My partner is going to Ednbgh, Sctlad next week with a group of friends to play golf. Any restaurant suggestions or other ideas that would make the trip more fun?
Thanks

Edinburgh's my home town and I spent 4 years at university in St. Andrews (location of the Old Course).

It's about 50 miles from Edinburgh to St. Andrews. Assuming your partner will be driving, I'd recommend taking the scenic coastal route rather than the direct one, the first 30 miles of which are on a motorway (albeit a scenic one). The coast road runs through the beautiful fishing villages of Elie, Crail and Anstruther, and some great countryside.

Some restaurants to recommend. Near St. Andrews, the Peat Inn, on a hillside above the town - great atmosphere and excellent food. In Edinburgh, if you like Indian food, The Indian Cavalry Club on Atholl Place. Also Le Sept (French cuisine, informal setting) on Old Fishmarket Close, near the Royal Mile.

What else to do depends on your interests, of course. Edinburgh has all the attractions you'd expect even in a much larger city, but be aware that the center has too many places that cater only to tourists. Get advice from the tourist information office on Princes Street about live music, or pick up leaflets in the lobby of the Edinburgh Filmhouse on Lothian Road.

Other good golf towns in the area as well as St.Andrews - Gleneagles, North Berwick.

Perth is a very attractive town, but avoid Dundee. Just North of Perth you get into the Highlands, with good hiking either in the mountains or along the rivers.

Staying in 'bed & breakfasts' instead of hotels is a both inexpensive and a good way to meet local people. Tourist information offices can arrange them, either in advance or on the day.

I hope your partner has a great time.

ChigacoUalmost1K -- when were you at St Andrews? I was there from 94-98 -- wonder if I knew you in another life?

Would disagree about the Peat Inn -- have eaten there several times, and didn't think the food/service/atmosphere justified the cost. There are several new restaurants in St Andrews worth trying -- ask at your hotel -- or try Scotland's Larder, in Largo, for excellent local game.

You'll need to apply to the lottery for a tee time at the Old Course, unless you're staying at the Old Course hotel. Play is always over-subscribed, so don't be disappointed to have to play one of the other St Andrews golf courses. If you do manage to play the Old Course, I'd suggest taking a caddy along -- many students at the university are excellent golfers and can offer good advice to someone who isn't used to a links course. They'll save you several shots -- guaranteed -- and make the round much more enjoyable.

Hope this helps -- enjoy your trip!

I agree on the caddy! Local knowledge is worth at least a few strokes at St. Andrews. I've played the OC a few times - the others as well. I've never had difficulty getting on the Old Course - even in the summer - just offer to take an afternoon tee time. (Book 1 day in advance.) Prime morning slots are rare - some of these aren't even available in the lottery.

If you'd like to torture yourself, play the Jubilee. Just leave the driver in your hotel room. Very tight, lots of deep kack, and plenty of blind shots. A masochist's dream.

Believe it or not, I was at St. Andrews for 4 years as well. This is nuts!

It was at St Andrews that I first began racking up serious FF miles -- flying transatlantic routes 6-7 times a year did wonders for my balances, all on student fares (those were the days...) and interspersed with a lot of European travel.