that you tend to spend more time actually out in the rain, since the towns are built for walking. If you're dressed for it, though, it definitely keeps you refreshed and vibrant.
And Scotland is a lot further north than the Northwest, so darkness is a big part of the winter, with the sun coming up after 8 and going down before 4. I love the summer tradeoff though. Golfing after 9 p.m.!