Scotland - Travel Guide - Tripmasters Travel

Scotland – Travel Guide

Edinburgh Castle is the most-visited place here, and hundreds more are open to visitors across the country. Due to this resilient tradition, the Scottish Gaelic culture and language are fiercely protected and prized, and you can see that in everything from summer festivals to the Highland Games to folk music (best enjoyed with a pint at one of Scotland’s many pubs). Most visitors can also learn more about the Scottish way of life through the centuries at the numerous rural history museums scattered throughout the country. Scotland is a beautiful country and it is well-known not just for its great hiking opportunities, but also for mountain biking, boating, and winter sports such as skiing.

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All about Scotland

Scotland FAQ

What is Scotland known for?

When you picture Scotland, you might think of a nation of warriors and independent-minded people, and you`d be right. As a result of many wars, Scotland became heavily fortified, and over 2,000 castles were built in the last thousand years. Edinburgh Castle is the most-visited, and hundreds more are open to visitors across the country. Due to this resilient tradition, the Scottish Gaelic culture and language are fiercely protected and prized, and you can see that in everything from summer festivals to the Highland Games to folk music (best enjoyed with a pint at one of Scotland`s many pubs). You can learn more about the Scottish way of life through the centuries at the numerous rural history museums scattered throughout the country.

Scotland is a beautiful country and it is well-known not just for its great hiking opportunities, but also for mountain biking, boating, and winter sports such as skiing. If you like beaches, Scotland has so many breathtaking stretches of coastline, with the majority of them located on the west coast. It`s also great to simply experience the geographic splendor around you, to be one with nature, perhaps on a windy cliffside or under a gorgeous waterfall. You can find great scenery on the mainland and on the islands such as the Hebrides, Orkneys, and Shetlands. No trip to Scotland would be complete without shopping — authentic Scottish-made goods can be purchased in various shops throughout the country, but if it`s luxury goods you`re after, go to the High Streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

What are the best places to visit in Scotland?

The central corridor is the most densely-populated part of Scotland, and it is the most popular with tourists as well. On the western end you have Glasgow, located on the River Clyde. On the eastern end, there is Edinburgh, situated south of the Firth of Forth. The cities and towns of Central Scotland and The Lothians must be explored if you have extra days in the area; we definitely recommend Perth, Stirling, and Loch Lomond, just for starters!

Another area popular with tourists is the Scottish Highlands, known for its strong Gaelic cultural traditions, and its natural beauty, where mountains cascade down to lochs (lakes) and valleys. The capital is Inverness, with its beautiful historic center; after setting aside time to explore Inverness, tourists typically visit such sights in the Highlands as the Cairngorm Mountains, Loch Ness, Fort William, and Ullapool, among other locales.

While you are in the Highlands, consider exploring further afield and visiting the beautiful cities of Aberdeen and Dundee, or perhaps a day trip to the Isle of Skye, in the Inner Hebrides just off the northwestern coast near Kyle of Lochalsh. If you are en route to England at the end of your Scotland adventure and traveling by car, consider driving through Southern Scotland, where the picturesque Scottish Border region and Dumfries and Galloway are located.

How many days should I spend in Scotland?

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.

What is the best way to get around Scotland?

Scotland, like the rest of the United Kingdom, has a heavily developed infrastructure, with thousands of miles of roads and rail lines combined. Ease of travel and access is the same as in the United States, if not a little bit easier! You can either drive or travel by train to different parts of Scotland. Ferries are important as well and connect the mainland with the islands just offshore.

By Car: Driving is a great way to experience Scotland, especially if you have time to spare to explore the breathtaking countryside. Distances between cities can be long by UK standards, but even in the Highlands you shouldn`t drive a couple of hours without at least passing through a handful of villages. It is 41 miles between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and since it is the most densely-populated part of Scotland, perhaps it is best to utilize the trains in this part of the country, and to leave your driving for areas to the south and north. For more information on getting around by car, check out: Driving in Scotland.

By Train: Traveling by train is a great way to see all corners of Scotland. Scotland`s train service is administered by Transport Scotland and ScotRail. ScotRail trains connect all portions of the country, up to the northern Highland towns of Thurso and Wick, and down past Glasgow and Edinburgh into southern Scotland, where service is sparser. Main passenger and daily commuter train lines connect the heavily-populated inner corridor between Glasgow and Edinburgh. ScotRail lines work in conjunction with National Rail to connect Scotland with England via two train lines, the West Coast Route from Glasgow Queen Street Station to London via Carlisle and Preston, and the East Coast Route from Edinburgh Waverley Station to York and London via Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

By Ferry: Ferries connect the mainland with the Hebrides off the coast of northwestern Scotland, and to the Orkney Islands off the northeastern coast. There are also a handful of routes that connect the islands of the Hebrides with one another. Ferries leave from Oban, Mallaig, and Ullapool to the various islands in the Hebrides; there are also ferries running between Scrabster (west of Thurso) to Stromness in the Orkney Islands. There is a bus that runs from Thurso train station to the ferry port in Scrabster. Buses also connect Inverness to Ullapool and Kyle of Lochalsh to Uig on the Isle of Skye. (The Skye Bridge is the biggest land connection from the mainland to the Hebrides.)

What is the currency of Scotland?

Scotland, like the other constituent nations of the United Kingdom, uses the pound sterling (£). Both Scotland and England print their own pound notes; they are both legal tender in Scotland. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pounds upon arrival. As mentioned before, there is no need to exchange your English pounds for Scottish pound notes upon arriving in Scotland. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the country. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in the United Kingdom.

Best time to visit Scotland

Whether you want to explore the Orkney and Shetland Islands, the peaks of the Highlands and the Cairngorms, the lush green valleys around the numerous firths (inlets) along the coast, or the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Scotland`s weather pattern tends to be wetter in the west than in the east. The west sees an average of 265 days of rain per year, while the eastern coast only sees about 165 days of rain per year. Temperatures tend to stay within the same five-degree temperature range in the south of the country, while the north is a few degrees colder. The Shetland Islands, regulated by the Atlantic trade winds, are cool year-round but not as cold as the mainland at night. The shoulder seasons, which occur between the middle of March and early June, as well as in October, are the ideal times to visit Scotland, although you will find many things to do, see and enjoy any month of the year. In this guide, we`ll let you know what to expect as far as weather, holidays and festivals are concerned.

January – March

Scotland retreats into the low season with the beginning of the year, and the low season continues through the middle of March. You will find the cheapest flights around this time, and accommodations tend to drop in price approximately 20%. In early January, many shops offer after-Christmas and beginning-of-the-year sales which may interest souvenir buyers. The weather tends to be rainy for most of the winter, with snow occurring from time to time. In the Shetland Islands, temperatures stay steady in the mid-40s during the day for most of the winter, with lows in the upper 30s. Inverness begins the year with highs in the low 40s and lows near freezing, but eventually warm to the upper 40s for highs and mid-30s for lows by March. Aberdeen sees roughly the same temperatures, but drier conditions since it is on the eastern side of Scotland. Similar temperatures and fewer rain days can be found in Edinburgh. Glasgow`s weather will be a tad wetter, with temperatures in the mid-40s during the day and mid-to-upper 30s at night. Conditions similar to Glasgow will be found in Dumfries and other areas of the Scottish Borders.

Holidays and Festivals:

January 1 – New Year`s Day. Many Scots recover from the night before (Hogmanay) with a nice steak pie. (Public holiday across Scotland.)

January 2 – New Year Holiday (Observed as a holiday across Scotland.)

January 11 – Burning of the Clavie, Burghead, Morayshire. An ancient Scottish rite, it is a bonfire that the townspeople light to celebrate the last day of the year (Hogmanay) as it lands on the Julian Calendar, which is January 11 on the current Gregorian.

January 25 – Burns Night. On Burns Night, many Scots enjoy a dinner of haggis and toast to the `Scottish Bard`, Robert Burns, who was born on this day in the year 1759.

Last Tuesday in January – Up-Helly-aa, Lerwick, Shetland Islands. This fire festival, held in the main port city of the Shetlands, celebrates the end of the traditional yule season.

Late January to early March – Scottish Snowdrop Festival, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. The snowdrop is a beautiful flower that blooms in the wintertime.

First Monday in February – Winter Holiday (Public holiday in Inverness.)

February 14 – Valentine`s Day.

March 1-7 – Whuppity Scoorie, Lanark, a festival celebrating the traditional start of spring. In decades and centuries past, children would run around the main church in Lanark and then dive for coins thrown by the adults who organized the event. Today, there is no longer a race, but many of the older customs remain, such as the gifting of coins.

First Monday in March – Winter Holiday (Public holiday in Inverness.)

Early-to-mid March – Scottish Fly Fishing Fair, Stirling. One of the largest events and trade shows dedicated to fly fishing in the world.

Mid-to-late March – Glasgow Comedy Festival, the largest comedy festival in Europe.

Last Monday in March – Winter Holiday (Public holiday in Lochaber.)

March or April – Good Friday (Public holiday in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries and Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Inverclyde, Kilmarnock, Paisley, Stirling, South Lanarkshire, and West Dunbartonshire.)

March or April – Easter Sunday (closures)

March or April – Easter Monday (Public holiday in Ayr, Edinburgh, Falkirk, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, Kilmarnock, North Lanarkshire, Paisley, Stirling, South Lanarkshire, and West Dunbartonshire.)

March, April and May – Golf season in Scotland.

April – May

The shoulder season begins in earnest in the middle of March, and continues through the end of May. It is generally accepted that the shoulder season comes to a close either the last week of May or the first week in June. Rains begin to taper off a tad in the western part of the country, and daffodils, rhododendrons, and bluebells bloom, dotting the lush green fields. These months are also very popular for golfers who want to enjoy their favorite sport in the country that invented it.

Temperatures begin to warm slightly, and spring is a nice time to visit nearly every corner of Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands. The Shetland Islands will see temperatures warm into the mid and upper 40s, with lows in the low 40s. Inverness warms quickly into the mid and upper 50s, with lows around 40. Aberdeen`s temperatures average just a couple of degrees behind Inverness. Glasgow starts off April in the low 50s, but warms to near 60 by the end of May. Lows are in the 40s. Edinburgh sees similar conditions, but a tad drier and low temperatures a couple of degrees cooler than Glasgow. The Scottish Borders warm from the low 50s in April to near 60 by the end of May, with lows between 40 and 45.

Holidays and Festivals:

March or April – Easter Sunday (closures)

March, April and May – Golf season in Scotland.

Early April – Inverness Whisky and Gin Festival. Hosted by the Scottish Gin Society, there are multiple whisky and gin tasting opportunities plus many fun fringe events such as live music and dancing.

First Monday in April – Spring Holiday (Public holiday in Carnoustie and Monifieth area, Dundee, Fife, Scottish Borders, Inverness, and Perth.)

Second Monday in April – Spring Holiday (Public holiday in Angus, except Carnoustie and Monifieth area, Elgin)

Third Monday in April – Spring Holiday (Public holiday in Aberdeen.)

Third Monday in April, or preceding week if would otherwise coincide with Easter Monday – Spring Holiday (Public holiday in Edinburgh)

Last Monday in April – Spring Holiday (Public holiday in Inverclyde.)

April 30 – Beltane Fire Festival, Calton Hill, Edinburgh. Beltane is a traditional Gaelic May Day celebration, signifying the beginning of summer. Bonfires are lit and then the ashes are sprinkled on people, animals and crops for good luck and fortune in the summer.

May – Scottish Whisky Month. Johnnie Walker, Dewar`s, Glenlivet and Chivas Regal are some of the better known Scottish whiskys sold in the United States, but Scotland has hundreds of whisky brands ready for you to taste and savor.

May – Edinburgh Marathon

May 1 – May Day, the traditional beginning of summer and, more recently, a celebration of the working class. (some closures)

First Monday in May – May Bank Holiday (Public holiday across Scotland.)

The Tuesday after the first Monday in May – Victoria Day, a celebration of Queen Victoria`s birthday (May 24, 1819). It is celebrated on various days on a city-by-city basis. (Public holiday in Clydebank and Stirling.)

May 12 – Stirling Whisky Festival, where connoisseurs can try over 100 different brands of whisky.

Last Monday strictly before May 24 – Victoria Day (Public holiday in Edinburgh.)

Fourth Monday in May – Victoria Day (Public holiday in Perth.)

Last Monday in May – Victoria Day (Public holiday in Ayr, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Paisley, and South Lanarkshire.)

Last Monday in May – Spring Bank Holiday (Public holiday across Scotland.)

Last week in May – Spring Fling, Dumfries and Galloway, the largest `open studio` arts and crafts event in Scotland.

June – July

The high season begins in Scotland with the first and second weeks of June. The temperatures rise close to their yearly peaks (the actual peak will not come until August), and you will find less rain and more daylight hours in these months as well. Students get out of school in Scotland in late June and early July, around the same time as students in the other constituent nations of the United Kingdom. By July, not only will prices for accommodations be at their peak, lines at attractions will also be at their longest, due to the aforementioned students leaving school and families going on vacation in addition to single travelers. The Highland Games, one of the most popular events on the Scottish social calendar, begin in many areas in July. Edinburgh and Glasgow in particular host a number of festivals and events, which only increase in number in August. June and July are also popular fair months in Scotland, as many jurisdictions open up their local fairs, with rides, concessions and entertainment.

Temperatures in the Shetland Islands average in the mid-50s, with lows around 50. Inverness warms into the low and mid 60s, with average lows around 50. Aberdeen sees similar daytime temperatures but low temperatures a few degrees cooler. Glasgow warms into the mid-60s on average, with lows in the low to mid 50s. Edinburgh sees similar daytime temperatures, but like Aberdeen, is a tad cooler in the mornings. The Scottish Borders will be the warmest part of Scotland, with temperatures firmly averaging in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-50s. Note that temperatures can and do rise as much as 10-20 degrees above these averages, especially in recent years when there have been a few heat waves that have gripped the British Isles. It is not a given that air conditioning will be included in every accommodation option, so plan ahead and make sure your accommodations have air conditioning if you desire to have this amenity.

Holidays and Festivals:

First Monday in June – Victoria Day (Public holiday in Galashiels, Inverclyde, and Fife.)

Friday and Saturday after 1st Monday in June – Hawick Common Riding, Hawick, Scottish Borders. The first of the summer festivals in the Scottish Borders. (Public holiday in Hawick.)

Tuesday after second Thursday in June – Linlithgow Marches, Linlithgow, West Lothian. A parade through town which has its origins in Medieval times, when the town crier and a group of volunteers would patrol the lands around the city for encroachers. (Public holiday in Linlithgow.)

Second Thursday in June – Lanimer Day, Lanark. Dating from the 12th century, when King David granted burgh status to Lanark, Lanimer Day consists of large-scale parades of villagers in fancy dress, including the winners of the much-coveted titles Lord Cornet and Lanimer Queen. (Public holiday in Lanark area only.)

Mid-June – Selkirk Common Riding, Selkirk, Scottish Borders. A summer festival which has roots in a tradition over 400 years old, where villagers would ride on horses to make sure no rivals encroached on their land.

Late June – Royal Highland Show, Scotland`s annual farming and countryside showcase, held in Edinburgh.

Late June or early July – Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, celebrating local traditional boats, food, music and culture.

Late June to early July – Edinburgh International Film Festival, the oldest continuously-running film festival in the world (every year since 1947).

Last Monday in June – Fair Holiday (Public holiday in Elgin.)

First Monday in July – Fair Holiday (Public holiday in Falkirk and Inverness.)

First Friday in July – Braw Lads Gathering, Galashiels, Scottish Borders, a festival held every year since 1930 celebrating local history. (Public holiday in Galashiels.)

First week in July – Luss Highland Games, Luss, Argyll and Bute. Highland Games consist of various physical sports, dancing, and cultural activities.

Second Monday in July – Fair Holiday (Public holiday in Aberdeen.)

Second week in July – Alva Highland Games, Alva, Clackmannanshire.

Third Monday in July – Fair Holiday (Public holiday in Arbroath, Fife, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire except Lanark.)

Fourth Friday in July – Fair Holiday (Public holiday in the Scottish Borders.)

Last Monday in July – Fair Holiday (Public holiday in Dundee.)

August – September

High season continues through August and September, peaking in the month of August. By September, students across Scotland will be going back to school, and accommodations, while still high in price, will begin to have more availability. Lines at many attractions will begin to thin out as the month of September goes on. August in particular is a very big festival month in Edinburgh, and the highest accommodation prices of the year in Scotland will most likely be found at this time in Edinburgh. The traditional end of the Highland Games season occurs in September; trips to the Highlands are a very big draw for tourists in that month.

Rain chances begin to rise in the western parts of the country, but will not reach their peaks until the final months of the year. In the Shetland Islands, highs average in the mid-50s with lows around 50. In Inverness, average highs peak in the mid-60s in August, retreating to about 60 by September, with average lows around 50. Aberdeen, like always, sees similar temperatures during the day but slightly cooler readings at night. Glasgow and Edinburgh`s average highs retreat from the mid-60s in August to around 60 in September; lows average near 50 and the upper 40s, respectively. The Scottish Borders on average see temperatures in the mid-60s in August, with lows in the mid-50s; these cool to averages of 60 and the upper 40s, respectively, by September.

Holidays and Festivals:

August – Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The world`s largest arts festival, over 5,000 shows are presented over the span of a month in 300 venues across the city.

August – Edinburgh International Festival, a large fine arts and culture festival which coincides with Fringe but is not related to it.

August – The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a celebration featuring music and marching performances from soldiers in the British Armed Forces and militaries of other Commonwealth nations.

First Monday in August – Summer Bank Holiday (Public holiday across Scotland.)

First Monday in August – Fair Holiday (Public holiday in Paisley.)

Mid-to-late August – Edinburgh International Book Festival. Started in 1983, it has grown to become one of the largest literary festivals in the world, and was a key reason for UNESCO naming Edinburgh their first-ever City of Literature.

Last week in August – Cowal Highland Gathering, Cowal Peninsula, Argyll and Bute.

First Monday in September – Late Summer Holiday (Public holiday in Elgin and Inverclyde.)

First Saturday in September – Braemar Gathering, Braemar, Aberdeenshire.

First Sunday in September – Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games, Blairgowrie and Rattray, Perth and Kinross.

Early September – Largs Viking Festival, Largs, North Ayrshire. A celebration of local history, in particular the 1263 Battle of Largs, fought between the Kingdoms of Norway and Scotland.

Second Monday in September – Battle of Stirling Bridge. A commemoration of the 1297 battle in which the Scots, led by William Wallace, defeated the English in a key battle in the War of Scottish Independence. (Public holiday in Falkirk, Perth, and Stirling.)

Second week in September – Pitlochry Highland Games, Pitlochry, Perthshire.

Third week in September – Invercharron Highland Games, Arday, Sutherland, marking the traditional end of the Highland Games season. (The 2018 event, due to unforeseen circumstances, will not be held.)

Third Monday in September – Autumn Holiday (Public holiday in Edinburgh.)

Third Friday in September – Ayr Gold Cup (Public holiday in Ayr and Kilmarnock.)

Third weekend in September – Ayr Gold Cup, Ayr, one of the most prestigious horse races in the United Kingdom. It has been held nearly every year since 1804. A £200,000 purse is given to the winning stable and jockey.

Monday after Third Friday in September – Ayr Gold Cup (Public holiday in Ayr and Kilmarnock.)

Last Monday in September – Autumn Holiday (Public holiday in Aberdeen, Angus except Carnoustie and Monifieth area, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Paisley, South Lanarkshire, and West Dunbartonshire.)

October – December

Scotland`s second shoulder season occurs in the month of October, and in November the country retreats into the low season. Some accommodations and attractions close at this time, only to reopen in the spring, but many stay open year-round. Flights and hotels tend to drop in price beginning in the first part of November and stay low through the rest of the year, with the only exception being the two weeks leading up to Christmas. The Northern Highlands experiences beautiful fall foliage beginning in late September and continuing through October.

Rain chances rise across Scotland, particularly in the western part of the country. Snow is not unheard of beginning in the month of December. The Shetland Islands will see temperatures average in the mid-to-upper 40s, with lows between 40 and 45. Inverness and Aberdeen will begin the month of October with temperatures averaging in the mid-50s during the day and low 40s at night, declining by December to the low 40s during the day and the low 30s at night. Glasgow and Edinburgh will see their average highs cool from the mid-50s in October to the mid-40s in December. Lows average between 38 and 45 the final three months of the year in Glasgow, with temperatures anywhere between 3 and 5 degrees cooler on average in the mornings in Edinburgh. The Scottish Borders will see similar daytime temperatures to Glasgow and Edinburgh, with low temperatures one or two degrees cooler than Glasgow.

Holidays and Festivals:

October – Royal National Mòd. The largest festival of Scottish Gaelic culture, music, dancing and language in the country, sponsored in part by the government and the Gaelic broadcaster BBC Alba. It will be held in Glasgow in 2019, Inverness in 2020, Perth in 2021, and Paisley in 2022.

Early October to early November – The Enchanted Forest, Faskally Wood, Perthshire. A very popular sound and light event set in the middle of Faskally Wood. It has won many awards and people travel from all over the UK to attend.

First Monday in October – Autumn Holiday (Public holiday in Carnoustie and Monifieth area, Dundee, Inverness, and Perth.)

Second Monday in October – Autumn Holiday (Public holiday in the Scottish Borders.)

Mid-October – Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival, Lerwick, Shetland Islands.

Third Monday in October – Autumn Holiday (Public holiday in Elgin and Fife.)

Late October – Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run, Glasgow.

October 31 – Halloween. Today, many people celebrate Halloween as we know it in the modern age, as well as in its original form as the Celtic festival of Samhain (spelled `Samhuinn in Scottish Gaelic). The largest and most popular of these events is the Samhuinn Fire Festival, held in Edinburgh`s Old Town.

First Monday in November – Samhuinn holiday (Public holiday in Inverness.)

November 5 – Guy Fawkes Night, commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot bungled by Guy Fawkes on this day in the year 1605. The night is celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, and effigy-burning of Guy Fawkes.

November – Glasgow Whisky Festival. The largest Scottish whisky festival in Glasgow, it is held each year in Hampden Park.

November 11 – Remembrance Sunday, honoring the Scottish servicemen and women who participated in the two World Wars and later conflicts. Two minutes of silence are observed nationwide at 11:00 and people wear poppies on lapels.

November 30 – St. Andrew’s Day, commemorating the patron saint of Scotland. Scottish flags featuring the St. Andrew`s Cross fly from all public buildings on this day. It now doubles as a bank holiday. (Public holiday across Scotland.)

December 24 – Christmas Eve (closures)

December 25 – Christmas Day (Public holiday across Scotland.)

December 26 – Boxing Day (Public holiday across Scotland, closures except for sales at shops.)

December 31 – New Year`s Eve (Hogmanay in Scottish Gaelic). Scots celebrate across the country with parties, fireworks, food, gift-giving, and visiting with friends and family. After midnight, the person who sets `first foot` into a friend`s house must give gifts which are seen be tokens of good luck and fortune for the coming year. The largest celebrations occur in Edinburgh on High Street (broadcast each year on BBC Scotland and BBC Alba); in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, with the Stonehaven Fireballs Festival; and in Comrie, Perth and Kinross, with the Comrie Flambeaux. (some closures)

Tipping in Scotland

This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

Tipping in Scotland

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use pounds?

The currency of the UK (which consists of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) is the pound sterling. U.S. dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pounds upon arrival. In Scotland some banks print their own notes, which can be used in Scotland; it is a better idea to use pounds throughout the UK, you can not go wrong. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in Europe you will find it useful to always keep a little cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the country.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

As in many other areas of Europe, the UK will often employ a `service` charge. This is not always easy to determine, some restaurants print their service charge policy on their menus (long gone by the time you pay your bill), while others make the service charge very clear on the bill. The charge is most commonly 12.5% but can reach 15%. If it is not noted then the restaurant is not complying with law. In such cases you can ask your server or a manager and they will usually be more than happy to answer. In any case where a service charge is added, or the menu notes `service included,` be aware that this may or may not be passed on to the waiting staff. Ask the manager how the service charge is applied, as often only a portion, if any at all, ends up going to the servers. An `optional` charge is occasionally added to the bill; make sure you`re not blindly paying it. This is another way restaurants collect money which may be distributed as tips. Adjust it to the level you feel comfortable with and feel free to round to the nearest pound- up or down – and always ask if you feel uncomfortable with the charges.

In larger and more frequently visited cities (London, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Glasgow, etc.) tipping is more and more common; Americans are accustomed to leaving 20% at minimum, however the most common practice in the UK is to leave between 10 and 12%. In nicer restaurants up to 15% (provided that the service charge is not included) is a good rule of thumb. It is worth note that in the UK serversmustbe paid the national minimum wage and restaurant owners are NOT ALLOWED to calculate tips into that figure to raise servers wages to the minimum. If there is no service charge, then likely the server is only earning that minimum wage and will be appreciative of any additional tip.

If you are truly disappointed by the service or the food, forgo a tip altogether. Don`t worry, here they won`t chase you into the street demanding a tip or bad mouth you to the other customers. It just doesn`t work that way.

In cafes or bistros there are usually change bins or donation bins close to the register, most with notes attached that make it clear tips are appreciated. Here it is easiest to simply round up slightly to the next whole pound, no more. Nobody is expected to tip for self-service food (for example: if you order at a counter, pay at a register, and then pick your food up at a window or if you pick up a `grab and go` sandwich from a deli case). If the food is brought to your table then leaving small change, up to £1, is perfectly adequate. Tip £1 or £2 to delivery people who bring food from a restaurant to you at another location.

Pubs are a different beast entirely.The UK is famous for it`s pubs but tipping is not customary. Play it cool. Say `and one for yourself` when leaving the change behind. This offer of a drink is not usually permitted while barkeeps are working, so they will pocket the change as a tip! Additionally, some pubs have table service which is equivalent to bus staff. It is ok to leave some change for them, considering that they often end up running your drinks to your table and taking additional orders. If your change is brought on a silver tray (yes, it really happens!) they are quietly requesting a tip. Oblige if the service was good.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Tipping in hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs in the UK is a kind gesture. Tips are not expected but are greatly appreciated. The most commonly tipped employees are the porters and chambermaids, although in anything less than a 4-star hotel it is rarely common. If a porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is £1 or £2 per bag, usually no more than £5 total. For chambermaids a £1 or £2 tip, daily, is more than adequate. Leave these tips on the bed or the bedside table. Hotel Concierge staff can be very helpful for first time travelers; they are a wealth of information from directions to restaurant suggestions and reservations. Tip them a few pounds for their helpful service, if so desired. Some hotels (and upscale restaurants) will have restroom attendants, tip them with small change and bless them, since without them, there would be no toilet paper or soap there. Tip hotel staff who bring room service to your room at your discretion.

Watch out for this: Many hotels now have begun adding an included service charge of around 10% – 12% on your total bill so make sure to keep an eye out for this when you are checking out. If you do not understand your bill, ask to have it explained.

In smaller hotels and guesthouses tipping is not expected as they tend to be family run establishments. Such places appreciate repeat business, referrals, or positive feedback on recommendation sites. B&B owners would probably not know what to do when confronted with a five-pound note. In this case, a gesture such as a nice bunch of flowers would convey your gratitude.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

The first thing you will notice (particularly in London) about taxi service is that there is a big difference between a taxi (usually a black-colored cab) and a mini-cab. Literally anyone who can drive can become a mini-cab driver whereas taxi drivers have received lengthy training, tend to know their way around much more efficiently and are required by law to take the shortest route between points. The price of a black cab is usually markedly steeper than that of other services, but is worth the extra charge.

Tipping drivers is unusual, but appreciated, especially if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around. Most commonly rounding the fare to the nearest pound is customary, which is also a convenience for both the passenger and driver. While some may find this surprising, remember that multiple surcharges for a fare are already built into the metered price in taxis. If by chance your ride was very long or you asked the taxi driver to wait for you while running an errand and he obliged you can tip up to 10% or £5, whichever is the lesser. Needless to say, if your driver was rude or took you on an out of the way route to hike up the fare (which is illegal in black cabs, unless inevitable due to construction), do not leave a tip. If you`ve hired a private driver leave around £20 per day. If they went above and beyond you can always tip more. Always remember when travelling abroad that it is good practice to agree to a fare before the cab driver begins driving.

Tour Guides: Is a tip required?

Tipping tour guides is very much appreciated but not expected. Common practice is in the range of £5 per person for half a day, or £10 per person for a full day. Although most tour operators include a `tip` in quoted prices bear in mind that the guides are often paid a low wage, so if one is particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra if you wish! The guide may refuse at first but politely insist if you have really enjoyed your experience. Alternately, offer to buy their lunch if you are on a full day trip and it is not included.

Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?

Other Services: In the event that you are in the UK for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services (which are usually all-inclusive and do not require additional gratuity) andthe like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay in the 10% range.

Final Thoughts:

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.

Driving in Scotland

The thought of driving in Scotland, like in other nations where cars drive on the left-hand side of the road, can be daunting for American travelers who are used to driving on the right.

With that said, many American tourists do drive when exploring Scotland, and apart from the two largest cities (Edinburgh and Glasgow), a car is essential if you would like to explore the countryside.

In many rural areas, roads can be winding, and in some urban areas, roads can be narrow. Keep your concentration and practice defensive driving and you should be fine. It is recommended that you read the UK Highway Code before driving in Scotland or any of the other nations of the United Kingdom. Click on the `More Tips` link to find the Highway Code URL.

If you take the time to read our package on driving in Scotland, you will most likely have a stress-free trip. Enjoy exploring the picturesque beauty and storied history of Scotland!

Documents

Driver`s License

U.S. driver`s licenses are valid for 12 months in the United Kingdom; if you want to drive longer than that, you need to apply for a UK license. If you lose your U.S. license, make sure you apply for an International Driving Permit before leaving home and bring it with you at all times. This may help you in such a stressful event.

Additional Documents

Bring your passport, your driver`s license, including an International Driving Permit if you applied for one, a European Accident Statement (ask your car rental company), paperwork for accident and breakdown coverage, insurance certificate, and registration.

Insurance

Third-party insurance is the legal minimum drivers must buy before driving in the United Kingdom. Fines of £300 will be given to violators.

Glasses

If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving in the United States, you are required to wear them in the United Kingdom as well.

Warning Triangles and Visibility Vests

First-aid kits, warning triangles, and fire extinguishers are required before driving in the United Kingdom; your car rental company should already have these placed in your car. Make sure you check before leaving. If broken down on a carriageway, place your warning triangle approximately 150 feet behind your car. High-visibility vests are not required in the United Kingdom but many people choose to include them in their first-aid car packages.

Headlamp Beam Deflectors

Beam deflectors are not required for driving in the United Kingdom but are required in other EU countries, so if you plan on driving to France, you will need to make sure the headlights are fixed before leaving. Ask your car rental company how you will apply headlamp beam deflectors. Some cars require stickers, others require for the beam to be adjusted manually.

Snow Chains

Snow chains are legal in the United Kingdom but they must be used only on snow-covered roads and not in a way that will damage the road surface. Once back on smooth concrete, snow chains must be removed. Snow chains are recommended in certain spots in Scotland, but are not mandatory.

Lights

Headlights must be used in the time period that corresponds to 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Side lights and rear registration lights must be lit during nighttime hours as well. Lights can be dipped at night in urban areas and in daytime weather that is cloudy or foggy. Dipped headlights are recommended when driving between the months of November and February. Headlights must be used during times of reduced daytime visibility outside of those months, but they must be turned off when the visibility improves.

Other

Emergency, police and fire services in Scotland can be accessed by calling 999. Non-emergency police services can be accessed by dialing 101.

General Rules

Drinking and Driving:

The legal limit of blood alcohol content in Scotland is 0.05%, which is lower than the 0.08% limit in England and Wales. Punishments for drinking and driving are heavy in Scotland: The maximum sentence is imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving. Tourists will not be allowed to drive in Scotland after the first offense. The rule for drinking and driving is simple: don`t do it. Take a taxi or some other form of transportation if you want to drink at pubs or nightclubs.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts are mandatory for drivers as well as for front and back seat passengers.

Cell Phones:

Cell phones are only allowed to be used by drivers in England if the call can be conducted hands-free (like through Bluetooth and car speakers). You will be given a citation and be made to pay a fine of £200 if you are caught using your cell phone without these hands-free devices.

Navigation Aids

Navigation aids such as GPS are allowed while driving in England, but the phone must be mounted to the windshield or dashboard, and you must not press any navigation buttons on the GPS or phone while driving. A fine of £200 can and will be given to violators.

Speed Trap Detectors:

In England, both fixed and mobile radar and laser speed camera detection devices are legal. Scramblers and jammers are illegal.

Driving Age:

The driving age in England is set at 17; learner`s permits are issued beginning at 15 years, 9 months. Drivers coming from the United States must be over the age of 17. Many car rental companies will not rent to people under 18, and may charge premiums to drivers under the age of 25.

Using Indicators:

Indicators must be used when overtaking and any other time it is applicable. English drivers are also known to use hand gestures in traffic to signal turns, to merge onto roads and roundabouts, and to allow drivers into their lanes. You will find that you will use both indicators and hand signals while driving in England. If a driver is nice enough to let you into a roundabout or lane, wave back at them, like you would in the United States.

Overtaking:

According to the UK Highway Code, you should remain in the center or outer lanes if you are overtaking a number of slower moving vehicles, instead of changing lanes multiple times. Once you have finished overtaking, return to the left lane. Slower vehicles should remain in the left lane, unless overtaking. Slower vehicles should not be in the right lane at all. Do not drive on the hard shoulder; that is for vehicles to park their cars when experiencing distress or after an accident.

Roundabout:

Also according to the UK Highway Code, you should use your indicators and hand signals to let other drivers know your intentions. Remain aware of the speed of the traffic around you and keep at the same speed limit when entering and exiting the roundabout. Always give priority to traffic coming from the right-hand side, unless signs tell you otherwise. Look at the road markings and make sure you have the right of way before entering the roundabout; if you don`t have that right of way, wait for other vehicles or pedestrians to pass. When taking the first exit on the roundabout, turn your left signal on and approach the left lane. Keep left and signal left to exit. If you are exiting on the right, keep to the right until you are ready to exit and then use your left signal after you pass the exit before the one you want to take. For intermediate exits, choose the lane that is more appropriate and stay in that lane until you pass the last exit before the one you want to take and signal left.

Lights:

Headlights must be used in the time period that corresponds to 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Side lights and rear registration lights must be lit during nighttime hours as well. Lights can be dipped at night in urban areas and in daytime weather that is cloudy or foggy. Headlights must be used during times of reduced daytime visibility, but they must be turned off when the visibility improves.

Losing Your License:

Fines for Motoring Offenses in England:

Speeding typically results in a fine of £100, although speeding over 45% of the posted limit could cause your driving privileges to be revoked. Fines and penalties have become harsher over the years for using your phone while driving. As of March 2017, this includes using your phone while in traffic. Careless driving (swerving, not driving inside the lines) will set you back £100. More dangerous driving behavior will send you directly in front of a magistrate. Driving without insurance will incur a minimum fine of £300. Children not using correct car seats will result in the parents being fined £500.

Children:

Car seats must be used for children who have either not reached the age of 12 years or the height of 135 cm (53 inches). Rear-facing car seats must be used for children under the age of 15 months, after which time front-facing seats are required. Car seats may be installed in the front but rear-facing car seats may not be used in the front if the passenger side has an airbag equipped.

Accidents:

In the United Kingdom, you must stop after an accident if someone else besides yourself is injured, no matter if there is only one car or multiple cars involved. The same rule applies if vehicles (other than your own) or property are damaged, an animal outside the vehicle is injured or killed, or if street lamps or signs are damaged. You are required to make sure medical assistance is coming to the scene, if needed. The emergency number is 999. After that, you must stay long enough to exchange names, contact information and insurance and registration information. If you want to report the incident to the police, it must be done within 24 hours of the accident. If you can exchange insurance and nobody is injured, police do not necessarily need to be involved. Inform your insurance company of the accident; failure to promptly do so can result in your claim being dismissed, even if the accident was not your fault. Do not admit liability for the accident as this can hurt your standing with the insurance company should you file a claim afterward. If the other person involved in the accident does not have insurance, a claim can be filed with the governmental Motor Insurers` Bureau.

Parking

The situation with regard to parking is a mixed bag in Scotland. Street parking, when it is adequate, is at a premium. In many areas, there are no areas on streets for cars to park, and you may see cars parked on the sidewalk. While locals do that, this has been an issue the Scottish government has tried to combat for years, and there may very well be a complete ban in the future. At the very least, it is frowned upon, despite how common it is, so the easy rule would be not to park on the sidewalk. Car parks will probably be your best bet for parking. You will most likely pay at a machine; some machines take credit/debit cards but many will require cash. Keep pound coins and low paper denominations on hand for parking. Expect to pay at least £2-3 per hour. Car parks tend to have good security, including closed-circuit cameras, but do not leave valuables in a parked car in any case. Disabled parking permits from the United States are only accepted at the discretion of local jurisdictions so check with a police officer before parking. Bring your U.S. parking permit, but as stated before, there is no requirement for Scotland to honor an American parking permit.

Gas Stations

Gas stations in Scotland (which they call `petrol stations`) are quite similar to the ones in the United States. Nearly all gas stations are self-service. You can pay at the pump or inside and credit/debit cards are taken at nearly every gas station. Unlike in the U.S., you typically pay for gas after you filled up, not before. Most gas stations also offer a convenience store component and many (but not all) offer bathrooms. As a rule, it is usually cheaper to get your gas in towns and cities instead of at service parks along busy motorways.

Unleaded (95 and 98 octane) and diesel fuel are the most popular fuel options; make sure you figure out which type of fuel your car needs, and make sure you pick the right one before filling up. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is also an option at many locations for certain car types. As far as business hours are concerned, 24-hour gas stations exist in the United Kingdom, but they are not as ubiquitous as in the United States. Gas stations tend to open early, between 5 and 7 a.m., and stay open until at least 9 or 10 p.m., if not as late as midnight. In more rural areas such as the Highlands, gas stations tend to close for the evening by 7 p.m.

Useful Words

Some useful words to commit to memory, with the American meaning afterward:

Bonnet – Car hood
Boot – Trunk
Car park – Parking lot, parking garage
Central reservation – Divider, median
Give way – Yield
Indicator – Turn signal
Lorry – Truck
Motorway – Highway, freeway, parkway
Pavement – Sidewalk
Windscreen – Windshield
Traffic light – Stop light
Amber – Yellow (as in the stop light color).

Speed Limits

These are the current speed limits nationwide. Note that many local jurisdictions reserve the right to lower these numbers.

Motorways – 70 mph (60 mph if driving and towing an additional vehicle)
Dual Carriageways – 70 mph (60 mph if driving and towing an additional vehicle)
Other standard roads – 60 mph (50 mph for non-automobiles)
Built-up areas – 30 mph (20 mph near schools)
Rural areas – 60 mph (50 mph if driving and towing an additional vehicle).

More to Know

– Read the Highway Code before leaving, so you are up-to-date on driving laws in the United Kingdom, which vary slightly from American laws. You can read the Code for free online at www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety.

– Be vigilant at all times while driving. In Scotland, cars drive on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car. As you become more comfortable with driving in Scotland, you may be more tempted to let your guard down. It`s at these times when you can cause an accident, either with another car or on your own, being unfamiliar with right-side steering cars. Concentrate at all times, and if you are lost, exit the motorway and find a gas station or shop where you can receive directions.

– Direction signs on motorways have a blue backdrop and signs on trunk roads will have a green backdrop. Signs on local roads are white with a black border, and speed limit signs are typically white circular signs with a red perimeter. Speed limit signs are posted in miles per hour, not kilometers per hour.

– Be nice and courteous while on the road. Local drivers will be more forgiving of minor faux pas if you have a cheerful attitude.

Choosing a Car in Europe

If you plan to rent a car in Europe, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the operation of the manual transmission. The vast majority of rental cars have manual transmissions. There are only a limited number of automatics available.
The very concept of ‘car’ is radically different between North America and Europe. Whereas in the US and Canada size really matters, Europeans look for fuel economy and have cramped parking conditions in mind. Here are some hints on choosing the right car when renting.

Transmission – Not Automatically Automatic

The very first thing to bear in mind is the transmission. Whereas most rental cars in North America will be equipped with automatic transmission, manual transmission is the norm in Europe. In addition the gearshift will be to the left of the driver. If you are not familiar with a manual transmission be sure to select an automatic. And remember that the ‘exotic’ automatic transmissions may sell out fast, so book early.

Interior Space

Most rental cars are standard European or Japanese vehicles, built for cramped road conditions and comparatively short journeys. Especially the lower categories (Sub-Compact and Compact) are typical ‘city cars’ for the occasional user. Even ‘mid-size’ in Europe would be rated Compact in the US. So expect tighter conditions and choose a larger vehicle if traveling long distances.

Seats and Legroom

Cars are smaller and Europeans are used to them, so this leads to different car ratings. In the US, a car rated for two adults and two children, would be rated for five adults in Ireland. If you are in any way larger than the average European (5 ft 7 in, 165 pounds) go for a larger vehicle.

The Trunk

Luggage space in European and Japanese cars can be tight. Sub-Compact and Compact vehicles will more than likely be of the hatchback type with no actual trunk and a somewhat cramped storage area in the back. Getting four adults and their luggage into a Sub-Compact is nearly impossible. If you are planning to take your full baggage allowance go for a Mid-Size at least. Do not plan on leaving your luggage in view while touring, this will attract undesirable attention.

Extras – You Don’t Need Them

When looking up European rental cars you might notice that air conditioning or cruise control are not necessarily included in the specifications. You will not really miss them. While air conditioning can occasionally be nice during the short Irish summer, cruise control would be of no practical use at all.

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