Second only to the A9, now that average speed cameras have been installed

Avoid the M8/M9 at peak times, and it's actually not too bad

I have never stayed at the Braid Hills hotel but it would be a reasonable base for going to Galashiels (maybe 1 - 1 1/4 hours depending on traffic) and Falkirk via M9, usually a pleasant enough drive. Edinburgh does have poor road surfaces, traffic congestion and a Council that is hostile to cars, but BHH has off street parking and for those destinations you would not need to go through the centre.

Aberlour is about 3 hours drive away and you have to negotiate the Forth Bridge bottleneck and the A9 which has average speed cameras on all the single carriageway stretches and can be congested in summer with additional tourist traffic. The last time I was in that area I stayed at the Craigellachie Hotel (Craigellachie is just beyond Aberlour as one travels along the Spey). I think you would be better staying in that area for your visit there, as Edinburgh is a bit far away. Craigellachie also has off street parking and indeed is a quiet area. Only Range Rovers since 1988

Many thanks for all advice thus far, especially with regards to traffic and accommodation.

By coincidence, I have the Craigellachie Hotel saved in my short list to used depending on plans. Although our first choice is to stay in a hotel, waited on hand and foot, we are contemplating the feasibility of renting a large house and have everyone come to us, as well as us going to them; no chance I'll escape with just one visit per relative.

After all, we will have made the 430 mile and 7-10 hour trip to reach Scotland…..that may go down like a lead balloon with some relatives though.

You mentioned about not wishing for a holiday park type-place, but try Lochend Chalets on the edge of the Lake of Menteith.

http://www.lochend-chalets.com/

Ideal for the areas you've mentioned and you may 'receive' your guests there. And they can arrange Sainsburys to deliver all your food.

We've stayed there many, many times. Si. <This is my name.

I eat rat poison.

A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

@Bellini

That's not far from an area we have been looking at.

Can I ask, how long does it normally take to drive there?

As an aside, The Shish Restaurant in Galashiels - Best curry I have every had, and I have had many, many around the UK, if you have time, well worth a visit

GLM, normally about 30 minutes from Bridge of Allan.

The roads there, as you probably know, can be pretty fun to drive along. The road to Callander even more so. Si. <This is my name.

I eat rat poison.

A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

@ Rosco
I have been known to partake and will keep that in mind. Cheers.

@ Bellini
Cheers, ta. I may remember some roads/areas when I see them again but I left Scotland decades ago so very much out of touch.

PM member John ( 47p2 ) he has great knowledge of places up here .....

Have you tried Airbnb ?? If you use the filter : Free parking on premises in the amenities section then you get quite a few (depending on the budget) . MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!