Scotland

British Pound Sterling £ GBP

English, Scottish Gaelic, Scots

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is 5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. However, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, British Summer Time is in effect and clocks are set one hour ahead of GMT.

Scotland's climate is actually moderate if changeable and only rarely extreme at either end of the temperature scale. For such a relatively small country, one of the most surprising things about the Scottish climate is just how much it varies from one region to another.

Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable: you could enjoy the most fabulous week of sunshine in early April and suffer a week of low-lying fog and drizzle in August. Out in the islands, they say you can get all four seasons in a day. The saving grace is that even if the weather’s not necessarily good, it’s generally interesting, exhilarating, dramatic and certainly photogenic. Then, the sun finally coming out is truly worth the wait. A week spent in a landscape swathed in thick mist can be transformed when the clouds lift to reveal a majestic mountain range or a hidden group of islands far offshore.

July and August are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with temperatures of an average 66 °F (19 °C).

Scottish people have a worldwide reputation for warmth and friendliness. There is genuine friendliness and a welcoming hospitality. The Scots love people – and they like to make others feel at home. You’ll find an enthusiastic friendliness in so many places. Ask a stranger for directions, buy something in a local shop, eat or drink in a pub or restaurant and you’ll be met with a smiling face and a friendly offer to help.

Scottish people are proud of their nationality but they also have a long tradition of welcoming new people and cultures. Historically, Scotland has appreciated the benefits of embracing different cultures. Today, Scotland is a richly diverse country with dozens of different cultures living in harmony. Tolerance, equality of opportunity and social justice are important principles of Scottish people and communities.

Getting together, sharing good times, ‘having a blether’ and welcoming others with open arms give Scotland its reputation for being a happy and friendly country.

Scottish whiskey, kilts, bagpipes, Harris Tweed, Scottish Tartan, Scottish Cashmere, oatcakes, haggis, Scottish lobster, raspberries, Selkirk Bannocks, shortbread.

Scottish thistle jewelry, Quaiches (Scottish cups of friendship), Scottish Sgian Dubh Knives, Scottish daggers and dirks.

Edinburg Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, Glen Nevis, Aonach Mor, Jacobite Steam Train, Sacred Isle of Iona, Isle of Staffa & Fingal's Cave, Dunvegan Castle, Callanish (Calanais) Standing Stones & satellite site, Bosta Iron Age House, Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Standing Stones of Stenness.

There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in Scotland. If you are happy with the service, a 10-15% tip is customary, particularly in a restaurant or cafe with table service. Tipping in bars is not expected. For taxi fares it is usual to round up to the nearest pound.

240V AC, 50Hz Frequency U.K. plug.

North American appliances need a transformer and an adapter.

Safe food and drinking water.

No vaccinations are required prior to visiting Scotland.

See Travelers' Health for more information.