If you’re a frequent traveler and an English speaker, visiting Scotland is fairly simple (though driving in Scotland can nonetheless be somewhat hair-raising.) Nonetheless, if you’re a bit nervous about your journey and need to ensure you have all of your geese in a row, remember to learn these Scotland journey ideas 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 mates (thanks Keryn for being an superior driver!) and I’ve realized and skilled a lot that I need to share with anybody planning their first journey to Scotland.
My High Scotland Journey Suggestions
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Language
English is the official language in the UK and the dominant language in Scotland. There are nonetheless people who communicate Scots within the Lowlands or Scottish Gaelic within the Highlands, however getting round Scotland isn’t any drawback for English audio system — though chances are you’ll have to 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 should utilize English payments as nicely.
Cash
Nearly all eating places, outlets, and parking machines take chip-enabled bank cards and/or digital funds corresponding to Apple Pay. Nonetheless, you have to cash for some parking machines and cash or small payments for ideas or small purchases. I’d suggest both requesting small payments out of your native financial institution earlier than you permit or visiting an ATM while you arrive.
If you’re questioning how a lot cash you want, remember to learn my publish 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 need to go away a tip, that you must 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 vital. At informal cafes, you’ll be able to go away a couple of cash or spherical up your invoice.
Electrical
Scotland makes use of 230 voltage and you have to a three-pronged adapter with a G-type plug, which is completely different from most of Europe. In case your equipment or gadget has a twin voltage energy provide (which you’ll be able to normally verify by trying on the label or handbook), you solely want a plug adapter. Twin voltage units can mechanically change between 120V and 230V.
Nonetheless, in case your gadget doesn’t have a twin voltage energy provide, you have to a voltage converter. It’s vital to decide on a voltage converter that’s highly effective sufficient on your gadget. The wattage of your gadget will probably be listed on the label.
Automotive Leases
In case you plan on renting a automobile, remember to e book months or weeks upfront for higher pricing and availability, particularly if you need a automobile with an automated 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 usually use Auto Europe to check 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, automobiles drive on the left-hand facet of the highway. If you’re not accustomed to 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.” Site visitors already on the roundabout has precedence, so give strategy to automobiles approaching out of your proper. Enter when there’s a secure hole, and point out your meant exit as you method it.
Outdoors of the highways, many inside roads within the Highlands or islands are single lane roads. Once you encounter a automobile coming the opposite method, considered one of you wants to tug into the closest pull out designed for passing. This may increasingly 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.
Make sure 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 international locations so don’t danger it.
Parking
You will have to pay for parking at most automobile parks for sights and cities, together with trailheads for standard hikes or pure sights. I’d suggest taking a photograph of your license plate as usually you have to to enter this into the parking meter machine when paying for parking. In different cases, you have to to “pay and show”, which implies pay on your parking upfront primarily based on how a lot time you suppose you have to 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 smart to hold cash with you or maintain some within the automobile. Simply don’t attempt to use one receipt from one parking space at one other, even if you’re nonetheless throughout the authentic time window. Every receipt is marked with quite a bit quantity and they’ll verify (belief me, I realized the exhausting method and parking tickets are costly!)
Gas Up
If you end up within the Highlands or the Islands, petrol stations are few and much between so remember to gas up when you’ll be able to and don’t push it too low.
Public Bogs
You may usually discover public bogs at standard vacationer sights (even pure sights such because the Fairy Swimming pools.) Nonetheless, a few of these are pay bogs. That is one more reason 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, that you must be ready for all kinds of climate regardless of while you go to. Through 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). Take into account 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 usually 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, that you must be ready when touring to Eire. Wind and water proof clothes together with a rain coat, rain pants, and waterproof sneakers. It is vitally vital to decorate in layers. Don’t overlook the fundamentals together with a hat, gloves, sun shades, and an umbrella.
Resort Reservations
Outdoors of the cities, the lodging in cities and smaller cities corresponding to Inverness, lodging could be restricted. It is very important e book lodge rooms or trip leases at the least a couple of months upfront. That is very true in standard spots just like the Isle of Skye. (See my Scotland highway journey itinerary to get suggestions on the place to remain.)
Restaurant Reservations
In standard locations corresponding to Inverness, Isle of Skye, or Glencoe, additionally it is vital to make dinner reservations and keep watch over the hours and days locations are open as many eating places shut by 8:00 p.m. in smaller cities.
Meals
Whereas in Scotland, remember to strive some Scottish specialties corresponding to:
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties: The long-lasting nationwide dish of Scotland, haggis is a savory sausage historically produced from 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 strategy 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 far 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 usually served with crusty bread for dipping. This can be a must-try in coastal areas, particularly round Moray and Aberdeenshire, however I had a scrumptious model in Glasgow.
Scotch Pies: Savory pastries crammed with minced meat and onions, Scotch pies are a well-liked handheld snack or lunch possibility. The filling can differ from basic minced beef to adventurous varieties like venison or hen 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 an enormous 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 usually 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, due to the Udny Arms Resort in Aberdeenshire. They boast of making the long-lasting dessert again within the Nineteen Sixties.
Fish and Chips: Whereas the dish might not have originated in Scotland, their contribution to its evolution and continued reputation is simple. 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 after I requested locals about well-known meals they usually advised me about deep-fried Mars bars which can be battered and deep-fried till golden and loved after the pub.
Scotch Whisky: The undisputed king of Scottish drinks, whisky (not referred to as Scotch in Scotland) is steeped in historical past and custom. With its distinct smoky taste and huge 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 do not forget that whiskey spelled with an -ey refers to Irish whiskey.
Irn-Bru: This brilliant orange carbonated beverage is usually referred to 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. Anticipate botanical notes impressed by the Scottish panorama, like juniper, heather, and berries. My good friend Keryn got here again with at the least a dozen little bottles to pattern the varied flavors!
Ferries
In case you plan on visiting any of the islands by automobile and need to take a ferry, you have to to e book a timed ticket upfront.
Points of interest
Some sights such because the Royal Tattoo, Edinburgh Fort tickets, or standard excursions can promote out within the busy season so it’s best to e book your tickets upfront. As I discussed in my Edinburgh itinerary, I might additionally recommend going to standard sights such because the Edinburgh Fort early within the morning when it first opens.
Greatest Time to Go to
The most well-liked time to go to Scotland is throughout July and August, particularly throughout festivals such because the Fringe Pageant, occasions just like the Royal Edinburgh Navy Tattoo, the Highland Video games, and Ceilidh on the Fort with dwell conventional music and dancing in Edinburgh Fort.
By way of climate, June brings nice temperatures and lengthy daylight (after I was there in late June/early July the solar didn’t set till practically 11:00 p.m.. September remains 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 gives springtime appeal 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
If you end up visiting castles and historic websites such because the Culloden Battlefield, it helps to know some primary Scottish historical past. I used to be actually shocked to see how entrance of thoughts what looks as if distant historical past can nonetheless be, corresponding 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, films, and exhibits chances are you’ll need to get pleasure from.
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 offers 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 gentle on advanced political and spiritual 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 folks hero within the 18th century.
- Outlander (2014-present): This standard TV sequence follows a Twentieth-century nurse who travels again in time to 1743 Scotland, immersing viewers within the Jacobite riot and Highland life.
- Monarch of the Glen (2000-2005): An enthralling drama a few household operating a deer farm within the Scottish Highlands, showcasing the fantastic thing about the panorama and rural traditions.
- Secrets and techniques of the Clans (2008-2010): Explores the historical past and traditions of assorted 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 riot.
- 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 inside 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 attitude of each Highland fighters and British troopers.
- Sundown Tune by Lewis Grassic Gibbon: A poignant and tragic novel depicting the cruel realities of rural life in Nineteenth-century Scotland, specializing in a lady’s struggles and resilience.
- The Final Summer season 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 and marketing govt and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged professional 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 be the writer of YourTimetoFly and the co-host of the Trip Professionals journey podcast.
