Scotland’s tourism sector is expected to resume on Wednesday 15 July after lockdown restrictions were eased. The majority of Scotland’s tourism sector can begin to restart from this date, with the U.K. expected to lift restrictions and return to mostly normal life by June 21. The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will allow local authorities to add a charge to overnight stays.
The Scottish government announced the lifting of restrictions on cross-border journeys on Monday 26 April, as part of Phase one product awareness. The majority of Scotland’s tourism sector can begin to restart from today. Scotland Outlook 2030, launched on 4th March 2020, remains relevant in the post-Covid-19 era. The flagship travel trade event, VisitScotland Connect, is set to return to P and J Live, Aberdeen on 17-18 April 2024.
Scotland starts to get busy with tourists from June, with warmer weather and summer activities starting. The first provisional date for the reopening of the Scottish tourism sector was announced on 10 June 2020. The months of May, June, September, and October offer long days, almost all tourism businesses are open, and crowds of July and August are avoided.
In summary, Scotland’s tourism sector is expected to resume on Wednesday 15 July after lockdown restrictions were eased. The majority of Scotland’s tourism sector can begin to restart, with the majority of businesses recovering from the pandemic.
📹 14 things you should know before you go to Scotland
Is Scotland expensive to visit?
Scotland is an affordable destination for budget travelers, with an average cost of around £55, €62, or $66 per day. To make the most of your trip, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodation like hostels, exploring free attractions, cooking meals, or finding deals at local pubs and cafes. Some of the cheapest cities in Scotland to visit on a budget include Stirling, Perth, and Aberdeen. Stirling is known for its National Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, and picturesque river Forth.
Perth, once Scotland’s capital, is known for its elegant architecture and regal spirit. Aberdeen, the third largest city in Scotland, is located on the north-east coast and offers a harbor, beach, and distinctive architecture. It is surrounded by countryside, hills, and valleys, and has excellent access to Cairngorms National Park.
How do locals say Edinburgh?
The spelling of a word is determined by counting the number of vowels, which corresponds to the pronunciation.
What is the best month to visit Scotland?
The Scottish Highlands are best visited during the summer months between May and September for optimal sunlight and weather. However, starting in October can be unpredictable with freezing temperatures, gale-force winds, and snowfall. To avoid midges, travelers should book their trip between late September and early May. Midges, flying insects that prefer wet, humid, and cloudy conditions, are most active in July and August.
The worst times to visit Scotland depend on individual preferences. July and August are ideal for avoiding crowds and pesky midges, but the high prices associated with this busy season can be dissuading. August is particularly busy in Edinburgh, with numerous culture fests attracting millions of art lovers. This is ideal for those who want to partake in the city’s cultural offerings but not ideal for quiet sightseeing trips.
What is the cheapest city in Scotland to visit?
Scotland offers several budget-friendly cities to visit, including Stirling, Perth, and Aberdeen. Stirling is known for its National Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, and picturesque river Forth. Perth, once Scotland’s capital, is known for its elegant architecture and regal spirit. Aberdeen, the third largest city, is located on the north-east coast and offers a harbor, beach, and distinctive architecture. It is surrounded by countryside, hills, and valleys and has excellent access to Cairngorms National Park.
The cheapest time to visit Scotland is during the off season between November and mid-March, but avoid inflated prices during Christmas. Winter is also a magical time to visit, with less crowds, shorter queues, and fewer people ruining photoshoots. Winter is a magical time to explore, enjoy shorter queues for attractions, and enjoy the beauty of the countryside.
Why is Scotland struggling to attract English visitors?
The tourism and hospitality sector in Scotland is facing significant challenges due to workforce availability and lack of housing in rural areas. The Association of Scotland’s Visitor Attractions (ASVA) reported a 10. 7% decrease in visitor numbers from the domestic market in June, with only three out of 14 areas experiencing a rise in visitors compared to the same month in 2019. Small towns are also experiencing a drop of 30-40%. The NC500, a 516-mile circuit around the Highlands, has been criticized for traffic congestion, anti-social behavior, and dangerous driving.
A Facebook group called NC500 The Dirty Truth has been criticized for its aggressive racetrack mentality among visitors and the many campervans that use the road. They blame motorhome drivers for blocking public conveniences, emptying their waste, and using fields as toilets. Road cyclists are also criticized for not allowing local drivers to overtake. One user called for a vehicle levy.
Are Scottish people friendly to foreigners?
Scotland is renowned for its warmth and hospitality, welcoming people of all backgrounds, cultures, and creeds into its communities. The Scottish people are known for their friendly nature, greeted with friendly greetings like “Let me help”, “Tell me more about yourself”, or “How are you”. Despite their strong national identity, the Scots are open to embracing new cultures and individuals. The country is home to over 170 different languages, including Gaelic, Punjabi, Polish, and Cantonese, showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and modernity. The country is rich and diverse, allowing for peaceful coexistence of various cultures from around the world.
Do EU citizens need a visa for Scotland?
Scotland does not require a visa for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens to stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. Irish citizens have no visa requirements and can travel to the UK as before Brexit. Other foreign nationals may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. Most everyday items can be brought in to Scotland, but certain goods, such as firearms and alcohol and tobacco, are not allowed. The rules for bringing in goods vary depending on the country of travel. For more information, visit the UK Government’s advice on bringing in goods.
Can you travel to Scotland right now?
The Scottish government has announced the lifting of all border restrictions related to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) for visitors to the country. This eliminates the necessity for individuals to present proof of vaccination or negative test results. Nevertheless, it is recommended to ascertain whether a visa is required by consulting the relevant diplomatic mission. The implementation of health measures related to the novel coronavirus has been terminated, and the use of face masks is no longer required.
Do I need a visa to go to Scotland in 2024?
By the conclusion of 2024, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be a globally obligatory prerequisite for short-term visitors, obviating the necessity for a visa. In the interim period, citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland will not be required to obtain a visa to enter Britain and Northern Ireland; however, they must possess a valid passport. For the most up-to-date information regarding travel to Britain and Northern Ireland, please refer to the official government website.
Is Scotland open for tourism?
The campaign’s objective was to promote tourism in Scotland, emphasizing the country’s reopening following the global pandemic, encouraging responsible travel practices, and portraying Scotland as a secure destination. Additionally, the campaign sought to foster connections with visitors by elucidating the emotional value of a trip to Scotland and the emotional benefits it offers.
What is the cheapest month to go to Scotland?
The off season in Scotland is the most affordable time to travel, with airlines offering attractive fares during these periods. Weekday flights are often cheaper than weekend fares, often by 10 or more. However, rates increase in March, June, and October, and peak in June, September, and December. During the winter season, Scotland remains rainy and cold, but offers a more authentic view of Scottish life.
Many hotel prices drop by 20 and cheaper accommodations offer weekly rates, unlike during peak travel times. Arriving after the winter holidays allows for post-Christmas sales to buy various items, such as woolens, china, crystal, silver, fashion, handicrafts, and more.
📹 Scotland: The Don’ts of Visiting Scotland
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I know sometimes tourists have a bad experience because of their expectations. Another one to add is the infrastructure can get overwhelmed at the busy times and its best to make sure you have things and arrangements sorted out in advance yourself, don’t nesceseraly expect the guest house, hotel, to solve it for you again because they can get totally overwhelmed as well, don’t just turn up unprepared expecting to wing it, it won’t go well
If you’re traveling in the Highlands Make sure you’ve got your groceries by 5 all the shops shut A hat with brim and a head net over it is good for midge’s Midge’s can’t fly when the wind is over 12 mph I’ve seen people sit with a stand fan behind them to keep the Midge’s at bay also Avon skin so soft is a good Midge repellent it’s better than the expensive stuff and it smells nicer You’ll find it for sale in most outdoor shops
It is well worth checking out hostels esp. if you are younger or more adventurous. As in the rest of UK, petrol/diesel is normally cheapest at large supermarkets. August is horrendously busy esp. Edinburgh/route 500 and often has less good weather and shorter daylight than June. For walkers, do check for local groups, always take an OS map and compass, be well prepared and tell someone of your route and expected return time. It is not like the English Lake District, with a pub close at hand.
I, living currently in Germany, have another point of view regarding the cellphone coverage. I had almost everywhere but in the mountains or near to a loch, a 4G! I would also add, that they have almost no traffic lights so they have everywhere roundabouts. Those were a bit challenging for us. Also, also, listen to the locals. We did not ask, for example in Edinburgh, for a place to have the tea time. We got to a nice Café, where I ordered a small cheesecake, it was literally a small-tiny – non existent cake, I swear it was like a cookie size. Tourist mistake!
Midges form in their 1000, so keep your sleeves covered, purchase a midge net which covers your face! Also beware of clegs, which look like blue bottles, but these blighters take a large bite as to suck your blood! Even the cattle/live stock are frightened of them! Apart from that – Scotland has more too offer that a viaduct!!! Pitlockery is very popular with tourists, but 20 miles west of Pitlockery there is a small village called Rannoch! On your travel there (by road) you can stop at Queens view, which is a view point looking over the Loch! It is a loch, carry on to Rannoch and climb Craig Var, once you are at the top, you will view two Lochs – Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel. You can hire a pod which is situated behind the café, the pod sleeps 4. The café soup of the day is fabulous along with huge scones if you are hungry! Your camera will be well used when taken panoramic pictures! You could even drive on to Rannoch station, read in how the railway was built, then take the steam train over the famous Viaduct! Rannoch has a club which is timeshare holiday lets which look over the Loch, bikes/boat/canoe/wind surf etc! There are two hotels in Rannoch, I would suggest Rannoch hotel which looks over the loch! Loch Rannoch is 27 miles radius if one is wanting to cycle! Rannoch is a great area if one likes a hike, even climb the Schiehallion, it’s huge, but the view is breath taken! I know, as we have been going there for well over 35 years! – There are no clegs there, midges only in the evening!
Any where in the UK is covered by incredibly good quality mapping if you can get UTM mapping that’s down to 1 in 10,000 basically every single hedge row is on the map but the whole country is covered by 1 in 50,000 these maps will show every stand of trees every electrical pylon every foot path trigger points the works these maps are available in any good book store if you need more than 1 in 50,000 i.e. UTM your a surveyor or something like that.
I am very excited to plan my first visit to magical Scotland. I am from the northeast U.S. and I am looking into a good visit to determine if Scotland will be for me. I am a nature freak and I hike for hours. I am not a fan of cold ocean waters, but all the nature options seem too good to be true. 😃 I am coming Scotland! 🏴
In regards to midges it depends on where you go. In the cities not a problem but in the highlands on the west coast you’ll be devoured from May to October. No slap on solution has ever worked for me I so stay inside when they’re most active; dusk and dawn. Midge head nets and covering yourself up works as well. Also if you’re camping/backpacking get yourself up 500ft on a ridge line; the wind up there should take care of them.
Being a true Scotsman such as myself, midgies don`t bother me in fact, i can walk through swarms of them without any worries but, if you`re not a true Scotsman or have some in your history, here`s a wee tip : Never put on any perfume, aftershave or deodorants, not wash your clothes in perfumed powder/liquid as its sure to attract 1000`s of them. The midge was given to the Scots by God to stop the English from overstaying their welcome so, remember that when you come here.
“Beautiful roads…” I’ll give you that. But word of warning, our roads evolved organically over thousands of years. That means some of the corners have corners in them. In fact, the only straight bits on the older roads tend to be vertical. My New York uncle drove my aunt from Bannockburn to Inverness on their anniversary and then swore never to drive in Scotland again
Awww man midges are evil the worst times are may to September . You can but repellent out mostly any shop in Scotland but I don’t believe it wokrs😭😭😭😭😭 lol for people that have seen the first lord of the rings movie. One of the i thing it was Merry they was walking threw a swamp like place and said what do they when they can’t have hobbit 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Wee lost then turned English all they prob wanted is for us to turn English and let us say our word (get the shi5 outta here and they got the woop out sorry for swearing :c also if wee speaker the same language wee were before wee would get headed or.. be in police you don’t wanna be headed.. its a thing Where’s there’s a kn!fe and it chops your head.
When I moved to Scotland from US, my Edinburgh friends said ‘ when you are on a train, you are expected to be willing to talk with your fellow travelers’ – that was good advice. The problem with driving a car is you are enclosed and so you don’t get to chat to people. So my advice is – be open to people. I actually had a man on a bus in Donegal come to me as he was leaving – ‘are you traveling on your own?’ I said, ‘yes’ – he said, ‘good for you!’ People like to meet visitors. Also, when you see a piper playing on the street, like in Edinburgh, remember to leave him or her a bit of change – I had to point that out to my dad – people playing music in the open are doing it, yes, for your enjoyment, but they are not being paid by someone else, so remember to give them a few of your spare coins as a ‘thank you for your music, I enjoyed it!’
Exploring more of Scotland than just Edinburgh, Glasgow or Stirling is great advice. Advice that I should listen to as well because even though I was born and raised here I’ve never been to the highlands or any of the islands. I should really explore more of my own country. You should be aware that the amount of daylight drastically changes over the year. During the winter the sun rises really late and sets really early and it’s the other way around during summer, the country is further north than you might think it would be other areas of the same latitude have polar bears.
That was such good advice about the midges being notorious in Scotland! We just finished an epic road trip around Isle of Skye & NC500 and because it was Winter, we missed the little rascals eating us alive. Definitely recommend Scotland in Winter to anyone thinking of visiting. Yes is was cold BUT the epic light & snowy landscape made up for it! Wolter, we’d love to hear what you think of our travel article if you read this & get a chance! xx Tania 🚐💕
As a Scottish person who live in Peterhead (40 mins to an hour from Aberdeen) I would say visit the smaller towns they’re far better than the cities for culture, scenery and small local good food cafes and tearoom. But if you want lots of activities like escape rooms and larger museums maybe you’re better in the cities.
I was coming back in to Edinburgh late on night and was starving. The Clamshell on high street was still open. I ordered a fish n chips and a Coke. The guy asked if I had tried Irn Bru. I said no and he loudly proclaimed “WHAT? Irn Bru will get ya’ through!” Haha. It’s basically cream soda, but soooo good. Scotland is an absolutely gorgeous country with such nice people everywhere. Haggis is, well, brutal. Buy hey, give it a try if you want. Edinburgh is heaven on earth.
If you get grossed out by the idea of haggis I would recommend trying a vegetarian haggis. Feel quite nostalgic perusal this. I’ve just moved to London from Paisley (near Glasgow) last month. I went to Aberdeen University and grew up near Edinburgh. Glad to see you enjoying your time here. Lovely article – I wish you the best of luck.
We have travelled Scotland on motorcycle, by car and by train. Loved every trip and every minute. Go off the beaten track, meet the locals. Some tips: Edinburgh Festivals in Augus; Highland games and the Pitlochry Theatre. And a special treat: Caladonian Discovery, a barge travel from Inverness to Fort William (or the other way) with a great cook on board, bicycles, canoes, walking and a private cabin. We did it twice and will again,
In May 0f 2019 I spent 15 days in Scotland. 1. Some pubs will have an appetizer sized haggis with mashed parsnips (?) aka neeps, and mashed potatoes aka tatties, then hit it all with the whiskey gravy, wash it down with a Scottish ale or two. 2. Oban – go there and enjoy it. Seriously, go to Oban. 3. Need something early in the day, sometimes the larger train stations will have shops that during the week open at 0700 or earlier. And use Google Maps to find a Tesco or such near to where you are staying. 4. On a personal note, I did tours and did independent train trips from Edinburgh to Dundee, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness. Also, I managed to get my face a bit sunburned one day (going up Arthur’s Seat) and snowed on the next up in the Highlands. 5. Remember even in May it can get chilly to cold and rainy. 6. And go to Oban. 7, There is a light rail line that runs from the Edinburgh airport right into the heart of the city (New Town side) – my hotel was 100m from the last stop on the line. Best chat I had was at a pub in Aberdeen where I was chatting with an Aussie that lives on Malta, but works out of Aberdeen on the big North Sea oil platforms. So yeah, chat with the locals.
A wildlife tip: DO NOT GET TOO CLOSE to the Highland cows. ESPECIALLY when they have babies. These cows are some of the most protective parents in the world, If they think you could possibly be a threat to their calf, they could kill you. I was once in Pollok Park, Glasgow, which has Highland cows in fields, and their were a bunch of tourists crowding around a cow with a calf. We told one of the park staff and he got them away before anyone got hurt, but that was an exceptionally lucky situation.
Ps…… Dont’s……. Slight spelling mistake Firstly I’ll open by saying, if there is anything you don’t understand due to our accent…. Don’t feel afraid to ask us to repeat what we said….. We’re well used to it 😂 And remember if driving…..2 minutes will cover a mile in general. Plenty shops etc open until 10pm in nearly all areas of Scotland unless very remote. Water….. Perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap…forget bottled water you don’t need it. Midges….. Avon Skin So Soft (green bottle) 👍 and midges can’t fly if breeze is 3mph or more. Plockton…. Hamish Macbeth was filmed here. Google Voice Search will help anyone visiting Scotland….. Try “petrol near me” “supermarket near me” “takeaway near me” etc etc….. Also something as simple as “my location to Oban” etc etc will give u exact distance and time to anywhere in Scotland if driving, walking, train, etc etc….GOOGLE voice search is a great friend. Don’t be afraid to say hi to anyone you meet, we’re a great bunch in Scotland and always happy to help or advise. And remember…. DON’T LITTER….. TAKE RUBBISH TO A BIN OR HOME….. And if anyone wants any ideas on places to visit while here I’ll happily help you with information. ENJOY YOUR VISIT, YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE.
I have a kilt that was a gift from a Scot. He had the sheep sheared, the wool dyed, and had it hand made in our family tartan. I also got the white linen shirt, and the pouch (forgot what it’s called). I’ll never wear it, but one day i’ll have a shadowbox made for it and put it in my billiards room. There are really cool people EVERYWHERE you go, just like there are d-bags and fools. This dude was cool and we met him while he was on vacation here in AZ and it was my 7 year old son that brought us together at dinner one night. He goes up to him and said “you talk funny, where are you from?” Before you know it, we all sat together and my son Jake sat on Bill’s lap and they talked all night like they knew each other from a different life. His wife was from England. It is amazing when chance encounters can bring out friendship and kindness. I can’t wait to go over and visit. He’s over around Inverness and I want some of that good single malt stuff! Haha
One thing I think that’s really worth mentioning. Once you leave the city you will find the roads can get very very small often down to a single lane or dirt track depending on where you go. We call them A roads but they can certainly feel like simple farm tracks. Don’t worry if you get lost, there’s always something exciting at the end, even if it is just a tiny wee village with a wee café in it. Go in and experience it, yknow you want to. – though I would say be careful with that tank of fuel once you’re in the back and beyond finding a gas station is pretty dang tough at times. And don’t go on the land that says danger it’s there for a reason and trust me it ain’t gonna be fun.
Excellent vid. Perfect description of everything. In Sept of ’17, we visited 14 days, and drove Edinburgh>Pitlochry>Inverness>Skye>Oban>Loch Lohman. I’ll say, the single lane roads, with sheep in them, on Skye, require paying attention(lol), but driving was not a problem. People were awesome. Will definitely go again. The only place as breathtaking with views, that I have seen, is Alaska. Wanna see Aberdeen/Orkneys next time.
Pro tip: If you’re Canadian, Australian or (most commonly) American, please don’t go around claiming to be Scottish. Just because you’re great, great grandfather lived here does not make you Scottish, it merely give you Scottish ANCESTRY. We’re tired of hearing people treat our nation as a stereotype and we’re especially tired of it being done disrespectfully
When travelling in midge country, don’t waste money on bug/mosquito repellents. Most don’t protect against Scots midges. The wee buggers are tough. Instead do as the locals and get some “Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Body Spray “. It’s available everywhere, including Amazon. Recommended by all Highlanders!
Well, at least they drive on the left hand side, like Australia. In Australia, where I come from, in the colder South, every woman owned a tartan kilt to wear to daytime social events, like sports etc. They were worn with hand-knitted mohair bumpers or gone wool twinset etc jumpers and special fur lined leather shoes they actually imported from Scotland. Very comfortable winter clothing that also looked good. These kilts were made of pure Australian Merino wool a d, yes, they did cost a pretty sum, but every woman had one. It was a classic skirt, alo g with her plain straight dark skirt that lasted a life time and never went out of fashion, so it was worth the money.
for the midgees i wudd buy a fine mesh bug net for over yurr head and the bug spray-if the midgess get a taste for you-they come from underground and in still water,so u know where likely to find them, if suns shining they aint a problem,they dont like direct sunglight for prolonged sessions,and obviously midgees dont really bother u if yurr in concreted place-
When I was in Scotland my mother and I searched everywhere for a kilt in our ancestors’ tartan, but we couldn’t find it anywhere. We’re MacLeods by her grandmother’s line, but even when we were on Skye, at Dunvegan (the seat of the clan’s power for over 800 years), we couldn’t find a kilt in MacLeod tartan. I eventually ended up getting a custom-ordered one for Christmas, and I wear it pretty often. I’m going back to the UK this summer… definitely going to be wearing that kilt as often as I can get away with it!
Be aware that some shops dont open at all on a Sunday the further up North you travel . As one American said ” you guys are a bit backward” We are not backward, some places cling tighter to tradition and heritage than other places. If travelling in a motorhome do not empty chemical waste toilet into the nearest Loch. Where I am I see it regular. Do read the highway code. We drive MPH not KPH. If you are driving way below the speed limit ( understandable, rental car, narrow lanes, and opposite side). Pull in and let traffic past you. Locals will appreciate it. Do not park in passing points on one track roads. Do not EVER fly drones near eagles/ ospreys nests, its becoming a growing issue in the highlands.
A word of advice: Don’t bypass Dundee! Dundee is a rich cultural city with an award winning waterfront (new V&A museum opened last year and the resting place of the famous Discovery ship). If you’re looking for a quieter afternoon head to Broughty Ferry and grab an ice cream at Visocci’s or a lager at the Anchor. The Ship Inn is also fantastic for a traditional dinner (don’t forget to book)! 🏴
Really great advice, loads of it too. Not sure about the 6pm shutting tho, been all around Scotland and it is not common for all shops, except perhaps on a Sunday or in very remote areas. (More an English thing that the world shuts down at 6pm). I do like Edinburgh, but I live in Ayrshire. I would recommend that tourists visit all of Scotland if you can, you wont regret it. I would add, as a’ local’, if you want to take your kids out later – go to a restaurant, not a pub! (Local authorities are pretty harsh on pubs and that is why the pubs do not allow kids in bars – even thought they are legally allowed in at any time). REALLY, REALLY important: Forget your bug spray, it will not work – only thing to fight the horrible midges is Avon ‘skin so soft’ (original). I am a wild camper and from personal experience, I can guarantee that it is the only thing that will keep you pretty much midgie bite free. The British SAS use it when they are training in Scotland.
Wouldn’t recommend taking a car into Glasgow if you can help it. Parking places can be a nightmare, especially at weekends, and there can be considerable traffic due to the more narrow streets. Public transport is plentiful there (they even have a closed-circuit subway!) so cars are only necessary if you’re driving in from a distance or are planning to drive to other places afterwards.
I am glad your enjoyed Scotland. About a few things you mentioned; Kids wont get into pubs, but most restraunts will also sell alcohol and open late. In my town the supermarket is a 24hour store, and a local shop closes at 11pm. If your in a very rural area, things may close at 6pm, but any populous town or even most villages will have some where you can buy things after 6pm. Midgies come out in the summer months and won’t linger in sunny spots. So you really only see them in the evening sun. That said it looks like you took a hike in the woods, where they will love because of the shade. But for your average walk through town in the afternoon, they shouldn’t bother you.
I tried once to spend my last Manx tenner in England, and they reacted like: “what on earth is that??!” If I am not mistaken some may take the notes, but are send directly to the bank where the notes are brought back to Isle of Man (et cetera) so it doesn’t stay in circulation. It was all before the new polymer plastic notes, though.
Ok, here´s my feedback from 13 holidays to Scotland: 1. Can´t go more “open door” than that: Scotland, indeed, is not part of England. My geography lessons 25y ago concur. 2. True, shops close fairly early. Don´t know if it has to do with the Kirk / Church. But not a strict “don´t”. 3. I never traveled with kids, so I wouldn´t know. The louder and livelier scenes wouldn´t be very child-friendly, I guess. 4. No, indeed! ScotLAND is so much bigger and richer. 5. I let public transport drive left for me. I just choose an area, island or long distance walk… no car needed, personally. 6. Scots are indeed very helpful, friendly and resourceful if you ask. 7. Heavy accents aren´t a problem to me, I´m from the Netherlands so I speak all languagues ^^ 8. There IS great Scottish traditional food out there: cullen skink, scones, seafood, cock-a-leekie, cranachan, stovies, etc. 9. Aye, the kilt. You only see the pipers and Highland game competitors wear them. Rare, otherwise. 10. Just visit Scotland in April or early May. No midgies about, yet, and they´re the driest months of the year! 11. B&Bs are booked long in advance… that´s why I wild camp! It´s allowed almost anywhere as per the Highland Code. 12. I´m usually in pretty remote places, so I ALWAYS take cash for the whole holiday once I land in GLA or EDI. 13. 50 miles will take you two hours on an island with single track roads. Slowing down is a good thing, though.
How do y’all feel about us folks from the Carolinas discussing the Battle of Culloden,which very few of us know little about, but we are interested because twelve thousand Highlanders were sent here and I live close to the town of Highlands, N C. We understand it’s a touchy subject, but would like insight from the other side of the pond if it won’t stir up too much controversy.
Well, I’m from London. And don’t worry, I don’t understand some of the Scottish. Just joking haha. Scots are fantastic, very great and welcoming people. Much more hospitable than the English. 1: Don’t ask for English Mustard in a cafe or restaurant- the Scots have their own Scottish mustard. 2: Don’t call a “loch” a “lake. Scots use Lochs. English use Lakes 3: If you are going to just Edinburgh, don’t rent a car! The public transport in Edinburgh is excellent. Anywhere outside of the cities, you will need a car for sure. 4: Don’t mention Brexit to a Scot. 62% of Scots voted to remain in the EU. 5: Due to Scotlands northern latitude, every year around 22nd June, you will get the most amount of daylight. Sunrise will be around 04:00. Sunset will be around 22:30. The winter will be the opposite. 6: Not sure why the Shetland Islands were in this article. Tourist needs to realise that the Shetlands are incredibly far away from anything. Shetland is a 15 hour boat trip and 160 miles from mainland Scotland. Shetland is closer to Norway than to mainland Scotland. Most people on Sheltand don’t even associate themselves as Scottish. They refer to themselves as Vikings or Shetlanders. Just thought, I’d mention that, lol. Final tip- anyone who isn’t sure about going to Scotland- just go. I’ve been going for 4 years consistently. I can assure you, you will love it there
I don’t know why anyone who is not Scottish and living in Scotland would buy a kilt – it’s only worn to Scottish weddings and Cèilidhs. If you wear it to anything else everyone will know you’re an American tourist and instantly hate you. Most guys find it quite offensive if you’re not Scottish and you’re wearing a kilt. I know guys who were born in England but have lived their whole life in Scotland but still don’t ever wear a kilt because they feel like it’s not their place.
Can i just say something from the perspective of a person who lives in Scotland and has witnessed a very poor example of a Canadian who came across to live, work and study in Scotland. It was over 20 years ago, I had started a college course in computing and there was this Canadian guy called Mike. Mike was an ice hockey player for the local team in Dumfries, South West Scotland and with that he got the use of a sponsored car and accommodation. But Mike never really stopped whinging and complaining that this, that and the next thing was so small, so poor and so awful compared to his life back in Canada. So, one of the guys in our class – a guy called Joe McGeechan who is from East Kilbride outside Glasgow had got a bit sick and tired of Mike one night when a few guys had gone out for some drinks in the town. Mike had been berating everyone and everything like he usually did, so Joe decided to confront him – he just said that fair enough, maybe things aren’t really as great as they are in Canada but this is his home and they simply make the best of what they have got – he pointed out that not everyone was lucky enough to be given a sponsored motor car to drive around in, and that he for one was sick and tired of Mike putting everything about the area down and he advised him that if he really doesn’t like it then he should do everyone else a favour and move back to his own country. I think Mike decided to leave shortly after that. The guy was a real “pain in the ass” where many of the students at the college were concerned.
I was in the HIghlands in August and omg. I thought i understood the midge issue, but I really did not. You will truly need full mosquito netting and gloves, and tighten off your wrist and ankle cuffs if you plan on being out in nature at all. I didn’t get to walk Glencoe like I had planned to because of it.
Haggis is delicious, organ meat is just what you’d find in a meat pie and the fact it’s cooked in a stomach is no different to sausages and bratwurst. Except haggis is richer and more delicious than those things. It’s like a confit crossed with waygu beef burger. I’d only recommend you don’t eat a large portion, instead treat it like a pate or butter.
Love the article! Although I have to say it’s not a Scottish Drawl and it’s not English. Its Scots (or Doric or many of the others across the Scotland), our Indigenous languages. Sometimes a lot of people of very proud of and see it much more than just an unintelligible slang. Also half the people of Scotland don’t want to be called British. Best sticking with Scottish. Some fantastic advice though!
You missed the “tattie scones” on your full Scottish. Great article, some of us don’t even like “British” just call us Scottish to be on the safe side, btw nothing will happen if you do call us “British”, maybe a joke towards you or we’ll pretend to walk away, plus you’ll be right if you call us Scottish! 🤭😁 🏴
Can I add to this list cause I live in a small coastal village in the highlands and in the summer the sunset and the island’s is beautiful but people stop in the middle of the road to take photos and theres one corner near my house and the fire station and luckily no incidents have happened but the fire engine for down at a rate of knots and also alot of the local lifeboat crew live in that area including my dad and if they’ve got a job they’re not stopping and if one of them hit a car in a place like that stopped with tourists taking photos it could be fatal and also use the PAVEMENTS!!! They’re there for a reason but the tourists don’t use them and theres hundreds of them cause we live at the end of the jacobite route and where you get the ferry to Skye so there’s litrully hundreds of people in the middle of the road