If you’re a frequent traveler and an English speaker, visiting Scotland is fairly straightforward (though driving in Scotland can nonetheless be a bit of hair-raising.) Nevertheless, if you’re a bit nervous about your journey and wish to ensure you have all of your geese in a row, be sure you learn these Scotland journey suggestions earlier than you go!
I’ve visited Scotland twice, as soon as on a solo journey to Edinburgh and one other as a Scotland highway journey with buddies (thanks Keryn for being an superior driver!) and I’ve discovered and skilled a lot that I wish to share with anybody planning their first journey to Scotland.
My Prime Scotland Journey Ideas
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Language
English is the official language in the UK and the dominant language in Scotland. There are nonetheless those who communicate Scots within the Lowlands or Scottish Gaelic within the Highlands, however getting round Scotland is not any drawback for English audio system — though you could must pay attention carefully to grasp these with a heavy Scottish accent.
Foreign money
As a part of the UK, Scotland makes use of the British Pound (£). Scotland truly has its personal pound notes however you need to use English payments as effectively.
Cash
Nearly all eating places, retailers, and parking machines take chip-enabled bank cards and/or digital funds equivalent to Apple Pay. Nevertheless, you’ll need cash for some parking machines and cash or small payments for suggestions or small purchases. I’d advocate both requesting small payments out of your native financial institution earlier than you permit or visiting an ATM if you arrive.
If you’re questioning how a lot cash you want, be sure you learn my submit on how a lot a Scotland journey prices.
Tipping
Tipping will not be the identical as within the U.S.. In lots of cases, service is included at eating places. If you’re paying by card and wish to depart a tip, you could let the server know so as to add it earlier than you faucet your card. For sit-down eating places, a 10-15 p.c gratuity is acceptable however not needed. At informal cafes, you possibly can depart just a few cash or spherical up your invoice.
Electrical
Scotland makes use of 230 voltage and you’ll need a three-pronged adapter with a G-type plug, which is completely different from most of Europe. In case your equipment or machine has a twin voltage energy provide (which you’ll normally verify by trying on the label or guide), you solely want a plug adapter. Twin voltage gadgets can mechanically swap between 120V and 230V.
Nevertheless, in case your machine doesn’t have a twin voltage energy provide, you’ll need a voltage converter. It’s necessary to decide on a voltage converter that’s highly effective sufficient on your machine. The wattage of your machine might be listed on the label.
Automotive Leases
Should you plan on renting a automobile, be sure you e book months or weeks prematurely for higher pricing and availability, particularly if you need a automobile with an computerized transmission. Attempt to e book the smallest automobile that can suit your baggage and one which has a again up digicam. I’d additionally recommend getting full insurance coverage. I sometimes use Auto Europe to match charges from completely different distributors. Worldwide driving permits are NOT required in Scotland. You may drive in your home license for as much as one yr.
Driving in Scotland
In the UK, together with Scotland, vehicles drive on the left-hand aspect of the highway. If you’re not acquainted with driving on the left, it takes shut focus and focus, particularly when navigating the nation’s many rotaries. Bear in mind to “keep left, look proper.” Visitors already on the roundabout has precedence, so give technique to automobiles approaching out of your proper. Enter when there’s a secure hole, and point out your meant exit as you strategy it.
Outdoors of the highways, many inside roads within the Highlands or islands are single lane roads. Whenever you encounter a automobile coming the opposite means, certainly one of you wants to drag into the closest pull out designed for passing. This may occasionally require backing as much as the closest pull out.
Bear in mind to maintain an eye fixed out for wildlife, particularly sheep, that are likely to wander into the roads within the backcountry.
You’ll want to comply with all of the native legal guidelines, together with velocity limits to keep away from fines. Scotland has strict drink-driving legal guidelines with a decrease alcohol restrict than many different nations so don’t danger it.
Parking
You will want to pay for parking at most automobile parks for sights and cities, together with trailheads for in style hikes or pure sights. I’d advocate taking a photograph of your license plate as usually you’ll need to enter this into the parking meter machine when paying for parking. In different cases, you’ll need to “pay and show”, which suggests pay on your parking prematurely based mostly on how a lot time you assume you’ll need after which place the receipt in your windshield window.
Most parking meters take bank cards however there are some that can solely settle for cash so it is sensible to hold cash with you or hold some within the automobile. Simply don’t attempt to use one receipt from one parking space at one other, even if you’re nonetheless inside the unique time window. Every receipt is marked with loads quantity and they’ll verify (belief me, I discovered the arduous means and parking tickets are costly!)
Gas Up
When you find yourself within the Highlands or the Islands, petrol stations are few and much between so be sure you gasoline up when you possibly can and don’t push it too low.
Public Bogs
You may sometimes discover public bathrooms at in style vacationer sights (even pure sights such because the Fairy Swimming pools.) Nevertheless, a few of these are pay bathrooms. That is another excuse to hold some cash, though many of those are additionally faucet and go utilizing digital funds. However simply because these are paid, doesn’t imply they’re well-supplied or exceptionally clear. So carry some further tissue and sanitizer simply in case.
Climate
When in Scotland, you could be ready for all kinds of climate irrespective of if you go to. Throughout the summer season months, the typical temperatures are a excessive of 59-63°F (15-17°C) and lows are between 47-52°F (8-11°C).
Within the winter, temperatures drop to 41-45°F (5-7°C) with lows of 32-37°F (0-3°C). Understand that Scotland has a moist and funky local weather, with a good quantity of wind. The rainiest months are within the winter with a mean rainfall round 4 inches monthly.
Whereas regional variations exist, coastal areas are typically hotter and fewer wet than inland areas and The Highlands expertise barely decrease temperatures and better rainfall than the Lowlands.
Packing
As I wrote about in my Scotland packing record, you could be ready when touring to Eire. Wind and water proof clothes together with a rain coat, rain pants, and waterproof sneakers. It is rather necessary to decorate in layers. Don’t overlook the fundamentals together with a hat, gloves, sun shades, and an umbrella.
Lodge Reservations
Outdoors of the cities, the lodging in cities and smaller cities equivalent to Inverness, lodging could be restricted. You will need to e book resort rooms or trip leases a minimum of just a few months prematurely. That is very true in in style spots just like the Isle of Skye. (See my Scotland highway journey itinerary to get suggestions on the place to remain.)
Restaurant Reservations
In in style locations equivalent to Inverness, Isle of Skye, or Glencoe, it is usually necessary to make dinner reservations and control the hours and days locations are open as many eating places shut by 8:00 p.m. in smaller cities.
Meals
Whereas in Scotland, be sure you strive some Scottish specialties equivalent to:
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties: The enduring nationwide dish of Scotland, haggis is a savory sausage historically made out of sheep’s coronary heart, liver, lungs, and oatmeal, encased within the sheep’s abdomen lining. Served with mashed turnips (“neeps”) and potatoes (“tatties”), it’s a hearty and flavorful technique to expertise Scottish culinary heritage. It took me some time to do that specialty however I ended up liking it as a result of it tastes rather more of the spices utilized in creating it than the meat itself.
Cullen Skink: Originating from Cullen on the Moray Firth, this a warn, creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk, and sometimes served with crusty bread for dipping. It is a must-try in coastal areas, particularly round Moray and Aberdeenshire, however I had a scrumptious model in Glasgow.
Scotch Pies: Savory pastries full of minced meat and onions, Scotch pies are a preferred handheld snack or lunch choice. The filling can range from basic minced beef to adventurous varieties like venison or rooster balmoral.
Shortbread: A crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit made with butter, sugar, and flour, shortbread is a Scottish candy deal with synonymous with tea time. Take pleasure in plain shortbread for its pure deliciousness, or discover variations infused with flavors like chocolate, ginger, and even whisky. I’m a giant fan of the millionaires shortbread, which is layered with caramel and chocolate.
Sticky Toffee Pudding: Sticky toffee pudding is a gooey dessert consisting of a light-weight and moist sponge cake, usually infused with dates or ginger, nestled in a wealthy, sticky toffee sauce. It’s sometimes served heat with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Whereas the origins of sticky toffee pudding are disputed, Scotland has a powerful declare to fame, because of the Udny Arms Lodge in Aberdeenshire. They boast of making the enduring dessert again within the Nineteen Sixties.
Fish and Chips: Whereas the dish could not have originated in Scotland, their contribution to its evolution and continued recognition is plain. Fish and chips are a staple of Scottish delicacies and tradition, simply as a lot as they’re in the remainder of the UK.
Deep-Fried Mars Bars: I used to be actually shocked once I requested locals about well-known meals they usually advised me about deep-fried Mars bars which might be battered and deep-fried till golden and loved after the pub.
Scotch Whisky: The undisputed king of Scottish drinks, whisky (not known as Scotch in Scotland) is steeped in historical past and custom. With its distinct smoky taste and vast number of regional types, it’s a must-try for any customer. Discover peaty Islay drams, floral Highland expressions, or Speyside’s fruity whiskies. Simply keep in mind that whiskey spelled with an -ey refers to Irish whiskey.
Irn-Bru: This vivid orange carbonated beverage is commonly known as Scotland’s “different nationwide drink.” Its distinctive taste is difficult to explain however I discovered it one thing of a cross between orange soda and bubble gum. Backside line, it’s excessively candy.
Scottish Gin: Scotland’s gin scene is booming, with distilleries throughout the nation creating distinctive and flavorful expressions. Count on botanical notes impressed by the Scottish panorama, like juniper, heather, and berries. My pal Keryn got here again with a minimum of a dozen little bottles to pattern the assorted flavors!
Ferries
Should you plan on visiting any of the islands by automobile and wish to take a ferry, you’ll need to e book a timed ticket prematurely.
Sights
Some sights such because the Royal Tattoo, Edinburgh Citadel tickets, or in style excursions can promote out within the busy season so you need to e book your tickets prematurely. As I discussed in my Edinburgh itinerary, I might additionally recommend going to in style sights such because the Edinburgh Citadel early within the morning when it first opens.
Finest Time to Go to
The preferred time to go to Scotland is throughout July and August, particularly throughout festivals such because the Fringe Competition, occasions just like the Royal Edinburgh Navy Tattoo, the Highland Video games, and Ceilidh on the Citadel with dwell conventional music and dancing in Edinburgh Citadel.
When it comes to climate, June brings nice temperatures and lengthy daylight (once I was there in late June/early July the solar didn’t set till almost 11:00 p.m.. September continues to be heat sufficient (it was truly fairly heat the yr I used to be there in early September), and additionally, you will discover lovely autumn foliage and fewer crowds than peak summer season.
Might presents springtime allure with blooming flowers, nice climate, and no midges (tiny biting bugs!). Not as sunny as summer season, however much less crowded.
Know Some Historical past
When you find yourself visiting castles and historic websites such because the Culloden Battlefield, it helps to know some fundamental Scottish historical past. I used to be actually stunned to see how entrance of thoughts what looks like distant historical past can nonetheless be, equivalent to a friendship with the French that goes again to outdated alliances with France in opposition to the English.
To brush up in your Scottish historical past earlier than you go to, listed here are some books, motion pictures, and reveals you could wish to take pleasure in.
Issues to Watch:
- Braveheart (1995): Whereas not traditionally correct, it’s a basic epic movie depicting the lifetime of William Wallace, a Scottish insurgent chief, and provides perception into the Scottish Wars of Independence within the thirteenth century.
- Outlaw King (2018): A extra grounded portrayal of Robert the Bruce, one other key determine in Scotland’s battle for independence from English rule.
- Mary Queen of Scots (2018): Explores the tumultuous reign and rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth I of England, shedding mild on advanced political and non secular tensions of the sixteenth century.
- Rob Roy (1995): A fictionalized however entertaining account of the lifetime of Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish clan chief and people hero within the 18th century.
- Outlander (2014-present): This in style TV sequence follows a Twentieth-century nurse who travels again in time to 1743 Scotland, immersing viewers within the Jacobite revolt and Highland life.
- Monarch of the Glen (2000-2005): An enthralling drama a couple of household working a deer farm within the Scottish Highlands, showcasing the great thing about the panorama and rural traditions.
- Secrets and techniques of the Clans (2008-2010): Explores the historical past and traditions of varied Scottish clans.
- Wild Scotland (2014): Gorgeous pure historical past documentary capturing the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Scotland.
Issues to Learn:
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: A sprawling sequence mixing romance, time journey, and historic intrigue in 18th-century Scotland through the Jacobite revolt.
- Wolf of the North by William McIlvanney: A gritty portrayal of Viking-era Scotland by way of the eyes of a warrior battling for survival in opposition to invaders and inner energy struggles.
- The Flame Bearer by Kathleen Winsor: A sweeping historic saga following the Bruce household and their battle for Scottish independence from England.
- Redcoats by Neil Oliver: An exciting account of the Battle of Culloden from the angle of each Highland fighters and British troopers.
- Sundown Track by Lewis Grassic Gibbon: A poignant and tragic novel depicting the tough realities of rural life in Nineteenth-century Scotland, specializing in a lady’s struggles and resilience.
- The Final Summer time by Karen Swan: In 1930, the residents of small St. Kilda are relocated to mainland Scotland.
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising government and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged knowledgeable in household journey, named the Media Member of the 12 months for 2023 by the Household Journey Affiliation. Tamara is a member of SATW, the Journey Journey Commerce Affiliation, and the Household Journey Affiliation. She can also be the writer of YourTimetoFly and the co-host of the Trip Professionals journey podcast.
