Thanks for your question, Jeffrey. Skye in April? Go for it. Take the chance. April can be a dry but cool month in Scotland. Some years in spring easterly winds set in, blowing off the North Sea. This can mean good weather for Skye and the western seaboard. What you don’t want is a series of weather fronts off the Atlantic, coming in from the south-west, and bringing rain and low cloud so you never see the hill-tops. But, basically, the position of Scotland means it’s always a bit of a battle-ground for weather – which is why conditions change quickly. But it’s not a climate with extremes – usually. Pack flexibly. Skye is magical and the weather can add to the ambience.

As for accommodation, you’re right. Skye’s got a good choice.

We’ve enjoyed the MacMillan’s B&B at Broadford. It is called Berabhaigh, it’s a converted traditional croft and has been in their family for generations. We think it’s always good to stay with local folk when you can, as they know so much more. See www.isleofskye.net/berabhaigh/

At the top end, there are places like Kinloch Lodge located in Sleat at the south end of Skye which delivers a real Scottish experience www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk

We note that Viewfield House in Portree has been extra miled and sounds fun.

Another option is The Glenview (Restaurant with Rooms) just north of Portree – for great food www.glenviewskye.co.uk  

Have a great holiday.

The first place that comes to mind in the Cairngorms area is the excellent Rowan Tree Country Hotel www.rowantreehotel.com overlooking Loch Alvie and within easy reach of Aviemore. Dougal and dogs have stayed there and had a very nice time. The food is excellent. This would be Dougal's first choice. Best check in advance though, if intending to go for a meal.

Maybe a bit too close to home, but Dougal would suggest the newly converted Buchan Ness Lighthouse at Boddam www.buchannesslighthouseholidays.co.uk

A bit further away The National Trust for Scotland rent the cottages at Covesea Lighthouse as self catering accommodation. www.nts.org.uk  This is a few minutes from Lossiemouth on the Moray Firth and just under 2 hours drive from Aberdeen. The location is great with a superb sandy beach. Plus The Harbour Tearoom in Lossie has been extra-miled recently too. More pics on the gilblog entry "Ten things I'll miss about Moray".

St Kilda is actually not one but a group of five islands. Their names are Hirta, Soay, Boreray, Dun and Levenish (there are also two large rocks – or sea stacks – close to Boreray called Stac an Armin and Stac Lee.) It lies 66 kilometres (or 41 miles) west of Benbecula in Scotland's Outer Hebrides.

Summer is the best time to visit - winter weather means St Kilda is very difficult to reach!

You can catch a boat from Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris - this trip gives you a whole day on the island and it costs £160 with discounts for children. More info on www.seaharris.co.uk

The National Trust for Scotland own St Kilda. The operate conservation work parties and you get to stay in the village. You don't need any special skills. Details on www.kilda.org.uk 

There is lots of fun info on St kilda on this website too
www.kilda.org.uk/weekildaguide/

Ben Lawers is the highest at 1214 metres (3984ft). In Scottish terms that’s pretty big. It’s famous for its alpine plants and is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. All the hills you mention are in the Callander / Lochearnhead / Killin area.