Scotland is both confusing and brilliant; it is full of mysterious glens, ghostly castles, and enigmatic lochs; it is overrun with mind-boggling festivals and lyrical bagpipe players; and it is bathed in peated whisky, gin, and rain.
It is the country’s specialty to delight and baffle visitors, giving them a double dose of wonder at every turn. You wouldn’t know it from the upbeat inhabitants who seem to take life as it comes.
Even though visitors to Scotland may find themselves in several out-of-the-ordinary situations—hiking in shorts and an umbrella during the summer, for example, or being terrorized by an invisible nuisance, the blood-sucking midge—the country is quite simple to navigate if you are prepared with the answers to a few key questions and practical considerations.
How would you recommend getting around outside of Edinburgh? When visiting Scotland’s islands, how long do you recommend spending there? Is it acceptable to deep-fry Mars Bars in Scotland?
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, with the guide from GolfHolidaysDirect.com, here are a few essentials and hints on local customs to keep in mind.
Pack and dress in layers, even if it’s summer.
The saying goes that Scotland enjoyed a wonderful summer last year, but it was on a Wednesday. The weather in this nation is like a merry-go-round of constantly changing seasons; for example, a single summer day may be rainy, windy, and glorious, all in the same spot and at almost the same time.
May, early June, and September tend to have the most consistent bright and dry weather. You’ll be content in any season if grey is your preferred hue.
If you plan on attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, check the forecast.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, takes place in August, during the so-called height of summer, but it frequently rains out. You should pack a sense of humor, a penchant for theatrics, a love of the circus, a thirst for raucous beer gardens, a pair of shoes that can handle getting wet, and an umbrella you don’t.
You can spend Scottish pounds sterling everywhere in the United Kingdom.
Although it may sound ridiculous, the wide variety of British banknotes might need to be clarified. There is no distinction between Scottish, English, and Northern Irish versions of the pound sterling; all three are equally acceptable as currency throughout the United Kingdom. While you can exchange English currency for Scottish krona in Scotland, many shops south of the border will only accept pound sterling. Even worse rates are offered by some money transfer businesses for Scottish banknotes.
Always be wary when discussing current events and politics.
Scotland is a politically fractured nation. There is an expanding independence movement, but other Scots are adamant about not leaving the United Kingdom. Suppose you want to avoid offending locals in the pub. In that case, it’s helpful to have a cursory understanding of the political and monetary union between England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland (de facto a separate country with its parliament).
There may be dramatic shifts in Scotland over the next decade. Westminster had resisted calls for a second independence referendum after the 2014 vote before Brexit failed to pass. Learning even the most basic facts about Scotland’s political and social history will enrich your trip there and serve as a timely reminder that you are experiencing more than just a physical location.
Outside of major cities, driving may be an art form in itself.
Scotland looks like a minor player at best compared to the rest of Europe. It’s simple to take in by map and then tour via car in a couple of days, right? Wrong.
Perhaps the most significant impact of Scotland’s jigsaw-puzzle design is that, outside of the major cities, traveling from point A to point B always takes longer than the GPS and Google Maps said.
Due to the prevalence of one-lane roads, drivers frequently need to pull over to the shoulder to let other cars pass (a pleasant wave is encouraged as part of the roadside theatre). Tractors, campers, and motorhomes, which move slowly, can bring traffic to a halt, especially on the North Coast 500, which has gained notoriety in recent years. It’s also possible for lost sheep and red deer to block traffic.
Scotland has a thin train and bus network, so a car or camper will get you where you need to go faster and more efficiently. Or, you may ride your bike, inflatable kayak, or canoe on a Scotrail service, which has been upgraded to include extra bike carriages and capacity for cumbersome sports equipment.
Plan for more time, not less.
Visitors to Scotland often lament one thing after their first trip. Attempting to see and do too much on a single excursion. At least a week is required to see Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands, Stirling, and Perthshire. You’ll need two weeks to visit the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides, and that’s pushing it.
Three to four weeks are ideal for exploring Scotland and its unique islands. To lessen your impact on the environment, consider limiting your travels to a more compact region, like the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway or Aberdeenshire and Moray. If you do this, you’ll be more likely to support the local economies of the little towns and villages you may otherwise speed by.
Putting on a kilt is optional.
The myth that wearing a kilt is connected to having a historical right to do so is complete nonsense. A pleated, knee-length skirt with a furry sporran makes the wearer look more put together, regardless of gender, nationality, or loyalty to Scotland. Scotland is the best place to take your tartan measurements if you require a new wardrobe staple.
Feel free to join in the fun.
In Scotland, visiting a local watering hole is practically a constitutional right. The Scots are known for being amiable and easy to talk to. They have a wide variety of phrases for being “intoxicated,” such as “blootered,” “bladdered,” “hammered,” “steamed,” “smashed,” and “wrecked.” They are not shy about inviting strangers to join them for a drink or dram, especially on Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve).
Inviting someone to a party or pub is more usual than in many other countries. Be cautious and alert, just like you would in any other location.
Is it okay to drink the tap water there?
Yes. Water is not a problem in Scotland. Reduce your reliance on disposable plastic by bringing a reusable water bottle, and use the free system of rivers and lochs by getting out into nature.
