hotel is Cameron House on Loch Lomond.
2. Arran would be a strong option. It is often described as “Scotland in miniature”, and for a first-time visitor that is not a bad shorthand: mountains, coast, beaches, villages, castles, standing stones, whisky, wildlife and good driving roads, all on one manageable island. The downside is the need to get the ferry from Troon and there isn't a truly high-end hotel on the island, The Douglas Hotel is probably the best.
3. Perthshire / Highland Perthshire, around Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy or Kenmore. That gives countryside, lochs, gardens, distilleries, castles, riverside walks and good hotels, without the driving becoming too punishing. For a 'money no object' hotel it would be Gleneagles.

All these areas should be less crammed with tourists than Skye

Hattie627

A day trip on the paddle steamer Waverley

Waverley Excursions – The World's last Seagoing paddle steamer

down the Clyde from the Glasgow Science Centre would be great. A day and overnight in Glasgow (before or after) would be worthwhile. Glasgow is the true Capital of Scotland, with the best shopping, restaurants and cultural/architectural heritage in the country. You cannot claim to have visited Scotland without at least a day and night in Glasgow. The sail down the river gives an unforgettable insight into the rich shipbuilding heritage of the west central lowlands (the heartland of Scotland). As the river widens into the Firth at the tail of the bank at Greenock (where the cruise ships dock), the scenery changes with the Highland fault line and the start of the Western Highlands. Unforgettable views. Depending on the sailing chosen, you can explore Long Long, Loch Fyne, Loch Striven, the Kyles of Bute up to Tighnabruaich, the Isles of Arran, Bute, and Great Cumbrae. Some sails will take you south towards Campbeltown and the Mull of Kintyre and perhaps a steam around Ailsa Craig (Paddy's Milestone). All this can be done in a day from the heart of the city.

daveyjp

I've been fortunate to stay at Cameron House 7 or 8 times - last time being 2016.

That was before it was sold to a US private equity company and prices went well beyond what is sensible for what is offered.

oldernonethewiser

I believe Glasgow is currently being stolen, bit by bit. There are so many roadworks and diversions that someone must be shifting it all somewhere, maybe to sunnier climes?

Sadly George Square won't be open when the OP's friends are visiting which is a pity, for everyone.

As for "best restaurants" that very much depends what you want to eat, Edinburgh has a great number including more Michelin starred places but Glasgow does a better curry 😉

No need to see or stay in either Glasgow or Edinburgh, Scotland has so much to offer.

alanrowell

"Anywhere near Edinburgh in August will be expensive owing to the various events during that month."

If you stay somewhere that DOESN'T have good public transport to central Edinburgh but rely on driving to a Park and Ride you can reduce the cost significantly. For example staying at Premier Inn Edinburgh Park is around £180 per night - but it has a tram and train station right by it. Staying at the Premier Inn Bathgate is 15 minutes drive from Hermiston Park & Ride but only £120 per night.

sheramber

The OP has said they won’t be interested in cities.