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37 Scotland Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: October 19, 2023

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Scotland is one of those countries that has the world in a permanent chokehold. With idyllic lochs and glens, soaring Munros, vibrant cities, and absurdly charming accents… it’s hard to believe sometimes that this country is real.

But real it is my friends, and somehow, it’s even better when you get to see it all in person.

Unlike other places in the world where reality pales in comparison to the filtered photos, Scotland is somehow more magical, more captivating, and more charming than photos can convey… so long as you prepare properly.

I recently spent a month in Scotland, mainly for festival season in Edinburgh and there were a lot of silly things I had to learn the hard way. Turns out Scotland, while amazing, can have a few traps and easy mistakes that first timers fall into.

So, in this post, I’ll be sharing the Scotland travel tips I wish I had before my first visit. I hope you find them helpful! 

Save this list of Scotland Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Know the difference between Scotland, England, the UK & Great Britain

Alright, let’s kickstart this list of Scotland travel tips with a simple but very important distinction: the difference between Scotland, England, the UK & Great Britain.

While I’d like to think not too many people use them interchangeably, here’s what you need to know: Scotland is located in the northern portion of the island of Great Britain .

It is part of the United Kingdom but it’s culturally very distinct from other parts of the UK, like England, Wales & Northern Ireland.

So, keep in mind that when you go to Scotland, you’re experiencing Scottish culture and hearing Scottish accents – don’t call them English or refer to their accents as “British”. 

2. Familiarize yourself with Scotland’s airports

When planning your grand arrival into bonny Scotland, you should know that there are five international airports in Scotland:

• Aberdeen International Airport
• Edinburgh Airport
• Glasgow International Airport
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport (AKA just Prestwick Airport)
• Inverness Airport

For most visitors from overseas, Edinburgh Airport is the most common point of entry and is well connected to the city by public transport like buses and trams.

NOTE: While its flights are limited, Glasgow Prestwick is the only airport in Scotland that’s directly connected to the country’s rail network, but all the other airports are well served by other forms of public transport like buses and trams.

3. Create a mixed itinerary to make the most of all Scotland has to offer

Now in terms of where to go, believe me when I say that there is SO much to see in Scotland that one trip, even fifty trips, wouldn’t be enough.

So, to make the most of your time, I’d suggest mixing things up and combining both city and nature travel, as well as famous and offbeat sights to get a varied taste of what makes Scotland so special.

While most first time visitors will usually visit some combination of Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Highlands, that’s just a tiny portion of the country, which the official tourism authority divides into over a dozen different regions.

So, be sure to look beyond the most famous areas to create a well-rounded trip you’ll never forget. Ever.

… So how can you find places more off the beaten path? Well, here are some ideas…

4. Prioritize exploring one area thoroughly vs. trying to cover too much ground

If your goal is to combine both iconic sights with more offbeat finds, then I would recommend picking a smaller area of Scotland to cover for your trip, rather than trying to cover too much ground.

The truth is there are loads of ultra famous places in Scotland like the Isle of Skye or Loch Ness, but if you do your research, you’ll likely be able to find many alternatives for famous islands, lochs or castles closer to your chosen base.  Loch Ness for instance is literally only one of over 30,000 lochs. 

So sticking to a small area will not only save money but also help you find hidden gems of your own.

5. Get inspiration from local Scottish content creators

I would also recommend consuming content from creators based in Scotland because they’re way more likely to have covered offbeat places compared to bloggers who come for a week or two, or even a month like me.

(I mean give me time to catch up… I’m working on it!)

In the meantime, until I can empty my savings and drool reservoir in the foolish pursuit of ‘completing Scotland’, here are some Scotland-based creators I can recommend:

• Watch Me See 
• Wayfaring Kiwi 

6. Rent a car if you want to explore in-depth

While public transport with trains and buses is pretty good between and within cities in Scotland, you will definitely need a car if you want to explore Scotland’s nature & countryside in-depth.

There are some seriously gorgeous road trips in Scotland like the…

• North Coast 500
• The North East 250 
• And many many more

Plus having a car will just allow you to see a lot more on your own schedule, so if independence is important to you, then car rental is a must.

And I say this from experience! My boyfriend and I didn’t have a car during our month in Scotland because we stayed primarily in Edinburgh, and while we were still able to see a lot through booking day tours, this of course restricted us to some of the best known and most visited places in Scotland.

Granted, we still had a wonderful time, but there was no shaking the shameless tourist vibe, so if you’re someone who likes to explore more offbeat places, then you’ll definitely need a car for that.

If you do rent a car though…

7. Prepare yourself for driving in Scotland

Apart from driving on the left side, roads can be quite narrow and regulations may be different to what you’re used to at home.

The legal alcohol limit for instance is stricter than elsewhere in the UK, which catches a lot of people off guard if they just want to have a beer with lunch, so be sure to read up on all the rules before you go rather than assuming.

8. Plan for (or around) Scotland’s peak seasons

In terms of when to go, know that peak season is definitely summer, especially August in and around Edinburgh, when the entire city come alive with festival season. ( Read my Edinburgh travel tips too if you’re headed that way!)

There’s also other fun summer events like Highland Games across the country, as well as some very popular winter festivals as well, including Hogmanay, the country’s very famous New Year’s celebrations.

This is why you should book as far in advance as possible for peak periods like summer and Christmas if you want to experience some of these cultural events… or plan to visit in off/shoulder seasons if you want to get away from the crowds. 

9. Book ahead whenever possible

In any case, booking ahead for accommodation is always a good idea in Scotland.

A lot of popular tourist places like Inverness are relatively small and don’t have that many hotels compared to larger cities, so booking in advance is your best defense against eye-gouging prices.

10. Take note that there’s freedom to roam 

Now, this is a Scotland travel tip that you’re not likely to use as an average tourist, but just to throw this out there, if you enjoy camping or just wandering out to new places with reckless abandon, Scotland is an excellent place for it thanks to their rules around ‘freedom to roam’ (AKA right to roam).

Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of 2003, Scotland has this principle known as freedom to roam, which gives people the right to access most land and inland water for (non-motorised) recreational activities, with main exceptions being common sense areas like private gardens and fields with crops.

So, if you want to get out there and really experience Scotland’s nature, go for it!

11. Get a travel-friendly credit card before your trip

As I mentioned in my England travel tips post, these days, contactless card payments are increasingly common across the UK, with many public transport systems relying on them, and even some establishments becoming card-only.

The same is true in Scotland, so if you don’t have a travel-friendly credit card already (meaning one that minimizes fees abroad) then I’d recommend getting one.

I used my Wise card pretty much everyday and never had any issues. They’re my go-to for simple travel-friendly cards, plus your card is sent to you for free so there’s really no downsides.

12. Be sure to try local Scottish delicacies

Alright, with that shiny new card in hand, it’s time to spend it on some tasty Scottish fare.

Here are some iconic Scottish dishes to fuel you through your sightseeing rampage through Scotland:

• Haggis: A famous dish that requires no introduction – keep an open mind and try it before you Google it. I actually think it’s pretty good! It’s usually served with neeps and tatties, which are mashed turnip and mashed potato
• Cullen skink: A creamy fish soup, usually served with some bread
• Chicken tikka masala : Marinated chicken in a spiced tomato-based sauce. Fun fact, it’s considered a national dish of the UK, which some credit to a chef in Glasgow 
• Shortbread: THE buttery cookie beloved across the world!

And if you want to try something more gluttonous, Scottish chippies are pretty famous for their ability to fry anything , from pizza to Mars Bars. 

Many takeaway places also do munchie boxes which involve tons of (usually deep fried) fast food thrown into a box. Maybe good to try just once, for the sake of your arteries.

13. Make food bookings in advance

Now, in terms of restaurants, it might be smart to book in advance, especially during peak season.

This is especially true in smaller places like Inverness where there aren’t a ton of options. Luckily, these days, most food spots have fairly simple booking systems online when you search them up on Google Maps. For more old school restaurants, email or phone bookings also work well.

In any case, if you have your heart set on a particular place, make sure to book ahead whenever you’re able to.

14. Try whisky, but know the ground rules

Now another important tip when in Scotland is to try whisky.

… I mean duh. Of course you will! In the name of culture.

I do have to share some ground rules I learned the hard way though, so remember the following:

• Call it a whisky not a scotch
• Be sure to order it as a dram of whiskey, not a shot
• Remember whisky should be sipped slowly and savoured, not just quickly knocked back 

And if you’re overwhelmed with the selection which is inevitable, a good trick is to just ask the bartender for a recommendation… BUT do give them some general guidance on your preferences otherwise it’s as ridiculous a question as asking “can you recommend me a food?”

Generally, some taste profiles that go into whisky include smokiness, fruitiness, nuttiness, peatiness and how floral it is. So be prepared with your preferences so they can guide you to the right recommendation.

NOTE: It goes without saying, only ask for recommendations when it’s not super busy. If you’re at a pub and they’re up to their eyeballs in orders, that’s generally not the time to ask for their whisky insights.

Lastly, this is unlikely to come up as a tourist, but be mindful that whisky in Scotland is spelled without the e. This is a mistake I made a lot! Whiskey with an e is more often used to describe Irish whiskey and we don’t talk about her here.

15. Book a whisky experience if you can

Now if you’re into whisky or new to it, one fun Scotland tip is touring a distillery or doing a whisky experience at some point.

Whisky is a drink that’s easier to appreciate when you know more about it, which is why I’d recommend booking some kind of tour or experience that teaches you about whisky and how to appreciate it, rather than just a standard tasting.

There’s over 100 whisky distilleries to choose from, many of which offer tours. It’s shamelessly touristy but one of the best things to do in Edinburgh (IMO) is the new Johnnie Walker experience in Edinburgh . I thought it was SO much fun, and super informative for a newbie.

Just be warned: you will definitely walk out of there a brainwashed Johnnie Walker convert. I definitely hoarded a few bottles at Duty-Free…

That said, be sure to…

16. Try gin and other tipples in Scotland too

I was really pleasantly surprised during my month in Scotland to see that gin is a pretty big deal, with 70% of the UK’s gin produced here.

The craft beer scene is also growing rapidly, so be sure to diversify your booze portfolio beyond just whisky.

… All in the name of culture, of course.

17. Be sure to try a glug of IRN BRU

One of my favourite fun facts is that Scotland is one of the very few places in the world where Coca Cola isn’t the best selling soft drink. The unlikely national hero? IRN BRU – a bright orange soda with a flavour that’s really hard to describe… 

It is considered one of THE most quintessentially Scottish things though so be sure to try it while you’re in Scotland!

18. Take advantage of meal deals for budget-friendly feeds

Now, dining out all the time in Scotland can quickly add up to budget-destroying levels, so a good solution if you’re just on the go is heading to a supermarket to get some picnic foods, or in a pinch, trying an almighty Meal Deal.

Meal Deals are a staple of UK chains that allows you to grab a main, a snack and a drink for less than £5. Some chains now require you to sign up for a free loyalty card (eg Tesco Clubcard) to unlock the best deals though, so be mindful of that and do it in advance if you think the savings would be worth it.

19. Beware of seagulls 

Random but wildly important Scotland tip: if you find yourself dining outdoors at any point, DO be mindful that sneaky seagulls may be lurking nearby, ready to snap your food away in seconds.

… You’ve been warned.

20. Don’t assume that all of Scotland is kilts and bagpipes

Now, moving over to Scotland culture & etiquette tips, I want to remind you that Scotland is more than just its stereotypes.

… Which can be hard to believe, because in touristy areas, they really do ham things up for tourists, so you’ll see a ton of tartan, endless kilts, and plenty of bagpipes, but Scotland is a modern country with plenty to offer beyond its more traditional draws, so be sure to experience that side of Scotland too in addition to the fun touristy stuff.

NOTE: Please also refrain from asking weird questions based on stereotypes. I overheard a tourist ask a man if he wears anything under his kilt. Whether a misguided tourist question or bad flirting, I’d advise against it.

21. Be prepared to hear some Scots & Gaelic

Language-wise when travelling around Scotland, you will be 100% fine with English, but do know that depending on where you are, you may encounter Scots or Gaelic (which you’ll see a lot on road signs).

Now take note that while they’re spelled the same, Scottish Gaelic (pronounced Gah-lick) is not the same as Irish Gaelic (pronounced Gay-lick). They both descended from the same source but are now two very distinct languages.

And while as a tourist, you won’t need to learn Scots or Gaelic to get by, there are some pieces of vocabulary used in place names so it’s worth knowing them.

For instance…

• Loch = lake 
• Ben = peaks or mountains
• Glen = valleys
• Alba = the Gaelic name for Scotland, seen quite a lot, like in the localized channels for BBC, which is known in Scotland as BBC Alba

22. Know what it means to “bag a Munro”

Another piece of vocabulary to know is Munro, which refers to mountains in Scotland over 3000 ft. This doesn’t come from Scots or Gaelic though, they’re named for Sir Hugh Munro, who famously published a list of Scotland’s highest mountains. 

Hardcore people today make a hobby out of “bagging Munros” which means reaching the top of these mega-mountains. There’s 282 of them, and the current record is held by a badass woman known as Jamie Aarons , who bagged all 282 Munros in 31 days.

31. DAYS. That’s an average of over 9 Munros a day.

Meanwhile, here’s me:

Now if you’re not up for bagging Munros, a more feasible challenge might simply be to…

23. Learn to pronounce Scottish place names somewhat correctly 

One of the most common tourist mistakes you encounter in Scotland is first time visitors pronouncing words/names wrong, which is fair because not all names are pronounced like how they’re spelled in English.

So, here are some common ones to take note of:

• Edinburgh is pronounced Ed-in-bruh, not Eden-Borrow, Edin-borrow, or Edin-berg 
• Glasgow is pronounced Glaz-go, not not Glass-G’ow
• Culross is pronounced Coo-Riss, not Cull-Ross

… and many, many more.

The key is to listen out for how locals are pronouncing it whether that be your taxi driver, your guide or even the automated announcements the train station.

That said, there’s obviously slight differences depending on accents, and Scottish people tend to be really nice and forgiving so don’t stress too much.

24. Beware of sightseeing passes

Unfortunately, paid attractions in Scotland can be quite pricey, and while sightseeing passes (e.g. ones where you pay a set fee for many different attractions at once) do exist, many of them aren’t worth it unless you’ll be visiting a wide range of sights across the country.

Some common ones include…

• City-specific passes like the Edinburgh City Pass
• Historic Scotland
• National Trust for Scotland
• The Explorer Pass

So, before blindly purchasing one of these passes, I would make sure to first total up the cost of the attractions you actually want to see, then comparing it to the pass cost. Often you’ll find it’s not worth it unless you’re staying for a long time and visiting many attractions during your visit.

25. Take advantage of all the free attractions

One of my favourite things about Scotland is just how many free museums and attractions there are to visit.

In pretty much every destination, you’ll find free things to do, so before you spend all your money on attraction tickets, be sure to search up free things to do in your destination of choice. Odds are, you’ll find plenty!

26. Get familiar with Scottish accents before your trip

Now, another tricky thing for first time visitors in Scotland is if you’re not used to it, understanding the Scottish accent may be a challenge, especially once you leave big cities and start venturing farther out.

But a fun Scotland tip for getting used to the accent is simply watching movies and TV shows set in Scotland. This will also help you adjust to some vocabulary differences, as well as just get you excited for your trip.

Some recommendations include (obviously) Outlander if you’re into that kind of show, or Mary Queen of Scots and Outlaw King for some handy historical context and beautiful backdrops. 

PS: This might be a good time to mention that Braveheart is wildly inaccurate but entertaining nonetheless.

27. Carry a bit of cash, especially coins

While paid toilets aren’t a universal thing in Scotland like in other countries (e.g. Germany ), apparently 18 councils across the country do charge a small fee for using the toilet (usually 30p or less).

I noticed this when I was in Inverness and the surrounding area, with many public toilets (even in train and bus stations) charging a small amount like 10 or 20p for the facilities, so it’s not enough to just bring some cash, coins are a must.

28. Scottish money is different, but English bills are welcome too

Plus beware that while Scotland does use the pound just like the rest of the UK, there are specific Scottish bills/notes that are unique.

This shouldn’t be too big of a deal since English pounds are accepted everywhere as well, and technically speaking these Scottish bills are legal tender throughout the UK, but do withdraw your cash sparingly as sometimes places elsewhere in the UK can be a bit funny about accepting Scottish banknotes.

29. Tip around 10% for good service

Now in terms of tipping in Scotland, tips aren’t mandatory in all settings but usually when it comes to sit-down table service, 10% ish is common for good service.

30. Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk (AKA pavement) for photos

Having experienced this too many times during my month in Edinburgh, I now completely understand the local rage against it.

Scotland is beautiful and you will be compelled to take photos every three seconds, but before you do so, make sure you pull over to the side and not block anyone’s way. 

31. Be prepared for all kinds of weather

Scottish weather is notoriously gloomy and random. So even if you are coming in the summer, don’t expect summer weather all the time…

Instead, be prepared for all kinds of potential weather at all times by packing layers that are versatile for different conditions.

I would definitely prioritize a good waterproof or windproof jacket over an umbrella because with Scottish rain comes Scottish wind which makes many umbrellas quite useless.

32. Prioritize comfortable walking shoes

And, unless you have a specific event you know you’ll be going to, no need to bring heels or fancy footwear. Comfort is key!

Which is how I ended up with silly outfits like this:

33. Beware of midges and ticks

If you plan to do any hiking in Scotland, be sure to prepare against the notorious Scottish midges and ticks. Bring insect repellant and lots of it!

34. Make sure you go to a place with some live music

There’s honestly no better way to finish off a day of sightseeing in Scotland than with a cold beer and live music. Be sure to add this into your itinerary at some point! It’s so much fun.

35. Avoid cheap souvenir shops and outfits in busy tourist areas

Lastly, a few Scotland tips for buying souvenirs: the first one being to avoid the tacky souvenir shops you see in busy touristy areas.

Sadly, these shops aren’t necessarily selling you the best quality stuff and if you’re looking for wearable souvenirs like a Tartan scarf that will actually last, then getting one from a pricier but more reputable brand might be a good idea. A lot of the souvenir shops sell polyester replicas which aren’t the best quality. 

The same idea goes for other souvenir items – finding an independent shop stocked with local makers might mean more unique and better quality gifts to bring home.

36. Avoid buying the cheap souvenir shop tartan berets & kilts

On a similar note, I would also personally avoid buying & wearing cheap souvenir shop accessories, like tartan berets, especially the ones with red hair attached to them, just because people in Scotland really don’t wear those in their day to day lives and they look a bit silly. 

The same applies for buying souvenir shop kilts. I honestly can’t imagine a scenario where it would make sense for a tourist to buy and wear a kilt while they’re just out exploring… especially because they don’t tend to be day to day attire for Scottish people anyway.

At the end of the day though, wear whatever makes you happy!

37. Be sure to leave space in your luggage

Last but not least, remember to pack light when you come to Scotland so you have room for goodies to bring home!

There are many excellent potential souvenirs in Scotland, but they tend to be bulkier items like wooly goods, so make sure you have the space for it.

PRO TIP: You can always pack a second bag (or nest a small suitcase within a larger one) so you only have to check a second bag on the way home.

Did I Forget Any of Your Favourite Scottish Travel Tips?

Let me know in the comments! Safe and happy travels 🙂

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

2 thoughts on “37 Scotland Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

Christina. A good fair and accurate assessment of Scotland.

Allan( a Scot from Kirkcaldy)

Thanks so much, Allan! 🙂

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19 Essential Scotland Travel Tips to Read Before Your First Visit

If you are a frequent traveler and an English speaker, visiting Scotland is pretty easy (although driving in Scotland can still be a little hair-raising.) However, if you are a bit nervous about your trip and want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row, be sure to read these Scotland travel tips before you go!

I have visited Scotland twice, once on a solo trip to Edinburgh and another as a Scotland road trip with friends (thank you Keryn for being an awesome driver!) and I’ve learned and experienced so much that I want to share with anyone planning their first trip to Scotland. 

My Top Scotland Travel Tips

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Language 

English is the official language in the United Kingdom and the dominant language in Scotland. There are still those that speak Scots in the Lowlands or Scottish Gaelic in the Highlands, but getting around Scotland is no problem for English speakers — although you may need to listen closely to understand those with a heavy Scottish accent.

As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland uses the British Pound (£). Scotland actually has its own pound notes but you can use English bills as well.

Almost all restaurants, shops, and parking machines take chip-enabled credit cards and/or digital payments such as Apple Pay. However, you will need coins for some parking machines and coins or small bills for tips or small purchases. I’d recommend either requesting small bills from your local bank before you leave or visiting an ATM when you arrive.

If you are wondering how much money you need, be sure to read my post on how much a Scotland trip costs .

Tipping is not the same as in the U.S.. In many instances, service is included at restaurants. If you are paying by card and want to leave a tip, you need to let the server know to add it before you tap your card. For sit-down restaurants, a 10-15 percent gratuity is appropriate but not necessary. At casual cafes, you can leave a few coins or round up your bill.

Scotland uses 230 voltage and you will need a three-pronged adapter with a G-type plug, which is different from most of Europe. If your appliance or device has a dual voltage power supply (which you can usually check by looking on the label or manual), you only need a plug adapter. Dual voltage devices can automatically switch between 120V and 230V.

However, if your device does not have a dual voltage power supply, you will need a voltage converter. It’s important to choose a voltage converter that is powerful enough for your device. The wattage of your device will be listed on the label.

Car Rentals

If you plan on renting a car, be sure to book months or weeks in advance for better pricing and availability, especially if you want a car with an automatic transmission. Try to book the smallest car that will fit your luggage and one that has a back up camera. I’d also suggest getting full insurance. I typically use Auto Europe to compare rates from different vendors. International driving permits are NOT required in Scotland. You can drive on your domestic license for up to one year.

Driving in Scotland

In the United Kingdom, including Scotland, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are not familiar with driving on the left, it takes close concentration and focus, especially when navigating the country’s many rotaries. Remember to “stay left, look right.” Traffic already on the roundabout has priority, so give way to vehicles approaching from your right. Enter when there’s a safe gap, and indicate your intended exit as you approach it.

Outside of the highways, many interior roads in the Highlands or islands are single lane roads. When you encounter a car coming the other way, one of you needs to pull into the closest pull out designed for passing. This may require backing up to the closest pull out. 

Remember to keep an eye out for wildlife, especially sheep, that tend to wander into the roads in the backcountry.

Be sure to follow all the local laws, including speed limits to avoid fines. Scotland has strict drink-driving laws with a lower alcohol limit than many other countries so don’t risk it.

You will need to pay for parking at most car parks for attractions and towns, including trailheads for popular hikes or natural attractions. I’d recommend taking a photo of your license plate as often you will need to enter this into the parking meter machine when paying for parking. In other instances, you will need to “pay and display”, which means pay for your parking in advance based on how much time you think you will need and then place the receipt in your windshield window.

Most parking meters take credit cards but there are some that will only accept coins so it makes sense to carry coins with you or keep some in the car. Just don’t try to use one receipt from one parking area at another, even if you are still within the original time window. Each receipt is marked with a lot number and they will check (trust me, I learned the hard way and parking tickets are expensive!)

When you are in the Highlands or the Islands, petrol stations are few and far between so be sure to fuel up when you can and don’t push it too low.

Public Toilets

You can typically find public toilets at popular tourist attractions (even natural attractions such as the Fairy Pools.) However, some of these are pay toilets. This is another reason to carry some coins, although many of these are also tap and go using digital payments. But just because these are paid, doesn’t mean they are well-supplied or exceptionally clean. So carry some extra tissue and sanitizer just in case.

When in Scotland, you need to be prepared for all sorts of weather no matter when you visit. During the summer months, the average temperatures are a high of 59-63°F (15-17°C) and lows are between 47-52°F (8-11°C).

In the winter, temperatures drop to 41-45°F (5-7°C) with lows of 32-37°F (0-3°C). Keep in mind that Scotland has a wet and cool climate, with a fair amount of wind. The rainiest months are in the winter with an average rainfall around 4 inches per month.

While regional variations exist, coastal areas are generally warmer and less rainy than inland regions and The Highlands experience slightly lower temperatures and higher rainfall than the Lowlands.

As I wrote about in my Scotland packing list , you need to be prepared when traveling to Ireland. Wind and water proof clothing including a rain coat, rain pants, and waterproof shoes. It is very important to dress in layers. Don’t forget the basics including a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and an umbrella. 

Hotel Reservations

Outside of the cities, the accommodations in towns and smaller cities such as Inverness, accommodations can be limited. It is important to book hotel rooms or vacation rentals at least a few months in advance. This is especially true in popular spots like the Isle of Skye. (See my Scotland road trip itinerary to get recommendations on where to stay.)

Restaurant Reservations 

In popular destinations such as Inverness, Isle of Skye, or Glencoe, it is also important to make dinner reservations and keep an eye on the hours and days places are open as many restaurants close by 8:00 p.m. in smaller towns. 

While in Scotland, be sure to try some Scottish specialties such as:

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties: The iconic national dish of Scotland, haggis is a savory sausage traditionally made from sheep’s heart, liver, lungs, and oatmeal, encased in the sheep’s stomach lining. Served with mashed turnips (“neeps”) and potatoes (“tatties”), it’s a hearty and flavorful way to experience Scottish culinary heritage. It took me a while to try this specialty but I ended up liking it because it tastes much more of the spices used in creating it than the meat itself.

Cullen Skink: Originating from Cullen on the Moray Firth, this a warn, creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk, and typically served with crusty bread for dipping. This is a must-try in coastal areas, especially around Moray and Aberdeenshire, but I had a delicious version in Glasgow.

Scotch Pies: Savory pastries filled with minced meat and onions, Scotch pies are a popular handheld snack or lunch option. The filling can vary from classic minced beef to adventurous varieties like venison or chicken balmoral.

Shortbread: A crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit made with butter, sugar, and flour, shortbread is a Scottish sweet treat synonymous with tea time. Enjoy plain shortbread for its pure deliciousness, or find versions infused with flavors like chocolate, ginger, or even whisky. I’m a big fan of the millionaires shortbread, which is layered with caramel and chocolate.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: Sticky toffee pudding is a gooey dessert consisting of a light and moist sponge cake, often infused with dates or ginger, nestled in a rich, sticky toffee sauce. It’s typically served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. While the origins of sticky toffee pudding are disputed, Scotland has a strong claim to fame, thanks to the Udny Arms Hotel in Aberdeenshire. They boast of creating the iconic dessert back in the 1960s.

Fish and Chips: While the dish may not have originated in Scotland, their contribution to its evolution and continued popularity is undeniable. Fish and chips are a staple of Scottish cuisine and culture, just as much as they are in the rest of the UK.

Deep-Fried Mars Bars:  I was really shocked when I asked locals about famous foods and they told me about deep-fried Mars bars that are battered and deep-fried until golden and enjoyed after the pub.

Scotch Whisky: The undisputed king of Scottish drinks, whisky (not called Scotch in Scotland) is steeped in history and tradition. With its distinct smoky flavor and wide variety of regional styles, it’s a must-try for any visitor. Explore peaty Islay drams, floral Highland expressions, or Speyside’s fruity whiskies. Just remember that whiskey spelled with an -ey refers to Irish whiskey.

Irn-Bru: This bright orange carbonated beverage is often called Scotland’s “other national drink.” Its unique flavor is hard to describe but I found it something of a cross between orange soda and bubble gum. Bottom line, it is excessively sweet.

Scottish Gin: Scotland’s gin scene is booming, with distilleries across the country creating unique and flavorful expressions. Expect botanical notes inspired by the Scottish landscape, like juniper, heather, and berries. My friend Keryn came back with at least a dozen little bottles to sample the various flavors!

Ferries 

If you plan on visiting any of the islands by car and want to take a ferry, you will need to book a timed ticket in advance. 

Attractions

Some attractions such as the Royal Tattoo, Edinburgh Castle tickets, or popular tours can sell out in the busy season so you should book your tickets in advance. As I mentioned in my Edinburgh itinerary, I would also suggest going to popular attractions such as the Edinburgh Castle early in the morning when it first opens. 

Best Time to Visit

The most popular time to visit Scotland is during July and August, especially during festivals such as the Fringe Festival, events like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Highland Games, and Ceilidh at the Castle with live traditional music and dancing in Edinburgh Castle.

In terms of weather, June brings pleasant temperatures and long daylight hours (when I was there in late June/early July the sun didn’t set until nearly 11:00 p.m.. September is still warm enough (it was actually quite warm the year I was there in early September), and you will also find beautiful autumn foliage and fewer crowds than peak summer.

May offers springtime charm with blooming flowers, pleasant weather, and no midges (tiny biting insects!). Not as sunny as summer, but less crowded.

Know Some History 

When you are visiting castles and historic sites such as the Culloden Battlefield , it helps to know some basic Scottish history. I was really surprised to see how front of mind what seems like distant history can still be, such as a friendship with the French that goes back to old alliances with France against the English. 

To brush up on your Scottish history before you visit, here are some books, movies, and shows you may want to enjoy.

Things to Watch:

• Braveheart (1995):  While not historically accurate, it’s a classic epic film depicting the life of William Wallace, a Scottish rebel leader, and gives insight into the Scottish Wars of Independence in the 13th century.
• Outlaw King (2018):  A more grounded portrayal of Robert the Bruce, another key figure in Scotland’s fight for independence from English rule.
• Mary Queen of Scots (2018):  Explores the tumultuous reign and rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth I of England, shedding light on complex political and religious tensions of the 16th century.
• Rob Roy (1995):  A fictionalized but entertaining account of the life of Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish clan chief and folk hero in the 18th century.
• Outlander (2014-present):  This popular TV series follows a 20th-century nurse who travels back in time to 1743 Scotland, immersing viewers in the Jacobite rebellion and Highland life.
• Monarch of the Glen (2000-2005):  A charming drama about a family running a deer farm in the Scottish Highlands, showcasing the beauty of the landscape and rural traditions.
• Secrets of the Clans (2008-2010):  Explores the history and traditions of various Scottish clans.
• Wild Scotland (2014):  Stunning natural history documentary capturing the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Scotland.

Things to Read:

• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon:  A sprawling series blending romance, time travel, and historical intrigue in 18th-century Scotland during the Jacobite rebellion.
• Wolf of the North by William McIlvanney:  A gritty portrayal of Viking-era Scotland through the eyes of a warrior battling for survival against invaders and internal power struggles.
• The Flame Bearer by Kathleen Winsor:  A sweeping historical saga following the Bruce family and their fight for Scottish independence from England.
• Redcoats by Neil Oliver:  A thrilling account of the Battle of Culloden from the perspective of both Highland fighters and British soldiers.
• Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon:  A poignant and tragic novel depicting the harsh realities of rural life in 19th-century Scotland, focusing on a woman’s struggles and resilience.
• The Last Summer by Karen Swan : In 1930, the residents of small St. Kilda are relocated to mainland Scotland.

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: January 18, 2024

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The 14 best places to visit in Scotland

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Pack your camping gear (and your rainproofs) and head to some of the best places to visit in Scotland © Robert Coppinger / Shutterstock

Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Think dramatic peaks, lonely glens, lochs, tartan and haggis!

From spectacular Skye and historic Edinburgh to the rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s big sights are as glorious as you’d imagine. But scratch the surface of this proud nation and you’ll find a varied and engrossing place, dotted with prehistoric villages, wild clubs, rich seafood and ruined abbeys.

So, where to start? Once you've decided on the best time for your visit , you need to decide on the best places to go while you're there. Here is our pick of the best destinations in Scotland to get you started.

1. Edinburgh

Best place for year-round entertainment

Scotland's capital may be famous for its festivals, but there's much more to the city than that. Edinburgh is a place of many moods: visit in spring to see the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils, or on a chill winter’s day for fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones, and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. With a world-class modern art gallery , top museums , spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle , there's plenty to keep you entertained whatever the season.

Local tip: Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur's Seat , an extinct volcano for panoramic views over the city.

2. West Highland Way

Best place for long-distance hiking

The best way to really get inside Scotland's landscapes is to walk them. Here, peaks tower over lochs and sea cliffs gaze over the wind-whipped sea, but there are short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather, too. Top of the wish list for many hikers is the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William , a weeklong walk through some of the country's finest scenery, finishing in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.

If you don’t have the time or energy for a long-distance trek, it's possible to do just a day's hike along part of the trail. For example, you could walk the section from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point using the Loch Lomond waterbus . Whichever section you take on, pack waterproofs and midge repellent. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk.

Detour:  The 1,345m (4,413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who's reasonably fit: treat the peak with respect and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

3. North Coast 500

Best place for a scenic road trip

Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands , but the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (you can also cycle it), with some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.

The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the likable city of Inverness , and loops past the lochs, sand dunes and golf courses of the east coast before taking in the remote cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, the rugged peaks of Assynt and Torridon’s desolate beauty. These sights, and the nooks of warm Highland hospitality found in the region's classic rural pubs and old crofting villages, make this an unforgettable weeklong tour.

4. Isle of Skye

Best place for photographers

In a country famous for stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye takes the top prize. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, there's a photo opportunity awaiting you at almost every turn.

Skye is also one of the best places in Scotland to see golden eagles, and you’ll find convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants if you can tear your eyes from the natural world. Of course, all this tourist appeal makes Skye one of Scotland's most popular destinations. The crowds tend to stick to Portree , Dunvegan and Trotternish – it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s further-flung corners.

Planning tip:  Come prepared for changeable weather – when it’s fine, it’s very fine indeed, but all too often it isn’t.

5. Loch Lomond

Best place for a lakeside hike

Despite being less than an hour's drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland's best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

At the heart of Scotland's first national park , the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods before narrowing in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974m/3,031ft) is a popular climb – follow the well-maintained path for a 7-mile round-trip on the popular Tourist Route (allow around 5 hours).

Best place for live music and pub culture

Scotland's biggest city may lack Edinburgh's stunning setting, but it more than makes up for it with a barrelful of things to do and a warmth and energy that leaves every visitor impressed. Edgy and contemporary, it's a great spot to browse art galleries and museums , and to discover the works of local design hero Charles Rennie Mackintosh .

Glasgow’s infectious vitality is best sampled via its lively pubs and clubs, which host one of the world's great live music scenes.

Local tip:  Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at the Barrowland  (crowned the UK's best music venue by Time Out magazine in 2023), a legendary former ballroom, or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice N Sleazy , a classic indie dive.

7. Stirling

Best place for castle fans

With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag – the plug of an extinct volcano – Stirling ’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle . This fortress has seen serious action – it was bombarded by the Warwolf, a giant 14th-century English siege engine, and was besieged during the 1745 Jacobite rising, as well as sending troops to the battle of Bannockburn (the decisive battle celebrated at the end of Braveheart ), just a few miles south.

Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotland’s best castle – and a great family attraction.

Planning tip:  It's best to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day trips, so you may have the castle almost to yourself by 4pm.

8. St Andrews

Best place for golfers

Scotland invented the game of golf, and the city of  St Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by hackers and champions alike. Links courses are the classic experience here – bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass) and the main enemy is the wind, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant.

St Andrews, the historic Fife university town, is golf's headquarters , and an irresistible destination for anyone who loves the sport. And if you're not so keen, well, the city has impressive medieval ruins , stately university buildings , idyllic white sands and excellent guesthouses and restaurants .

9. Skara Brae

Best place for lovers of ancient history

When visiting ancient sites, it can sometimes be difficult to bridge the gulf of years or build a connection with the people that built them, but Scotland’s superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney  with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns.

This Neolithic village – which, at 5,000 years is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza – lay buried in coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment.

10. Glen Coe

Best place for clan history

Scotland's most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. The peace and beauty of this valley today belies the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by soldiers of the Campbell clan.

Some of the glen's finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow.

Planning tip:  Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history.

11. Perthshire

Best place to enjoy nature's bounty

In Perthshire , the heart of Scotland, picturesque towns bloom with flowers, distilleries emit tempting malty odors and sheep graze in impossibly green meadows. There's a feeling of the bounty of nature that no other place in Scotland can replicate.

Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth.

12. Shetland Islands

Best place for birdwatching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognized as a precious UNESCO geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish though, with deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on the little-trafficked roads. It's the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness , Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain's most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas (and the Northern Lights).

13. Speyside

Best place for whisky tasting

Scotland's national drink is whisky – from the Gaelic uisge beatha , meaning “water of life” – and this fiery spirit has been distilled here for more than 500 years. More than 50 distilleries are in operation in Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky area, famed for fruity, lightly spicy flavors (head over to Islay for peatier varieties).

Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet as it still uses a traditional malting floor – the smell is glorious!

Planning tip:  Dufftown lies at the heart of the region and is host to the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

14. The Scotland Borders

Best place for a country ramble

Many visitors to Scotland race up to Edinburgh and then hightail it to the Highlands, missing the Scottish Borders entirely . That's their loss. Once fought over by war chiefs and cattle thieves, the Borders region is rich in history and packed with good cycling and hiking routes.

There are grand country houses, too – Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests – and a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys – Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best – plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

This article was first published May 13, 2021 and updated Nov 19, 2023.

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50 Scotland Travel Tips For An Unforgettable Trip

Last Updated on March 16, 2024

On my first visit to Scotland, there was so much that I didn’t know when I arrived. SO. MUCH. And as I scrolled through my Scotland content, wondering what else you guys would need to plan a perfect trip, I was dumbfounded that I had not written any Scotland travel tips?! SO, here I am, presenting a whopping FIFTY tips that will help you traverse your way around Scotland whether that be in the highlands, islands, cities, mountains, hills, valleys, and everywhere in between! This blog post might just be one of my favorites that I have written yet! I really want to start doing this for all the other destinations that I have visited: Iceland, Bali, The Philippines, Japan, Utah, and more, so keep an eye out for those up and coming posts on the blog!

Without further ado, here are fifty Scotland travel tips that will enhance and improve your traveling experience in this magical land!

This post may contain affiliate links for the products I mentioned, but as always, all opinions are my own. I make a small commission , at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase or booking through these links. This helps  to support  this space and keep me blogging, which I am so extremely thankful for.

Tips For Planning + Booking Your Trip To Scotland

1 | plan time to explore more than just the major cities and touristy locations. .

Every part of Scotland is beautiful no matter where you go, but block off some extra time to go off the beaten path, explore some of the western islands, and even the northernmost parts of Scotland. Whenever I traveled there, I was with a large group for a tournament so I really only got to see the highlights, which, don’t get me wrong, I was still blown away, but I wish I would have gotten to see St. Kilda (a double UNESCO World Heritage Site), The Outer Isles, The Outer Hebrides, The Northwest Highlands, and a lonnnnnnng list of other sites. Your trip is going to be special regardless, but dig a little deeper in your research and find those places that will make your trip special.

2 | Plan Your Own Highlands Roadtrip > Booking A Guided Tour

Highland tours are expensive, they don’t give you any flexibility, and you’re not able to choose when you arrive in certain places, which means that you’re going to arrive in places at a similar time as all the other tour buses. The best option if you want to explore the Isle of Skye, The Highlands, or anywhere else outside of the major cities in Scotland, renting a car and crafting your own tour is going to be the best option. Hell, you could even rent a campervan and REALLY get that full Scottish road trip experience!

3 | Get To Know The History

Scotland is chalked full of history and stories about practically everything that you’re going to see and when you know of the stories and history, you’ll appreciate everything you see a whole lot more, at least I did. The key thing here is to bring a guidebook that will also teach you the history of the locations. You will look at certain landscapes, castles, and hikes with a different perspective once you dive deeper into their cultural stories and history of them.

4 | Book Excursions, Day Trips, And Tours Ahead + Online

I rarely end up booking things ahead of time, but in Scotland, booking online and in advance is going to save you some money and guarantee you a spot. If you’re planning on riding the Glenfinnan Viaduct (AKA The Harry Potter Train), you want to book several months in advance no matter the season. If you’re really keen on saving money, check out my other tips for traveling Scotland on a budget !

5 | Spend More Than Just A Day In Major Cities Like Edinburgh + Glasgow

You can easily see the highlights of Edinburgh like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and many other iconic spots in a day, but spending more than a day, ideally three days in Edinburgh is going to get you into the Scottish groove, possibly into some shenanigans, and a more thorough experience of the city. The same goes for Glasgow!

6 | Get Into The Scottish Spirit Before You Head Out Via Books + Movies

Scotland is the setting for many iconic movies and tv shows. To name a few, Game of Thrones, Outlander, Braveheart, Monty Python and the Holy Grail are all recognizable, more mainstream movies that will get you into Scotland before you even leave for the airport. However, as I just said, these are all pretty mainstream, some even being historically inaccurate, so if you really want to explore the true Scottish culture, ‘The Sunshine On Leith’ and ‘Trainspotting’ are both great movies to start with and the Outlander series are great books to go to from there.

7 | The best way to get around the city is by foot and public transport and the best way to get around the highlands is in your own rental car.

Once you get into the cities, there really isn’t a need to rent a car until you leave to go to the more wild parts of Scotland. You can get around the vast majority of the country via public transportation, but a car allows you to squeeze into those little roads and explore more off the main areas. There are some parts that a large bus cannot get to, so having your own car is going to give you access to absolutely EVERYTHING.

8 | Scotland has its own currency, but it is valid all across the United Kingdom. The same goes for England and Northern Ireland currencies.

The prints on the currency vary depending on the bank that printed them in Scotland, but the Scottish currency can be mixed and matched with other currencies in the United Kingdom. It would basically be like if Texas printed it’s own dollar bills and I was visiting California, they are both technically the same currency, just different prints.

Packing + Adventure Tips For Scotland Travel

9 | use every opportunity to exercise scotland’s ‘right to roam’ law, but be respectful of the land and clean up after yourself. .

Back in 2003, Scotland passed its ‘Right to Roam’ law that allows both tourists and locals to enjoy Scotland’s land and waters no matter who owns them. This means that wild camping is legal, AND you can expect to find some hidden and spectacular locations! If you do choose to exercise this, PLEASE make sure that you don’t leave any trash, destroy the natural environment, and leave the place how you found it.

10 | Pack the proper gear that will keep you warm and dry.

When I think of warm and dry, I think of my absolute favorite hiking essentials: my cozy fleece , stylish yet still functional raincoat , waterproof pants , and my tried and true hiking boots ! If you’re out on a hike, or outside in general, you don’t want to end up a soggy mess, so I recommend investing in some high-quality gear if the outdoors is a large part of your life. Start out with some warm baselayers like the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Baselayers , and then layer up with the rainpants and outer shell. This is what my current layering system looks like:

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Longsleeve > T-Shirt > Sweater / Fleece > RAINS Classic Raincoat

Patagonia capilene midweight bottoms > leggings > mountain hardwear ozonic stretch pants.

This way I was able to strip down or add layers as the weather changed throughout the day!

11 | Pack comfortable shoes!

This is the FIRST thing you should even consider putting on your Scotland packing list because the hills and cobblestone streets are not going to do your back, hips, arches, or toes ANY favors. I made the mistake of trying to wear Vans around the city and let me just say, YIKES. I haven’t found the perfect pair of casual, yet still comfy walking shoes yet, but I want to give these adorable white sneakers a go, since they match with everything, but bring the pair that works best with your feet and back!

12 | “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute”

You can be in sunny, beautiful, partly cloudy weather one minute and then drive through a torrential downpour the next, seriously. It is both a blessing and a curse, but that is why you pack and wear those layers so that you’re unstoppable!

13 | Don’t rely on an umbrella to keep you dry; you’ll end up soggy.

If you encounter a light drizzle, sure, an umbrella will do the job, but when that afternoon, torrential downpour occurs, that umbrella is useless. Which is why I recommend having a waterproof shell, AKA a waterproof jacket, pants, and shoes that will keep your whole body dry!

14 | If you’re planning on taking a road trip, watch out for sheep on the road!

You’ll see these fluffy lil’ guys all over the country! Be careful on the roads and stay vigilant!

15 | Don’t stop in the middle of the road or street to take a photo.

If you try and stop in the middle of a bust street or road, 1. you might get hit, and 2. you’re going to get dirty looks and probably called a couple of names for not going off to the side. There are beautiful places all over Scotland, but make sure you walk to the side or pull off onto a spot on the side of the road before you take your photo.

16 | There are people that still speak Scotlands original language of Gaelic, so you will spot some bilingual signs on the road.

Practically everyone speaks English in Scotland, but as you veer away from the major cities, the more prominent Gaelic will be!

17 | If you get yourself into a bad situation where you need medical or emergency services, the phone number is 999.

There are tons of outdoor activities, hikes, and excursions that just might get you into a sticky situation. Ideally, you’ll never need this number, but just in case you need emergency help, the number is 999.

18 | ^^ and if you do need to make a call, that’s why it’s best to get a local, Scottish SIM card.

Throw you international phone plan out the window and step into the world of local SIM cards, my travel savior and my favorite way to stay safe while traveling . Generally, international phone plans cost around $10/day if it doesn’t already come with the plan you have, and that is WAY too much, especially if you travel for longer periods of time like I do. I’m not trying to drop that much coin to use my phone, so I opt-in for SIM cards, which are a one time fee, generally never over $30-40 USD, that will allow you to use your phone across the country you’re traveling in! You can make local calls and texts as well, so it’s a great way to save money and stay safe! All you have to do is make sure your phone is unlocked so you can pop out your SIM from home.

19 | The remote parts of Scotland are REALLY remote, so know where you’re going and don’t wander so far that you can’t find your way back.

This is true in Scotland, The United States, Europe, and really anywhere that is rich in nature, so just don’t do anything stupid, know your limits, and don’t go so far that you get lost and have to call the emergency number. I do encourage everyone to exercise the legality of wild camping, but just don’t be dumb, like with anywhere else you travel to.

20 | Get lost in the wildlife + help save it!

Something that I found out recently via a Scottish Youtuber was that Scotland is in a major climate crisis due to 1-in-11 of their wildlife in threat of extinction, illegal wildlife hunting, and other practices that have destroyed the natural landscape and wildlife.

She says, “We need to show the Scottish government that wildlife is valuable and worth saving. So come to the Isle of Mull to see white-tailed sea eagles and otters, come to Shetland to go whale watching, come and see the Eurasian beavers in Argyll and the ospreys that make the trip from Africa to the Cairngorms every year. We need to show them that ecotourism and wildlife tourism are greater assets to the tourism industry and the economy than shooting estates are.”

You can watch her video here and she describes the entire situation very very well.

General Scotland Travel Tips + Tips For On The Road

21 | scotland is not england or a part of england. .

Some people get confused and think that Scotland and England are the same thing, or at least within the same realm, and that is totally false. Scotland is very much its own country and is a part of the United Kingdom, which is made up of England, Scotland, Wales (that make up Great Britain), and Northern Ireland. So, yes, Scotland is its own country and even the accents there are drastically different than they are in England.

22 | English is widely spoken, but you may not understand what they’re saying. Just ask them to repeat it again slowly.

Understanding a Scottish accent is going to get easier and easier as you spend more time in the country, but at the beginning, sometimes you really need to focus on what they’re saying to understand. If it all goes over your head the first time, just ask them to say it again more slowly, and don’t feel dumb or embarrassed for having to ask because some of those accents are thick!

23 | Dive into some Scottish slang words before you arrive.

With the heavy Scottish accents around, knowing a couple of slang words is both fun to know and good practice when you’re traveling to a new place. Some great words to know are wee, dram, bevvy, + tatties!

wee / wee bit | a little bit

Bevvy | a drink, juice | anything that isn’t alcohol (juice), ah dinnae kin | i don’t know, tatties | potatoes, awright | are you alright / i agree / yes, braw | good, blether | you talk a lot / you talk a lot of rubbish.

Eager to dive deeper into Scottish slang? My friend Graham from My Voyages Scotland has the PERFECT guide!

“Scotland has a whole host of different dialects from north to south and east to west. Event the Scots themselves can get a bit confused as someone from Stornoway may have a completely different saying for something that a Glaswegian has. Read this guide to Scottish Sayings before heading to Scotland to make sure you do not get lost in the many different regional sayings. And remember, everyone can always revert to ‘proper’ English if asked!”

24 | Cards are widely accepted, especially in major cities, but keep extra cash on you once you venture outside of them. 

This is a travel tip that goes beyond just Scotland, but most of the time, the farther you are from a major city, the less likely they’re going to accept cards. It’s best to keep cash enough cash to last you at least a couple of days: not so much that if you’re robbed you’re screwed, but not so little that you’re screwed if they don’t accept cards.

25 | Don’t shy away from public transportation. It can save you a lot of money!

Every time I travel somewhere in Europe, I am blown away by the efficiency of their public transportation systems. Living in the US, basically, if you’re outside a city and don’t have a car you’re screwed, but this is not the case in Scotland! You can use buses or trains to get around and in between major cities and other places around the country and it’s a whole lot cheaper than renting a car! When you’re looking at how to get around, don’t forget to check out routes and prices for buses and trains!

26 | If you decide public transport is your way to get around Scotland, consider buying a Scotrail pass.

A Scotrail Pass is great if you plan on going all around Scotland via bus/train/etc.. There are multiple ticket tiers that you can buy for your individual trip, which you can view here , and they cover buses, trains, ferries, trams for whatever region you choose to buy your ticket for. It is quite useful whether you plan on hopping around a certain area or thoroughly traveling the whole country. It isn’t always the cheaper option, so compare rates before you buy to make sure it’s worth it for you.

27 | Taking the bus? Bring exact change!

The bus drivers don’t give change back if you overpay, so make sure that you have smaller coins to pay the transport fees! There are also day passes available for purchase so that you don’t have to worry about getting the change right every single time.

A lil Update | January 2020

I was notified via the comments from a traveler that visited Edinburgh recently and the bus drivers were able to give him exact change back for his ride! It looks like some changes are being made to help things run a little smoother, so an exact change may not be necessary as you can now pay with a card as well!

28 | Tipping is customary in Scotland, but the standard is 10%.

Tipping culture isn’t as widespread and stressed as it is here in the United States, but the standard is 10% for services, but there are some exceptions:

Taxis | Round up to the nearest pound

Hotels / tours | none, 29 | sales tax is included in all the prices, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying..

Unlike SOME places, ahem *cough* the United States, the prices that you soo on products and goods is exactly what you’re going to pay for that item. All the tax is included in the price so you don’t have to play guessing games as to how much something actually costs. This was a really nice switch coming from the United States and I’ve always wondered why we don’t do that ourselves… At any rate, this makes buying things SO much easier!

Tips On Scottish Food, Drinks + Culture

30 | the local foods and dishes are very interesting but try them, and then ask what they are or try veggie versions of them.

Haggis and black pudding are two foods that you for sure want to give ago while you’re in Scotland. I didn’t try them since I am vegan, but some of Edinburgh’s best vegan restaurants serve a veggie version of this dish that is quite tasty! If you’re not vegan, ask what the food is after you’ve tried it so it doesn’t steer you away from eating it. It’s all in the fun and mystery of experiencing Scotland!

31 | Get restaurant and meal recommendations from locals instead of eating at all the touristy restaurants.

Scotland’s cities are chalked full of incredible local and international cuisine; seriously, it’s some of the best food I’ve tasted! Not to mention, touristy restaurants are expensive, typical, and not as high-quality food than real local dives in the city. Food is probably, like, half the reason I travel to places so I looooooove trying new dishes and combinations while I travel. I know some people don’t care for the food in certain places, but if you can manage it budget-wise, try out local breakfast spots instead of the one offered at the hotel and go out of your way to find those special places!

32 | Indulge in the whisky and craft beers while you’re here.

While you’re in Edinburgh, make sure you pay a visit to the Scottish Whisky Experience ! They have a display of over 4,000 bottles of whisky and it is one of the seven wonders of the Scotch whisky world! Also, the Scots know how to party, so don’t shy away on having some fun and trying new drinks!

33 | When you order a scotch, don’t take it like a shot. It’s meant to be sipped and savored.

Many people make the mistake of ordering a scotch and tossing it down the hatch immediately, buuuuuuut you’re going to get some looks if you do that. Slow down and savor the flavors!

34 | The vegan/vegetarian food scenes in Glasgow and Edinburgh are some of the best in the United Kingdom! I had some of the best vegan breakfasts , coffees , and dinners while in Edinburgh! 

I didn’t know if I was going to starve or indulge while I was in Edinburgh, and I am pleased to say that I indulged! There are many incredible restaurants that offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for visitors, so check out the links above and scope out some awesome eateries!

35 | The men do wear kilts (do not call it a skirt) and the pattern on it is called tartan, not plaid! 

Kilts aren’t a taboo thing in Scotland. In fact, each clan has its own specific tartan that has been passed down over generations! It’s not uncommon to see these on the streets of Edinburgh, but not everyone is going to be wearing them. Back in the 19th century, kilts became formal wear that was only worn for ceremonies, weddings, and sporting events, but they’re slowly making their way back into informal, casual wear, so expect to see them while you’re strolling around the cities and highlands!

36 | Whatever you do, don’t lift up a man’s kilt!

Well, okay, not that you would do that anyway, but don’t say I didn’t warn you (;

Tips For Visiting Edinburgh

37 | edinburgh is pronounced ed-in-burr-uhh, not ed-in-burg (i messed it up the first time too lol)..

Come to my surprise, and maybe yours as well, the g is silent in Edinburgh… I looked like a total goober pronouncing it with the g the first time I ever tried to say it, so make sure you the correct way, which sounds way cooler than what I thought it was.

38 | Avoid traveling to Edinburgh in the month of August unless you’re attending The Fringe Festival.

Edinburgh turns into an absolute zoo in the month of August from the Fringe Festival , so unless you’re planning on paying it a visit, I would avoid this month. The prices skyrocket, the crowds are massive, and it’s an all-around madhouse among the streets. Personally, there isn’t really a bad time to visit Scotland, much like most other countries around the world, as long as you pack the proper gear and attire! If you want to avoid crowds, go in the spring and summertime!

39 | Among your time in Edinburgh, consider a day trip to Glasgow. You don’t want to write it off your itinerary!

Glasgow is only an hour away from Edinburgh by bus, so make sure you head over there and roam around for a day. I wasn’t able to visit myself, but I know many people who love Glasgow over Edinburgh, and vice versa! Take the time to see both, indulge in both cultures, and decide for yourself!

40 | Stay in Airbnb’s and guesthouses over hotels to save money and experience Scottish culture. You’ll also want to book this in advance as they fill up fast!

Hotels are more than likely going to be close to the Royal Mile, AKA expensive, so I recommend renting out a flat or apartment through Airbnb to get a feel for local life, save a bit of money, and have a unique experience! That isn’t to say that this is an uncommon practice, so book as soon as you can! These places book up fast!

41 | Edinburgh is a busy, popular city year-round, so get to more touristy places, like Edinburgh Castle, as early as you can to avoid crowds.

I believe we can all admit that a large crowd can really damage an experience, that is unless you’re attending an awesome concert, so I suggest that you get to popular places like Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral, The Elephant House, Arthur’s Seat, and many other popular destinations either when they open or as early as you can. This tip is more stressed in the summer months since those are a lot busier than other times of the year, but I always think this is a great practice to have no matter where you’re traveling to! Early bird gets the worm (and the best photos)!

42 | Walk the Royal Mile more than once. You’ll see new things every single time.

Since I was in Edinburgh for a tournament, I walked up and down the Royal Mile multiple times and I saw new shops every single time. There is so much you miss and look past if you only walk it once, so if you can manage the time and are up to hunt down some wee shops, do it! You’ll find some true treasures! If you only have a day in Edinburgh , use that time to explore as many of the treasures of the city that you can! There is a lot to see!

43 | Explore the outskirts and small villages of Edinburgh like Leith and Stockbridge. You’ll escape crowds and feel like you’re in a fairytale!

If you’ve ever imagined a Scottish fairytale, Leith and Stockbridge are those imaginations coming to life. These villages are quaint, floral, adorable, picturesque, and everything in between! The best part is that not many people roam out to these two spots, so you’ll be able to see the quieter towns and sides of Edinburgh!

44 | Get lost and take the stairs.

There are many ‘closes’, random stairways, and other corridors that are begging for people to come and get lost in (in a good way). If you see a small alleyway or staircase going down somewhere, GO! It is going to lead you to some awesome, hidden and beautiful parts of the city!

45 | Geek out at all of the Harry Potter spots in the city: Greyfriars Kirkyard, The Elephant House, Spoons.

If you didn’t know already, J.K. Rowling wrote and gathered inspiration for Harry Potter right in the heart of Edinburgh! I can understand how because it’s hard not to be inspired in a city like this! If you visit the Greyfriars Kirkyard, you’re able to see Professor McGonagall and Tom Riddle’s gravesites, which are known for being an inspiration for these characters! Also, you can pay a visit to The Elephant House, which claims to be the birthplace of Harry Potter, but it is more likely that she wrote the first book of the series in a cafe called Nicholson’s own by one of her relatives at the time, which is now called Spoons. The Elephant House tends to be extremely crowded, so if you want to avoid that, but still feel the magic, pay a visit to Spoons, instead!

46 | Spend a night watching a classic or modern film at The Cameo Picturehouse.

The Cameo is one of the oldest cinemas in Scotland that is still in use! It was built back in 1914 and most, if not all, of the original decor, has either been restored or kept as is. If you want to take a deep dive into a taste of what life was like back in the 1910s/20s, pay a visit here and step back in time!

47 |  Avoid the typical tourist souvenir shops and get a handmade souvenir while you’re in the highlands, Isle of Skye, or other parts of Scotland.

Most of the souvenirs on the Royal Mile are massed produced, overpriced wares that are not worth holding your memories of Scotland in. Once you venture out into the highlands and more remote parts of Scotland, find a local artist or artisan that you can buy a unique souvenir from, such as pottery or a piece of art. This way you’re giving back to the local community and you have something more special than, let’s say, a t-shirt or shot glass.

48 | If you’re there on a weekend, go to the farmer’s market to try local produce and local vendors!

Heading to the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market on a fine Saturday morning was one of my favorite things I experienced during my entire time in Edinburgh! I ate some drool-worthy vegan food, bread, and even picked up some skincare items that I loved every last drop of! I recommend picking up some Scottish strawberries and tomatoes and sourdough from the local bakery vendor. The market is right under Edinburgh Castle so it’s a great place to visit after you’re done exploring the quarters.

49 | DO visit one of Edinburgh’s festivals!

Indulge in art, music, and movies during the Fringe Festival or party like there’s no tomorrow at the Hogmanay Festival ! If there is one thing for sure, the Scottish sure know how to host a party!

50 | If you want to get really crazy, hit up Scotland’s Viking Festival, Up Helly Aa , in Lerwick, Shetland!

This party is so wild that people even say its bigger than Christmas… Yes, CHRISTMAS. Must be pretty off the chain if you ask me! It normally takes place in January each year and is filled with fire, food, and fury! If you need any information about the festival, that is linked above and if you need information on staying and getting to Shetland, then you can visit their tourism website here for all the information!

LOOKING FOR MORE SCOTLAND TRAVEL RESOURCES? CHECK THESE OUT:

–  The Best Time To Visit Scotland

–  The BEST Scotland Packing List For Summer

–  The Ultimate 10 Days In Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

–  10 Tips For Traveling Scotland On A Budget

–  72 Hours in the Isle of Skye

–  Hiking The Old Man Of Storr: The Isle Of Skye’s Crown Jewel

RESOURCES FOR VISITING EDINBURGH:

–  3 Days In Edinburgh: The Ultimate Itinerary for Edinburgh, Scotland

–  The 8 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh You CANNOT Miss

–  The 10 Best Hostels In Edinburgh For A Magical Stay

–  The Best Coffee Shops In Edinburgh: 15 Cafe’s You Can’t Miss

–  The 10 Best Mouth-Watering Vegan Restaurants In Edinburgh

–  The Top 15 Places To Get A Vegan Breakfast In Edinburgh

Do you have any useful tips for traveling Scotland? Share with me in the comments below!

Did you find these Scotland travel tips helpful?

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18 comments on “ 50 Scotland Travel Tips For An Unforgettable Trip ”

I love that you list all of these great travel places and the comes my humble state of Utah. Most out of country (and state for that matter) don’t realized how beautiful it is. From desert to mountains, we have it all. The red rock areas are the most beautiful. Can’t wait to see your travel tips for us. Just now reading your travel trips for Scotland which is my most favorite place on earth.

Hi Marcia! Scotland has been one of my all-time favorites as well (: What place was your favorite that you visited?

Scotch, ie the drink that can only be made in Scotland, is named WHISKY not whiskey (that’s all the other stuff).

Thank you for the clarification! (: It’s revised

Edinburgh in August is a must in order to attend the Military Tattoo

I only didn’t recommend it since it can get so crowded, but I definitely recommend going in August if that’s what someone is interested in (:

Such helpful tips. Scotland is definitely beautiful. Can’t wait to visit it soon

I am stoked to go back as well! I cannot wait till we can explore again!

#32 what’s all this whiskey stuff?

Scotland is an incredible destination for whisky drinking and sampling (:

Loved reading this! Been living in Edinburgh for half a year now and have yet so much more to explore in Scotland!

What’s your favorite place in Edinburgh?! That’s awesome that you have so much time to see the city!

I loved Scotland so much and hope to go back one day! Your pictures really made me wish that one day comes soon.

I’ve been keen on another visit myself! There’s just so much to see!

Love these helpful tips. Also, your Scotland photos are stunning; thanks for the inspiration!

I’m glad you enjoyed it and my photos (:

I really enjoyed your article! One thing I’d like to mention though, when I was in Edinburgh this past Sept, the local busses did actually make change for me. I guess it’s a relatively new thing. They also took credit and debit cards. And excellent tip about the sim card. I wish I had thought of that before we went!

Oh, thank you! It looks like they are implementing some changes! I’ll go ahead and put a note for it (: + yes SIM cards are my favorite way to stay connected while I travel!

50 Scotland Travel Tips For Travel In 2024

Categories Planning a trip to Scotland , Scotland , Scotland Guides

One of the things I love about travelling to another country is discovering the different ways they do things. Scotland is no exception, and after living here for almost six years, there are still things that surprise me when travelling this bonnie country. In this guide, I’m sharing 50 Scotland travel tips that will save you time, money, stress, and embarrassment- and help you have the best trip ever.

Table of Contents

Scotland is an old country with a plethora of history – this is one of the very reasons it attracts travellers from countries like New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and Canada, who live in relatively younger countries. As a Kiwi myself, I was drawn to Scotland because there were many things I couldn’t experience in New Zealand, such as castles built in the Middle Ages, Roman forts and ancient battlegrounds, and narrow country lanes that lead to tiny cottages built from horse hair and stone.

In my Facebook group, Scotland Travel Tips , many of the same questions about planning a trip to Scotland are asked. This inspired me to answer all of these questions, and offer other advice I think will be helpful to you when travelling to Scotland.

If you find this blog post helpful – make sure you share it!

This is the seventh article in my Planning A Trip to Scotland series . To read the first article in the series, click here . To receive all the articles in this series by email, you can sign up here .

My name is Yvette Webster – I chased my ancestry to Scotland, ended up meeting a Scot and falling in love, and now I live here with my husband, our son, and our dog, Angus. I’m a full-time Travel Writer, and I travel Scotland for a living, writing helpful guides and helping people plan their trips to Scotland via my blog and travel consultation service .

My favourite type of travel in Scotland is discovering the hidden gems and visiting the more off-beat places. In 2018, I was the first solo female to thru-hike the Scottish National Trail , an 874-kilometer / 536-mile hike that runs the length of Scotland. I got to know Scotland on such an intimate level and visited many places that tourists and locals never see – and I love encouraging people to get off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known places!

I have a degree in journalism and used to work as a travel agent. I combined my two passions and created my blog, Wayfaring Kiwi . I also run the popular Facebook group Scotland Travel Tips .

Need help planning your dream trip to Scotland? Sign up to our Planning A Trip To Scotland course which will walk you through planning your itinerary and booking your trip step by step!

50 Scotland Travel Tips You Need To Know

Planning your trip.

The Machrie Moor Standing Stones

1. If you are in the stages of planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to read my blog post on planning a trip to Scotland . It gives you a great introduction to planning your trip, including things to do, car hire, using public transport, how to book accommodation and activities, and more!

Read it once you’ve finished this article.

2. Be sure to include at least ONE hidden gem in your itinerary. Some of my suggestions include South-West Scotland , the Scottish Borders , the Cowal Peninsula, an island that isn’t the Isle of Skye, the Moray coast , and Aberdeenshire .

The Peebles Cross Kirk in the Scottish Borders

3. Slow down! One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting Scotland is that they try to attempt too much in their itineraries.

Choose 2-3 main activities per day, and have backup activities in mind in case you have some extra time. Scotland is a country to be experienced at a slow pace – and remember, you can always come back someday to check everything off your bucket list!

4. Tipping isn’t compulsory in Scotland, however, it is common practice. Wait staff are paid much better wages than you’d get in the USA and Canada , hence why tipping isn’t expected, however, I always leave a 10% tip or round the bill up to the nearest 5 or 0.

I also tip taxi drivers and Uber Eats/Just Eat drivers £1. You don’t need to tip every time you get a drink in a pub, just leave a tip of a few pounds when you leave.

5. Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Scotland? This varies from person to person, however, I personally love travelling around Scotland in April and May . It’s spring and Scotland is colourful, there are fewer crowds, there aren’t many midges around, and accommodation isn’t as expensive as it is during the summer months. The daylight hours are also better balanced.

I’ve written an in-depth blog post about the pros and cons of visiting Scotland each month , which will help you decide when is the best time to visit for you.

Edinburgh in spring

6. Terrified of the Highland midge? You really don’t need to be! But it’s a good idea to be prepared.

• Midges start appearing in late June and die out with the colder weather (usually around the end of September ).
• They hang around bodies of water, and usually appear in the morning and early evening when it’s cooler. If there is a slight breeze, this will blow the midges away so they won’t bother you.
• Only the females bite, and you’ll notice itchy bumps on your skin (similar to mosquito bites) if you’ve been bitten.
• You’re most likely to encounter midges if you are hiking or walking near rivers or lochs.
• You won’t generally encounter them in the cities, unless you’re near a river or canal.
• I recommend buying a few cans of Smidge to keep the midges at bay if you think you might encounter them on your travels. You can buy this in most grocery stores and outdoor shops.

My husband, the Haggis, wrote a great guide on how to avoid midges .

The Grassmarket in Edinburgh

7. Scotland has a large tick population, and to be honest, ticks worry me more than midges! Ticks can cause Lyme disease, but don’t panic because less than 10% of these beasties actually carry the disease. It’s still important to take steps to avoid a tick bite, however.

• You’ll encounter ticks in many parts of Scotland from March to October .
• They cannot jump, but will attach themselves to your clothing if you are walking through long grass. They will climb up your body until they find a warm, damp spot (for example, an armpit or belly button) and burrow into your skin for dinner!
• Smidge will also repel ticks – be sure to reapply it every couple of hours.
• Be sure to do a tick check when you get home if you’ve been in an area known to be rife with ticks, or you’ve been hiking.
• Some good news – I’ve been bitten by ticks many times while hiking in Scotland and I’ve been fine. Don’t let the fear of ticks stop you from hiking! Just use a good bug spray, and wear long pants when hiking in Scotland.

8. The Isle is Skye is a lovely island but it suffers from over-tourism. Personally, I wouldn’t visit Skye during the busy summer months. My favourite time to visit Skye is in April or November when it’s quieter. If you’re visiting during the summer, I recommend pre-booking your accommodation, restaurants, tours and activities that require a booking as soon as you know what dates you’ll be there . All of these things, especially accommodation, get booked up months in advance.

As a general guide, book your accommodation and tours 8-12 months in advance, and make restaurant reservations 1-3 months in advance. Not all restaurants will take bookings three months in advance- but some of the popular ones do. It’s better to be over-prepared when planning a trip to Skye so you don’t miss out!

9. Many people think that in Scotland we still live in the dark ages, due to its long history and the pretty medieval-looking photos that marketing and tour companies love to share. Scotland is an advanced country, and we have everything that most Western countries have – including pharmacies where you can purchase most medicines that don’t require a prescription. Don’t worry, you’re not travelling back in time when you visit Scotland, even if the buildings do look old!

Exploring the Christmas Markets in Glasgow

10. If you want to use your phone in Scotland, first, check with the phone provider you’re with to see what they can offer you.

If your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a sim card when you arrive in Scotland. The main sim cards you can purchase in Scotland are Vodafone , Three , and EE . You can purchase these from a phone store (such as Carphone Warehouse ), a grocery store, corner shops – many places around Scotland.

For around £20, you can purchase a sim card on a 1-month plan that will give you around 4GB of data and unlimited texts and calls in the UK. If you’d like to keep in contact with your family back home, I recommend using the apps WhatsApp or Telegram to make texts and calls – these apps are free to use and all you need is data or a Wi-Fi connection!

If you purchase your sim card in England or Wales, it WILL work in Scotland, and vice versa.

Stirling Old Bridge and the Wallace Monument

11. If you are a tourist visiting Scotland on holiday and you require medical treatment, you will most likely have to pay for it. This is why I ALWAYS recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip.

Residents in Scotland receive most medical treatment for free, because the National Health System (NHS) is funded by the taxes we pay.

So how much medical cover should you get through your travel insurance? Usually, 1 million + will give you enough cover.

12. Did you know there are 15 regions in Scotland? While it’s difficult to visit every region on one trip to Scotland, you can learn what each region has to offer and which ones you should visit in my guide to the regions in Scotland .

13. The most typical itinerary in Scotland (the most touristy one) is Edinburgh – Isle of Skye – Inverness and back to Edinburgh or Glasgow. I jokingly call it the ‘tourist triangle’!

This itinerary is absolutely fine if you want to hit all the tourist hotspots – but believe me when I say there is SO much more to Scotland than just this route. I always recommend getting off the beaten track at least ONCE during your trip to Scotland – because (trust me on this one) these areas are the ones that will be most memorable.

During my first trip to Scotland (you can see the itinerary right here ) my favourite memory was driving to Lochaber to see my ancestor’s castle, Achnacarry .

Packing For Your Scotland Trip

14. Are you wondering what to pack for your trip to Scotland? I’ve written a comprehensive guide on what to pack and wear in Scotland . I include recommendations on what I wear day to day for each season. Give it a read as I cover virtually every topic in this guide!

15. You do NOT need to pack waterproof pants unless you’re planning a multi-day hike or if you’re going hiking in the pouring rain. A rain jacket that covers your bum will be absolutely fine. I’ve written a short guide on the weather in Scotland that discusses how to dress for the rain in Scotland. I also debunk a few Scottish weather myths.

16. Facecloths/washcloths/flannels aren’t something that accommodations provide in Scotland, so if you like to use them be sure to bring some from home. Do not pack disposable washcloths – think of the environment!

Currency and Money In Scotland

17. How much cash should you bring to Scotland? Most places in Scotland accept major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard . American Express isn’t often accepted due to the high fees carriers have to pay.

Contactless payments are the preferred choice in Scotland, and Apple Pay is accepted almost everywhere. It is still worth carrying some cash with you, as there are still some places that accept cash only – usually small, independent shops that are located in remote areas.

It’s also useful to have some cash for tipping or paying for the bus (although contactless is now accepted on many buses in Scotland). I recommend carrying £200 cash at a time, and topping this up whenever you need to by withdrawing money from an ATM.

A note: Always check with your bank to see what they will charge you for withdrawing cash from an ATM in Scotland.

18. Money changers don’t give you a good exchange rate (they have to make money somehow!). If you would like to bring cash with you to Scotland, I recommend going to your bank and purchasing currency there.

Whenever I travel overseas, I just use my credit card and withdraw cash from the first free cash withdrawal ATM I find. There are many free cash withdrawal machines throughout Scotland that will give you a much better exchange rate than a money exchanger or bank.

19. A note on Scottish and English money. You can spend English pounds in Scotland – but you may not be able to spend Scottish pounds in England.

It’s a complicated issue – albeit a stupid one, seeing as both Scotland and England are part of the United Kingdom where the currency is the ‘Great British Pound’ (GBP). Basically, there are three banks that print money in Scotland – the Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank – and England has its own printers.

To save yourself the stress, you can use English pounds everywhere in the UK, but try to only spend Scottish bank notes in Scotland.

You cannot use Euros or USD in either England or Scotland.

Flying To Scotland

20. Book your flights directly with the airline. I use Skyscanner to see which routes are available and which airlines have the better/cheaper deal. Then I go to the airline’s website to book directly. This means that if there are any changes or cancellations to your booking, you can contact the airline directly for a solution, rather than going through third parties.

You can also book flights through a travel agent (they usually book directly through the airline too). Travel agents usually charge a fee to do the booking on your behalf, but they will also deal with the airline on your behalf if there are any issues.

21. Search for flights into Glasgow , Edinburgh , and Inverness . These are the main international airports in Scotland. You can also search for flights into London, and catch the train to Edinburgh, or book an internal flight to one of the Scottish airports. I recommend catching the LNER train and travelling First Class between London and Edinburgh/Glasgow- I love the journey!

Culzean Castle in South West Scotland

22. I recommend booking your travel with the same ticket or airline all the way to your final destination. That way, if there’s a delay and you miss your next flight, the airline will bump you onto the next flight.

Delays and flight cancellations are unfortunately pretty common now, so be prepared if something like this should happen.

23. Pack your valuables and essentials in your carry-on, just in case your luggage is delayed. Be sure to take a photo of the inside of your checked luggage too – in case you need to do an insurance claim for lost luggage.

Finlarig Castle in Killin

24. Try not to stress or worry too much about travelling to Scotland – worry is one of the most pointless emotions because we can never predict the future. To help curb the worry, be as prepared as possible. I believe things happen for a reason – especially delays.

Whenever I’ve experienced a delay in life, it has always been for a reason – delays have allowed me to capture the most beautiful sunsets, meet lifelong friends, and have even better experiences. My first trip to Scotland was cancelled – if this hadn’t happened, I would have never met my husband!

Accommodation in Scotland

25. Should you book your accommodation in advance or wing it? My advice is to always book your accommodation in advance . Covid-19 has changed the way we travel in Scotland, and there is a lot of pent-up demand to travel here. As soon as you know where you’re going, book your accommodation. There are limited choices even when booking 3 months in advance!

26. I use Booking.com to search for accommodation in Scotland. This website has the largest range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering accommodations for Scotland. I will always compare the price on Booking with the accommodation direct and book the better deal/price.

The Border Hotel in the Scottish Borders

27. If booking your accommodation with Booking.com – make the booking on your mobile. They sometimes have mobile-only specials that will save you more money!

28. Top sheets aren’t really a thing in Scotland. A bed usually has a fitted sheet, with the duvet on top, and sometimes an extra blanket for extra warmth. Just go with it.

Food and Drink

A fish supper/fish and chips in Scotland

29. Should you book all your restaurants in advance? In some places – yes. Here are the areas I recommend you pre-book:

• Most restaurants on Friday and Saturday night from May- September (book a couple of weeks or several days in advance)
• Edinburgh (on weekends in the summer in particular) at least 1-2 weeks in advance
• The Witchery By The Castle. This restaurant in Edinburgh is hugely popular with tourists, so I recommend you make a booking one month in advance or earlier to ensure you get a table for dinner. You can make a booking via their website .
• The Isle of Skye during the tourist season (May – September) at least 2 weeks in advance
• Small villages that only have a few restaurants

Don’t go overboard with booking everything – my advice is to book the restaurants that are must-visits for you, and leave some time for you to discover hidden gems on your travels. If you spot somewhere you might like to have dinner during your wanderings, pop in and see if there’s a table available for that night or the following night.

The Witchery By The Castle in Edinburgh

30. Haven’t got a restaurant booking? Try to eat outside the peak times. I’ve secured tables without having a booking at some of Scotland’s most popular restaurants by eating outside the peak times in summer:

• 10am -11.30am for brunch/lunch
• 2.30pm – 4pm for lunch
• 4pm – 6pm for dinner

31. A nice backup plan to have is to visit a local grocery store and pick up some local food from there. Enjoy a picnic in a scenic spot, or take it back to your accommodation (this is when self-catering accommodation comes in handy!).

Kilchoman beach whisky tasting

32. Try the following local Scottish food and drink:

• Full Scottish Breakfast (tattie scones will change your life)
• Steak Pie with Roast Tatties
• Cullen Skink
• Scotch Pies
• Scottish seafood from one of the many seafood restaurants on the coast or the islands
• Fish and Chips
• Scone with jam and clotted cream (in that order)
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Porridge with whisky (popular on Islay)
• Whisky (try a whisky from each whisky region – Lowland, Highland, Speyside, Islay and Campbeltown).
• Irn Bru (fizzy drink/pop)

A traditional Scottish steak pie is something you must try in Scotland

33. The most common grocery stores you’ll find in Scotland are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Marks and Spencer (M&S) , and Waitrose . Co-op stores (similar to a 7/11, dairy, or corner store) have a good range of basic groceries, and you’ll find these in most towns and villages. Spar is another brand that carries basic groceries.

34. Most of the grocery stores above will have a £3 meal deal, which includes a sandwich, snack and a drink. These are very popular, and great to pick up if you have a long drive or hike planned. Look out for these meal deals in a refrigerated section.

35. The vast majority of pubs and restaurants in Scotland cater to all dietary requirements and will have gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. There are some fantastic vegan restaurants in Scotland – use the Happy Cow app to find vegan-friendly restaurants.

Driving and Transport In Scotland

One of Scotland’s steepest roads – Bealach na Ba

36. Fuel (petrol) is currently priced from £1.55 per litre. Yes, it’s expensive at the moment!

37. If you hold a full driving license from your country of residence you can hire a small vehicle and drive with that license in Scotland. You generally do not need an international driver’s license . If your driver’s license is not in English, you may have to apply for an international driver’s license or have an English translation available.

You can take this quiz you can take to determine if you can drive in Scotland on your current license.

38. I recommend driving for a maximum of three hours a day . Any more than that, and you’ll get bored of being in the car and you won’t see much!

The famous Kylesku Bridge on the North Coast 500

39. Waze and Google Maps are popular driving apps to help you navigate Scotland. They will give you a general idea of how long it takes to get from A to B, but I recommend always giving yourself extra time to reach your destination.

For example, it takes around 3 hours to drive from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness without stopping. If you’d like to stop and see the sights along the way, I would recommend allowing yourself 5-6 hours for the drive and sightseeing along the way. As a general rule, double your driving time if you plan on stopping along your driving route.

If you don’t plan on making any stops, add an extra 15 minutes to every hour it says it will take you to reach your destination. This will allow for traffic, road works and other common delays.

Travel by train in Scotland

40. The roads in Scotland are typically narrower than roads in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Many roads in the countryside or more remote areas are single-lane, and some of the roads are made of shingle!

There are passing places on these single roads – and the rule of thumb is that you should pull into a passing place if it’s on your left. If its located on your right – stop next to it and let the other car pass by driving around you.

A quick wave of thanks is always appreciated if someone stops to let you pass by.

You will have to drive more slowly on these roads, so when looking at a map of Scotland, even though she looks like a small country, it does take you longer to drive to your destination than you’d assume!

For more tips, read this guide on driving in Scotland for the first time .

Did you know that we provide private driving tours in Scotland ? We can organise a day trip or multi-day tour for you and take you wherever you want to go! Visit our website  Kiwi and Haggis Tours  for more information.

The Hop On, Hop Off bus in Edinburgh

41. Car hire gets booked up very quickly due to the high demand for travel to Scotland. The price of car hire has also increased drastically since the pandemic. Be sure to book your car hire well in advance. I recommend Celtic Legend or Auto Europe (a car rental comparison site) for booking your car hire.

42. If you’re using public transport, you can purchase train tickets and bus tickets 3 months in advance.

How To Not Look Like A Tourist In Scotland

43. A note on your Scottish ancestry – some Scots will roll their eyes if you bring up that you’re related to Mary Queen of Scots or Robert the Bruce *.

Some Scots also don’t like it if you claim you’re Scottish, but were born and raised in another country. I’m telling you this so you can be prepared if, in the middle of a conversation, you proudly announce your Scottish heritage and you get a muted response. This has happened to me plenty of times! I don’t take it to heart – I’m proud of my Scottish ancestry, and it’s the reason I became so interested in visiting Scotland in the first place.

I think it’s great that so many people feel passionate about their Scottish heritage and want to visit their ancestral home. This has done wonders for Scottish tourism – and has kept the history and culture alive all around the world. Just don’t expect others to be as excited as you are!

*Fun fact: I actually am related to Robert the Bruce! He’s my 23x great-grandfather and I love visiting areas in Scotland where he once visited.

Sitting next to my 5x great grandfather’s grave in Scotland

44. Don’t make assumptions about the Scots – they don’t all drink whisky, play the bagpipes down at the local pub, speak Gaelic, eat haggis, and travel via standing stones.

Think of it this way – what’s an annoying stereotype from your country? What annoys you about tourists when they visit your country?

Modern Scotland is different from what is marketed around the world. Most Scots will choose beer or wine over whisky, go out for dinner at an Indian/Italian/Chinese restaurant, and jet off to Europe for a sunny holiday.

On the flipside, many Scots are proud of their history, and love to chat about it too – especially those who work in the tourism industry.

Be open-minded when you visit Scotland – learn about modern Scotland too – it’s pretty interesting!

Hanging out on the Isle of Islay

45. I don’t want the above two points to make you feel uneasy about visiting Scotland, because the Scots are some of the kindest, most hospitable people on earth! They have amazing wit, are generous, and love to have a good time.

Try staying in a bed and breakfast, to experience Scottish hospitality at its finest!

Read more: 10 Must-Sees in Scotland You Can’t Miss

46. The Scots are passionate about sustainability and looking after the environment – so my advice is to think carefully about what you pack and use during your trip to Scotland. Do not pack or use single-use products, such as make-up wipes, cotton buds, and plastic bottles.

Instead, pack reusable facecloths, a water bottle, reusable shopping bags, and washcloths (or just use your hands!). Please recycle when in Scotland – if you can’t find a recycling bin, just ask a shop, pub, or restaurant if you can use theirs!

For more helpful hints, check out my blog post on tips for sustainable travel in Scotland .

Important, Final Scotland Travel Tips

47. Join my Facebook group, Scotland Travel Tips , if you haven’t already. There is plenty of helpful information to help you plan your trip in this group – be sure to use the search function to find information on the area you want to visit.

48. If you’d like a shortcut to planning your Scotland trip, I created the Ultimate Scotland Travel Bundle which contains an eBook, 70-page printable planner, and 7 must-see Scotland travel planners which list all the must-sees in Scotland’s major tourist destinations. It will save you hours and hours of searching the internet (and wading through misinformation!).

49. My most comprehensive product for Scotland planning is my Planning A Trip To Scotland course . This course features over 70 videos and covers every aspect of planning your trip- from creating your itinerary, to booking your trip, learning how to get around using public transport, money saving tips, travel inspiration and so much more! I created it with my friend and Lonely Planet Scotland writer, Kay from The Chaotic Scot. Between us, there is nothing we don’t know about Scotland travel!

👉 Buy the Planning A Trip To Scotland course

Carrick Castle, a hidden gem in the Cowal Peninsula

50. And finally – have a great time in Scotland! I have a saying, and that is it’s impossible to plan a bad trip to Scotland .

After reading this article, you now know the most common questions that travellers ask – so you are already equipped with some solid knowledge on travelling to Scotland!

Try not to stress if you don’t get everything ticked off your bucket list, or if your flight is delayed – Scotland has a magical way of bringing you into the present moment and enjoying what’s in front of you.

Have an amazing time in Scotland, and please share this article if you found it useful!

Are there any tips you’d add to this list? Leave a comment below and help out your fellow travellers!

This is the seventh and final article in my Planning A Trip to Scotland series . Sign up here to have the whole series emailed to you.

Related posts

Vickie Wyatt

Saturday 16th of March 2024

Congratulations on new baby, seeing Scotland has been a life long dream, I’ve never traveled except neighboring states and we drove, it is a gift from my nephew and we are traveling together. And driving in Scotland. I too have Scott ancestry paternal 2 x great grandfather James Bankhead. During my travel research I was surprised at how many places and areas called Bankhead,the only thing I know is most family were miners including my dad Roy Bankhead was a coal miner, but I’m not doing any ancestry research I just want to see Scotland, I’m so happy to have this opportunity I don’t care if we have any hiccups. We have a few places I want to see but the rest is whatever we decide to see.

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

Thanks for the tips........these will come in handy when make plans.

Frenney Olivia Lobo

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Hi Yvette, very informative article and Scotland is a very welcoming and beautiful country - greenery, clean air, clean roads, clean everything. I would like to add a point here as I am guessing this article is from covid times. I travelled to Scotland in Sep. 2023 from Dubai, UAE to Aberdeen airport.

My friends in Scotland told me that Scottish currency notes are accepted in England too now (worth a check). I was skeptical of bringing Scottish currency to UAE for exchange however I was also able to exchange it at the exchange house (though not at the Dubai airport) and got the same exchange rate as GBP sterling.

To travel by train and book tickets I used the "train app" and it came very handy, hassle free and paper free.

To the edible must try list you could also add the fruit jams with whisky, gin or champagne and the fruit flavoured delectable homemade gins from the distillery (I got from Stirling Distillery)

Scotland is very beautiful and anyone who loves nature, tranquility and the countryside would quickly fall in love with this place. Hope to visit again - “Haste ye back”

Warm regards,

Saturday 14th of January 2023

Hi I'm coming over this April I want to see as much as I can in the month I'm there

Laura Weems (Clan Wemyss)

Thursday 1st of September 2022

I absolutely love your blog! Is there a way to follow it, get email updates, etc? Thank you!

Yvette Webster

Monday 5th of September 2022

Aww thank you- you certainly can, the best thing to do is sign up to my newsletter: wayfaringkiwi.com/sign-up/ xx

Hi Laura, I give regular updates on my Facebook page and Instagram account (instagram.com/wayfaringkiwi11) and I also send out regular Scotland newsletters! You can sign up for that here: wayfaringkiwi.com/sign-up/

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

Scotland is a rugged and beautiful country that’s perfect for exploring on a road trip. The craggy coasts, placid lochs, and rolling hills make it a dream to discover. There are countless historic castles, iconic distilleries, and postcard-perfect islands at your fingertips.

I absolutely love Scotland. It’s stunningly beautiful and I can never get enough of the countless changing landscapes, Scotch distilleries, and warm, welcoming locals.

Having been to Scotland over a handful of times in the last decade, I think taking a road trip is the best way to explore the country. Home to just 5.5 million people, it’s a sparsely populated land, so much of your driving here will be out in the countryside. The country is just built for it.

But there are still a few things to keep in mind before you depart.

Here are 10 Scotland road-trip tips (plus my favorite routes) to help make your drive better, safer, and more fun (based on my experience at least):

Table of Contents

1. Get Travel Insurance

2. rent the right vehicle, 3. be ready to drive on the left, 4. understand roundabouts, 5. know the speed limits, 6. add in time for scenic stops, 7. download the right apps, 8. bring a paper map, 9. understand how to drive on single-track roads, 10. don’t rush, suggested routes, scotland road trip faq, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

I never leave home without travel insurance . And I never rent a car without comprehensive insurance either.

I know, it’s an added expense. And chances are you won’t even need it.

But what happens if you do need it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for damage. And that could cost you thousands.

Scotland has lots of narrow, rugged, or single-track roads (more on those later) that can be tricky to navigate. Tire and windshield damage is common. Throw in the ever-changing weather, and you’ve got recipe for trouble.

That’s why I strongly encourage you to take out car insurance for your road trip. The peace of mind is worth it.

When it comes to renting a car, I recommend Discover Cars . When you book, it’s easy to add car insurance onto your purchase with the click of a button. The site makes it clear what is covered and how much it costs.

You essentially have two choices when it comes to renting a vehicle in Scotland — and choice will drastically impact your trip. Your options are a car or a campervan.

A car will be cheaper and use less gas, but you’ll have to find accommodation each night. A campervan/RV will be more money and require more fuel, but you can sleep inside the vehicle and thus save money on accommodation. (It’s not my jam but to each their own.)

Both options make for an amazing trip, so there is no wrong answer. Just keep in mind that manual transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you want a vehicle with automatic transmission, you’ll need to specify that while booking.  

Traffic in Scotland flows on the left, just like the rest of the UK. This is the opposite of the US, Canada, and the majority of Europe (only Ireland, the UK, Malta, and Cyprus drive on the left in Europe).

If you rent a manual vehicle, you’ll be switching gears with your left hand instead of your right, which has a bit of a learning curve. (Personally, I prefer an automatic).

Old habits die hard, so if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, drive cautiously. Driving on the left can be especially challenging when you arrive at a roundabout (more on that below) or in a city. Take it slow at first, until you adjust.  

Roundabouts are a traffic circles that serve as intersections, instead of stop lights or stop signs. They force vehicles to slow down without stopping the flow of traffic. While they aren’t especially common in the US, they are incredibly popular in Europe (they reduce serious traffic accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are very common in Scotland. And they flow in the opposite direction (clockwise) than do those in the US (counterclockwise). When approaching a roundabout, slow down drastically and yield to traffic in the roundabout until you have an opening to enter the traffic circle. All traffic flows the same direction in a roundabout.

If there are multiple lanes, you’ll need to be on an outer lane when exiting. The inner lane of the roundabout is for cars not exiting immediately.

When you’re ready to exit the roundabout, signal so cars behind you know you will be turning.

If you’re not comfortable when you arrive at a roundabout, just take it slow and signal your intentions. They are much easier to handle than you think!  

Posted speed limits in Scotland are written in miles. While this is helpful for Americans like me, travelers from countries that use kilometers will want to pay extra attention.

Common speed limits are:

• Built-up areas: 30 MPH
• Single roadways: 60 MPH
• Dual roadways: 70 MPH
• Highways: 70 MPH

These numbers are just guides, however. Always follow local signage to ensure safety. When in doubt, it’s always better to go slower rather than faster until you verify the speed. I’d write down some common conversions so you can have them handy if you get confused.  

I know a lot of travelers like to really plan out their routes and itineraries. When you only have a few days, it can be tempting to plan everything to a T (I used to do this a lot). However, there are lots of diversions to explore in Scotland, from quaint towns to scenic vistas to short hikes.

You’re going to want to pull over every few minutes for a vista, mountain, loch, or abandoned castle. The landscape is so beautiful that even the average sights are Insta-worthy. For that reason, build in buffer time in your itinerary so that, if you decide to stop or take a little diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t recommend this enough. Sometimes, the best parts of a trip are the ones you stumble into. And you definitely don’t want to be rushing from sight to sight either, so plan to be diverted.  

I know, when you head out on a road trip, the point is to get away from your phone so you can enjoy the local culture and stunning views. However, there are lots of apps out there that can help you save money, stay safe, and save time. Everyone road-tripping around Scotland should have the following apps downloaded to their phone:

• Met Weather – This is the best weather app for the UK. Conditions can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
• Google Maps – The best app for looking up directions. Make sure to download your maps so you have them for offline use.
• Park4Night – A helpful app for finding spots to park for your RV or campervan (including free ones).
• Flush – A helpful app for finding public restrooms.
• Petrol Prices – An app for finding and comparing nearby gas prices for when you need to refuel.

Whenever I go on a road trip, I always bring a paper map . I know, Google Maps is easy and free, and mobile data coverage in Scotland is generally reliable. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know when your phone is going to break, if your signal will be lost (likely to happen if you’re driving through remote areas), or if there will be an emergency.

Give yourself peace of mind: bring a paper road map, and just leave it in the glove box. You likely won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it (they make nice souvenirs after a trip too).  

Once you get out of the cities, you may encounter single-track roads. These are essentially two-way roads that only have space for one vehicle. This means that if you encounter oncoming traffic, there is no room for you to pass one another.

Fortunately, these roads usually have passing areas built into them at regular intervals, allowing cars to pull over to make room. Take advantage of these when you see traffic coming, so that you can easily pass one another.

Additionally, take it slow around corners on single-track roads. Accidents can occur here because you can’t see oncoming traffic (with whom you’re sharing a lane). So, drive slowly, and always be prepared to stop.

Lastly, keep in mind that many single-track roads are a bit rugged. Blowing a tire can happen easily, especially if you’re pulling off to the side to make room for passing vehicles. For that reason, make sure you have a spare tire and that you also have insurance coverage for your tires, just to be safe.  

While Scotland isn’t huge, there are still a lot of things see and do here. It may be tempting to rush, so you can pack more into your itinerary, but I strongly encourage you to not do so. Quality, not quantity, is the name of the game. I’ve been on countless road trips around the world, and slower is always better. That means driving less and spending more time at each stop. Do that, and you’ll be able to soak in a lot more of Scotland’s unique culture.

Furthermore, chances are you’ll be driving on a lot of smaller, winding roads here, often surrounded by ambling farm animals to watch out for. That means, for safety reasons, you’ll need to slow down and really focus on the drive. Admire the sights, leave room for spontaneous detours, and forget about rushing from sight to sight. You won’t regret it!  

There are a few popular road trip routes in Scotland. They each offer different things to see and do, and each require different amounts of time to complete. To make the most of your time, pick the route that best suits your travel interests.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the best road trip routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – This is probably the most popular road trip route in the country. It loops around the northern tip of Scotland, usually starting and ending in Inverness. Popular stops include Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave , John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Castle.

You’ll want at least five days, though seven days would be preferable. Just keep in mind that it can get busy in the summer.

Edinburgh/Glasgow to Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a picturesque valley in the Highlands that’s both a National Scenic Area and National Nature Reserve. It’s a popular spot for photographers and hikers, and a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Highlands.

Glen Coe is just 2-2.5 hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh , making it an easy day trip (though I suggest stopping overnight, so you can really soak up the views). It’s also a part of several road trip routes, including the Argyll Coastal Route (listed next).

Argyll Coastal Route – This route along the west coast of Scotland stretches for 129 miles (208 kilometers), from Loch Lomond to Fort Williams. It’s a great alternative to the North Coast 500, as it’s less popular (and thus less crowded). Popular stops along this route include the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

While you could easily drive the distance in a single day, plan to spend at least three days. That will give you time to see the highlights without rushing.

Highlands Tourist Route – Cutting across the eastern side of the country, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a popular choice for history buffs, as there are numerous castle and museum stops, as well as the site of the last battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden (1746).

The route is just 116 miles (187 kilometers), but at least three days are needed to take it all in.  

If you pick a shorter route or just want to do a weekend road trip to camp, three days will suffice.

What is the most scenic drive in Scotland? Some of the most scenic drives in Scotland include the Argyll Coastal Route, the entire North Coast 500, and the Highlands Tourist Route.

Is driving in Scotland difficult? While driving in the cities can be a pain, once you get out into the countryside, it is very easy. Just use caution on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and remember that you have to drive on the left!

Can you drive onto the Isle of Skye? Yep! It’s connected to the mainland via a bridge.

What is the best month for a Scotland road trip? Generally, April-October is the best time to visit. Personally, I like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the changing leaves. It won’t be as warm, but prices will be lower and everything will be less busy.

Scotland is a beautiful destination and perfect for road trips. With stunning scenery, historic sights, plentiful hiking opportunities, and possible Loch Ness monster sightings, I think renting a car to explore is the best way to experience the country. Whether you want to discover the rugged coast or weave about the Highlands, having a car or campervan will make it both possible and affordable. Just follow the tips above and you’ll be sure to have an amazing time!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Scotland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Scotland? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Scotland for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19): international travel

Planning foreign travel and information on travel rules.

Visiting Scotland from another country

There are no covid travel rules in place for people arriving in Scotland from abroad.

You do not need to:

• complete a Passenger Locator Form
• take any covid tests before you leave for Scotland, or after you arrive
• isolate when you arrive

Normal travel rules apply.

When returning home or travelling to other countries outside Scotland, you should check your own government’s travel advice for further help. Even though Scotland does not have covid travel rules, other countries may.

If you live in Scotland and you're travelling abroad

Even though Scotland’s rules have ended, other countries may still have travel rules in place. If you live in Scotland, you should  check GOV.UK’s foreign travel advice   for every country you're planning to visit.

COVID-19 vaccination for travel is only available if you’re traveling to a country that requires proof of coronavirus vaccination for entry and you do not have the number of doses required. There are very few countries in the world that require proof of COVID status to enter. Most countries have no requirements at all, and some will allow you to enter if you take a coronavirus test prior to travel.

If you need a coronavirus vaccine, please contact your local health board to discuss your circumstances.

If you need to prove which vaccinations you’ve had when you arrive in another country, you can normally use your NHS Scotland COVID Status app to do this.

Future changes to travel advice

New covid travel rules in Scotland, or any other country, may be brought in at short notice. You should always check the latest advice for each country you’re planning to travel to before booking your trip and before you go.

Central Enquiry Unit Email:  [email protected] Phone: 0300 244 4000

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A practical guide to touring Scotland's islands, from midge-dodging to ferry bookings

Get the most out of your visit with our booking tips and packing advice.

Most of the 900-odd islands and islets off the coast of Scotland can be grouped into four main archipelagos: Shetland and Orkney in the north, and the Inner and Outer Hebrides in the east. They’re impossible to neatly define — some with rocky crags, some with shores so scenic they could stand in for the Tropics. Although remote, they can be busy, and it pays to plan in advance.

How far in advance should I book my accommodation?

Although you might get away with rocking up in towns like Stornoway and Lerwick and finding a bed for the night on the hoof, it’s worth remembering that you’re dealing with a rural region, and hotels are few and far between. If you’re travelling in the peak summer season or during school holidays, you’ll need to book several months in advance — if not longer — to secure the best rooms.

How frequent are the ferry crossings, and how far in advance should I book them?

The ferries are the lifeblood of the islands, so most major destinations have at least a daily link to the mainland. While you can often turn up at a ferry port and travel on the next available service, it’s always best to book your journeys in advance, especially if you’re travelling with a car.

CalMac , which serves many of the islands off the west coast, generally publishes its summer timetable in January and its winter schedule in September, with bookings opening in phases shortly afterwards. NorthLink Ferries , which serves Orkney and Shetland, usually publishes its timetable and opens bookings for the following calendar year in November. If you’re travelling between Aberdeen and Lerwick, you’ll sail overnight and will need to book either a cabin, sleeping pod or reclining seat — best done as far in advance as possible.

What should I pack?

Whatever your plans, you’ll need layers (thermal ones in winter), a decent rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Leave out the formal wear; the isles are a laid-back place, and even the fanciest dinner can be enjoyed in a jumper and walking boots.

Should I plan for rain?

The Scottish weather has a dreadful reputation, and there’s a reason so many Scots jet off in summer to destinations with guaranteed warm, dry weather. Scotland, and particularly its west coast, is a wet and windy place — but as islanders love to say, if you don’t like the weather, wait and it’ll change. This is a place where clouds tend to scuttle overhead rather than bed in for the long haul, so take the local advice to do things ‘between weathers’: when you get a sunny spell, make sure to make the most of it.

What about the midges?

Scotland’s famous midges can ruin an otherwise pleasant summer’s evening. While these teeny, flying insects are intensely annoying, their bites are harmless, and you won’t encounter them if it’s sunny, even slightly windy or outside the summer months. They like dark clothing, so wear lights and brights, and apply a liberal spray of Smidge insect repellent — it’s DEET-free and was invented by a Scottish midge expert.

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Travel | Wish You Were Here: Exploring Scotland and…

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Travel | Wish You Were Here: Exploring Scotland and mythical Kelpies

Now a Santa Cruz trio is sharing their tales from a recent trip to Great Britain. Read on for details, then find more travel inspiration at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here/ .

Wish You Were Here

SCOTLAND: A trio of Santa Cruz friends, Colin Smith and Sean and Elizabeth Seman’s recent adventure to Great Britain included explorations of the English countryside, as well as Wales and Scotland, where they planned to meet Colin’s family in Callander before heading on to Edinburgh.

“This truly is a gorgeous part of the world,” Elizabeth says. The visit included a stop at Stirling Castle “with its resplendent tapestries and carved wooden cameos of the king and queen.

“On a whim, upon our departure from Callendar, we dropped by the renowned Kelpies, a UNESCO world heritage site. These are massive horse heads that rise out of the landscape. They were designed and completed by Andy Scott in 2013. The Kelpies were shape-shifting mythical spirits inhabiting the lochs in Irish and Scottish folklore. The horses were modeled after the imposing Clydesdales that pulled barges up the Union Canal.”

Join the fun! Send a photo of yourself on your latest adventures — local, domestic or international — to [email protected]. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two to help fellow readers go there, too.

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5 Reasons Why Air Travel Is Vital For Keeping Scotland's Islands Connected

• Reliable connections are essential for people to live, work, and visit the Scottish islands, and both ferry and air services play a crucial role in maintaining these connections.
• Air travel offers faster and more flexible connections compared to ferry travel, with shorter travel times and more flight options available. This is beneficial for both locals and tourists.
• The efficiency and cost advantages of air travel, including the use of smaller aircraft and multiple flights, make it a cost-effective option, especially during off-peak periods. Additionally, reliable air services promote tourism and contribute to the economic development of the islands.

Scotland has had air routes connecting its many inhabited islands to the mainland for a long time. In fact, the route from Kirkwall Airport (KOI) in the Orkney Islands to Inverness Airport (INV) is the longest-running commercial air route in the UK. Ferry routes, of course, are also an option, but there is still a key need for air links - for several good reasons.

Reliable connections

There is no legal obligation on the Scottish government to provide transport connections to the Scottish islands. However, under current government policy, support (and funding) is provided for this. Providing reliable connections helps to maintain the ability and appeal for people to live, work, and visit. Having the option of both ferry and air service is essential here. This has been highlighted in 2022 and 2023 with some severe shortcomings in ferry services.

Get all the latest aviation news right here on Simple Flying

The main ferry operator in Scotland , Caledonian MacBrayne, has seen problems with boats being taken out of service for maintenance and delays in the delivery of new vessels, meaning it is unable to operate as many services as normal. An air alternative is very important here.

Fast (and flexible) connections

Boat travel may be seen as relaxing and convenient in some ways, but air travel is, of course, much quicker. The journey from Inverness to Stornoway (on the Outer Hebrides) takes around five hours by car and ferry, compared to just 45 minutes by air. (with Loganir up to four time a day) To the Shetland Islands is even more significant - over 12 hours by ferry from Aberdeen, compared to just over an hour by flight.

On many routes (including the ones just discussed), there are also more flight times and options available. The ferries tend to leave from one or two key ports, whereas flights are scheduled from several cities.

This is relevant for locals on the islands as well as visitors. Being able to travel off the islands quickly and easily can make a big quality-of-life difference for residents (and potentially encourage more to settle there).

Efficiency and cost

We won't get into an analysis of whether ferry or air travel is more environmentally friendly. However, there are definite advantages with the flexibility air travel can offer with multiple flights, and lower-capacity aircraft. Especially off-peak, when travel volumes are lower, operating a smaller aircraft will likely be more cost-effective than a large ferry. This applies t cargo transport just as it does for passenger services.

Promoting tourism

Having reliable and fast connections is very important for tourism. Many of the islands are popular tourist destinations and air links are more convenient for most. In many cases, ferry connections with a car are very difficult. And even with a car, the total ferry crossing costs can be very high. Flights from the main airports are more convenient, and tourists can then make tour or car hire arrangements on the islands.

Economic development

A final important point to consider is the impact on the economic development and opportunities for the islands. Like any location, the islands are keen to attract new business and investment, and guaranteed and reliable air services will help with this.

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This has been a quick discussion of an issue very important in Scotland. Air services in the highlands and islands region are currently doing well in the country - we reported recently how passenger numbers are up 10% in summer 2023, and almost back to pre-pandemic levels.

Feel free to discuss the air services, options, and reasons further in the comments section below.

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I Just Arrived in Edinburgh on JetBlue's First Flight to Scotland — Here's What to Expect on the New Route

Its inaugural celebrations also include discounted fares for a limited time.

Courtesy of Alison Fox

It may have been lightly raining on my final descent into Edinburgh, but the hint of gloomy weather couldn’t dim my excitement on this milestone journey across the pond.

Just about seven hours earlier, I had left New York on JetBlue’s inaugural flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to the Scottish capital. The flight, which was first announced last year , marked the fifth European city for the airline.

“It's incredible to think that in just 24 years, we've grown from being a small carrier to now serving more than 100 destinations,” Warren Christie, JetBlue’s chief operating officer, said at the gate ahead of a ribbon cutting ceremony. “Adding Edinburgh to our network… sets us up to introduce JetBlue’s low fares and incredible service to the rest of the world.”

JetBlue will fly to Edinburgh daily for the summer season through Sept. 30 on its Airbus A321neo aircraft. Flights will take off from New York at 9:12 p.m., arriving at 9:30 a.m. local time the next day. JetBlue will then take off from Edinburgh at 12:30 p.m. and return to New York at  3:06 p.m. local time.

And now may be the time to book as the airline is celebrating the launch of its Edinburgh flights with introductory fares starting at $499 roundtrip for Core and starting at $2,999 for Mint. To take advantage, travelers must purchase a roundtrip flight and stay for at least three nights and book by May 24 and travel between May 28 and July 31.

In addition to Edinburgh, JetBlue operates flights to London (its first foray into Europe, which it launched in 2021 ), along with Paris , Amsterdam , and Dublin .

Courtesy of JetBlue

On Wednesday evening, the celebrations began at the gate with blue and white Scottish bunting, beef stew, and shortbread cookies welcoming travelers. The treats continued once on board with Tunnock's teacakes (a Scottish version of the beloved Mallomar), coconut snowballs, and more, along with American and Scottish flags laid out at each seat in alternating order.

Settled into seat 2F in the airline’s Mint cabin, I placed my meal order on the 17-inch TV screen and extended my leg rest. I watched Wonka and sipped a spicy margarita with pineapple, chile, and lime, before enjoying a collection of small plates (a highlight was the chilled pea soup with mint oil and puffed wild rice).

Each JetBlue Mint menu is curated by the New York-based Delicious Hospitality Group, which includes restaurants Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, and Legacy Records. The airline also offers an express “Savor & Sleep” menu, which comes complete with several courses but served together so you can drift off to sleep quickly.

After enjoying every last bite of my dinner and indulging in a chocolate marshmallow cream, I pulled out the Tuft & Needle bedding, fluffed my blanket, slid my door shut for privacy, and turned my seat into a fully lie-flat bed to catch a couple hours of sleep before landing.

The aircraft features a total of 16 Mint seats, including two front-row Mint studio seats, which are larger and include more storage and even space for a guest. There are also 144 Core seats — JetBlue’s version of economy — in which passengers are treated to meals from New York-based Dig along with a self-serve snack pantry. 

After we landed, I peered out the window to find a group of passengers boarding a Ryanair flight happily waving at us as a welcome from the tarmac and couldn’t help but get excited for what lay ahead. I then headed into the city, past stately Victorian buildings, and checked into the iconic The Balmoral hotel.

The property features 167 rooms and 20 suites overlooking the hum of the city and boasting gorgeous views of city landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument (and even includes binoculars in some rooms to take full advantage). The hotel makes for an impressive facade set right between Edinburgh’s Old Town and New, and offers a great jumping off point to explore the city.

From there, I will explore the intricacies of whiskey at several planned tastings (it is Scotland, after all), pop into bespoke tartan workshops, and explore the castle and decommissioned The Royal Yacht Britannia — which fans of the Netflix show The Crown may remember as a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Eventually, I will head north to the Highlands, and I know I’m not alone in wanting to explore more of this wild and beautiful country. JetBlue certainly agrees.

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I flew in JetBlue's private 'apartment' for a 6-hour flight. The extra space made business-class travel even better.

• I was on JetBlue's inaugural flight from New York City to Edinburgh.
• I spent the six-hour trip in its business class "apartment," called the "Mint Studio."
• The studio had a bench, a cabinet with a mirror, and the largest TV of any airline.

It's not often you get your own apartment in the sky.

When I joined JetBlue for its inaugural flight to Scotland on May 22, I wasn't expecting to be in its "Mint Studio," a space my flight attendant described as an "apartment New Yorkers would kill for." But when I saw "1F" printed on my boarding pass, I knew I was in for a treat.

The front row of business class, the Mint Studio is JetBlue's most spacious option, with prices from around $4,000. Business Insider paid a press rate of $1,300, including a return flight in the airline's "Even More Space" economy section.

While the "apartment" makes for a comfortable transatlantic flight, it's not something I'd splurge on. Here's what it's like.

As the first seat on the plane, the studio has the most space.

The studio easily offers the most room of any airline I've ever flown.

It's got even more space than the rest of JetBlue's business class seats. There's more leg space than I could ever use — a luxury as the rest of plane seats seemingly continue to shrink .

It comes with a small cabinet to store belongings.

I stowed a few in-flight necessities in the cabinet, which I thought was a nice touch. It also has a mirror, so passengers can do some pre-arrival primping.

The food was the same as in the rest of the cabin.

I've always thought JetBlue's dining options are among the best, and the same applies here. The menu was the same as my flight to Paris last year: A farro salad, Cavatelli pasta, chilled soup, and gelato.

The TV is massive, and the in-flight entertainment options are expansive.

The television in the apartment is 22 inches — five inches larger than the TVs in other business-class seats. Per JetBlue, it's actually the largest screen of any US airlines.

I made good use of the screen: I didn't struggle finding anything to watch, as there were plenty of movies and shows to choose from. It even had a selection of A24 films, some of my favorites.

The studio’s pièce de résistance is its extra seat.

The apartment has a small bench, which apparently you can use to host other passengers, according to the website .

Even if I wasn't traveling solo, I can't see myself wanting to have another person in the little room. I imagine the space would be best used for a parent wanting to watch a movie or hang out with their kid.

The bench adds some extra space to the lie-flat seat.

For me, this was the seat's only real use case, other than having another place to put some of my belongings.

When the seat is fully reclined, the bench adds quite a bit of extra room. The added space is great for anyone who tosses and turns in their sleep, and I ended up being able to sleep for the majority of the flight.

Still, I can’t say it’s much better than its regular Mint seats.

The best part of the seat was the bench, which offered some extra space once the seat was laid flat. Even so, I can't say it's something I'd spend extra money on.

The flight experience is the same: You get the same food, amenities, and entertainment selections as the rest of Mint. I can see the bench coming in useful for parents traveling with kids, but for anyone just wanting to sleep their way over the Atlantic, the rest of business class gets the job done — for less money.

• Main content

Scotland issued thunderstorm warning tomorrow as hail and lightning to disrupt travel

Thunder, lightning, heavy rain and hail is expected to batter Scotland this week as forecasters at the Met Office warn people to be wary when out and about on the roads.

• 10:24, 28 MAY 2024

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A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office for Scotland this week as people are being warned to stay safe while travelling.

The weather alert has been issued for Tuesday, May 28 and will begin at 3pm before concluding at 11:59pm this evening. It will mostly affect Strathclyde and the Borders. Another fresh thunderstorm warning is in place for Wednesday, May 29, which will start at 10am and end by 7pm.

Forecasters have said that heavy showers and thundery weather may bring "torrential downpours" could cause issues with travel and potentially flooding in some areas. Hail, lightning and strong winds are also expected, alongside an inch of rain which is expected to fall in the space of a couple of hours.

In the warning , forecasters said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms will spread eastwards this afternoon before slowly fading later this evening. Where storms are particularly frequent 20 to 30 mm of rain may build up over 2 or 3 hours. Frequent lightning, hail and gusty winds will be additional hazards in some places."

Meteorologists said in their warning: "Early showers on Wednesday will become heavier and more widespread later in the morning for the afternoon. Where showers and storms develop they could be slow-moving and prolonged, bringing 15-20 mm of rain in less than an hour and potentially 30-40 mm in a few hours. Lightning and hail will be additional hazards."

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Scots are being told to be aware of potential flooding in their area and prepare an emergency kit if they are more susceptible to excess rainfall disrupting their home. Met Office forecasters said: "Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences."

Motorists are also being told to plan their journey ahead of time and check road conditions before heading out to give themselves the best chance of avoiding delays or any unexpected issues.

The BBC Weather's interactive weather map has shown a large band of heavy rainfall leading in from the western coast and covering Scotland as they confirm large downpours for both Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Areas affected by yellow thunderstorm warning for Tuesday, May 28

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

• Dumfries and Galloway
• East Lothian
• Midlothian Council
• Scottish Borders

Strathclyde

• East Ayrshire
• South Ayrshire
• South Lanarkshire

Areas affected by yellow thunderstorm warning for Wednesday, May 29

Central, Tayside and Fife

• Clackmannanshire
• Perth and Kinross
• Aberdeenshire

Highlands and Eilean Siar

• West Lothian
• Argyll and Bute
• North Lanarkshire

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Dallas County declares disaster, extends voting hours after storms knock out power for thousands

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins signed a disaster declaration and the county extended its voting hours until 9 p.m. as hundreds of thousands of people remained without power Tuesday evening due to severe storms.

The severe weather knocked out power at some local polling locations, forcing them to delay opening Tuesday morning. The Dallas County Election Department said keeping the polls open late would ensure all eligible voters could cast a ballot despite those disruptions.

That also means tentative results won't be available until after 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Kaufman and Rockwell counties have extended voting hours to 8 p.m .

In total, almost a half million customers were still without electricity across North Texas as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to an Oncor outage tracker.

The bulk of those outages — more than 292,000 — were in Dallas County.

Jenkins said during a press conference the storms would likely lead to multi-day outages.

" This, unfortunately, will be a multi-day power outage situation similar to the one that you saw in Harris County and Houston ," Jenkins said. "That does not mean if your power is out right now, that it will be out for multiple days. It certainly could be out for multiple days."

Severe storms ripped through North Texas over Memorial Day weekend and continued Tuesday, bringing hail, damaging winds and heavy rain.

Oncor teams were sent out in the morning to assess damages, clear debris and conduct repair work across impacted areas. Work began as soon as it was safe and is expected to continue around the clock, Oncor officials said in a social media post.

During Jenkins' press conference on Tuesday, Grant Cruise, Oncor communications manager, said Oncor is asking for assistance from out of state to help with restoration efforts.

"We are working quickly, we are trying to bring people into the state and keep everybody safe," Cruise said. "But you should plan for, you know, extended outages in some parts."

The severe weather is forecast for the area until early afternoon Tuesday and expected to return Tuesday night.

Here's what’s been impacted by the storms in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties.

Power outages left more than 477,000 Oncor customers without power in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties combined.

Unlike grid issues caused by intense heat in the summer or severe winter storms, the outages were not due to overcapacity power generation straining the grid. The outages were due to the winds, which was not uncommon, Jenkins said. However, he said the extent of the damage was unusual.

Jenkins said Oncor would prioritize critical infrastructure like hospitals and police stations.

As of noon, all hospitals except one had power, and the one that did not have power was operating on a generator, Jenkins said. Only life saving procedures would be conducted while a hospital is on generator power, he said.

Water plants were not impacted by the severe weather and Jenkins said residents do not need to worry about the cleanliness of their water.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday Denton and Collin counties were approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for eligibility for its individual assistance program .

The program provides funds for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, property losses and other expenses caused by a disaster.

Announcing my request to add 4 more counties to the Presidential Disaster Declaration has been approved. Texas continues working tirelessly to help Texans rebuild & recover from severe weather. Remain weather aware & heed local warnings as storms continue. Stay safe, Texas. pic.twitter.com/lZbObkL9Qc — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 28, 2024

Outages also impacted polling locations in some counties — on the last day to vote in the primary runoff elections.

In Collin County six polling locations were closed , at least two of which had no electricity. The location at Community Park Center in Wylie was rerouted to Collin College in Wylie. More than 100 voting centers faced outages in Dallas County.

Due to the ongoing severe weather, many of our Vote Centers are experiencing power outages. We encourage voters to use our Vote Center Finder ( https://t.co/1iHXFWKlhR )to find their nearest open location. Your safety is our priority, so please travel safely. #DallasCountyVotes pic.twitter.com/zM8Ja0JQ5n — Dallas County Elections (@DallasElections) May 28, 2024

Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano had to be relocated because winds blew a portion of the roof off the church. The polling site was relocated to Career Center East in Lewisville.

Frank Phillips, Denton County elections administrator, said in an email that several sites were without power until they were able to get generators to the locations.

He said the county would also ask for extended hours at the locations that opened late due to the outages, although as of Tuesday evening it was not clear whether the hours were extended.

"As soon as the Republican and Democratic parties approve those locations, I will be seeking approval from a district judge to extend voting this evening at those locations," Phillips said in the email.

Severe storms on Tuesday impacted flight operations at both Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Both airlines cautioned travelers coming to and from the airports and advised them to check flight statuses for delays and cancelations.

With a strong storm in the area this morning passengers should check their flight status with their airline as delays are likely. Please use caution if traveling to/from the airport this morning with strong winds and rain impacting travel. — DFW Airport (@DFWAirport) May 28, 2024

KERA’s Caroline Love and Bekah Morr contributed to this report.

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Passports, visas & customs

Are you planning a trip to Scotland? Wonderful! We look forward to welcoming you. If it's your first visit you might have some questions about passports, visas, money and customs. We'll answer those questions for you here.  

Passports & Visa requirements

The beach at Liniclate, Benbecula

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Do you need a passport to go to Scotland?

• All EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (except Irish citizens) will need a valid passport to enter the UK. Your travel document should not expire during your stay in the UK. At the border, officials might ask for proof that you are visiting the UK for tourism, such as a hotel reservation.
• Irish citizens may continue to use their national ID card.
• There are no changes in the rules for other foreign nationals.

Do you need a visa to travel to Scotland?

• EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can stay in the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months without a visa.
• Irish citizens have no visa requirements and can travel to the UK as they did before Brexit.
• Other foreign nationals might need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
• You can check here  if you need a UK visa . 

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Edinburgh airport

People travelling to the UK without a visa will soon need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This will give you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport.

Who will need an ETA

You’ll need an ETA if you are:

• Visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
• Visiting the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• transiting through a UK airport – including if you’re not going through UK border control

You will not need an ETA if you have either:

• A British or Irish passport
• Permission to live, work or study in the UK
• A visa to enter the UK

Check if you’re eligible for a UK visa

Find out more on how to apply for the ETA scheme

Get more information about the ETA scheme from the UK Government website

What you can bring to Scotland

Planes at Islay Airport

What goods can I bring in to Scotland?

You can bring most everyday items with you when you visit, but there are some goods that you are not allowed to bring, such as firearms. There are other goods that have a limit to the amount you can bring in, such as alcohol and tobacco. 

The rules are different depending on where you are travelling from. You can find out more from the  UK Government's advice on bringing in goods .

Can I bring in medicine?

• Yes, you can bring in your own personal medicines and do not need to declare them to UK Customs if they are for yourself. However, in case there is an issue in the UK or abroad, it is a good idea to have a letter from your doctor confirming your need for the medication.
• Always carry medicines in a correctly labelled container as issued by the pharmacist.
• There may be restrictions on the amount of drugs that you can bring into the country.
• Before you travel, seek advice about the  requirements from HM Revenue & Customs . 

Shopping at Dock Street Studios in Dundee

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

How much currency can I bring into the UK?

You have to declare any amount over €10,000 when you enter the UK.

How should I bring my money?

• There are lots of cash machines (ATMs) in Scottish cities and towns. Check with your bank to see if you can use your card in these.
• If you are visiting the islands or remote areas, you may not be able to find as many cash machines, so think about taking some money with you. 
• You can cash travellers' cheques at banks and bureaux de change. There is usually no charge for cashing sterling travellers' cheques. 

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