Scotland: The Quick, Comprehensive Guide

From haggis to Hogmanay, a practical guide on food, weather, and safety for a smooth trip to Scotland.

Scotland is located in the northern third of Great Britain, north of Europe, and is part of the United Kingdom. The country has pristine beaches, wild coastlines, mountains, and hiking paths, as well as almost 800 small islands to explore.

Language

The historic language of Scotland is the ancient Celtic language of Gaelic, but English has been the primary language spoken in Scotland since the 18th Century. Almost the entirety of the population says they speak, read, and write English well, and there are various accents and dialects spoken across the country. Additionally, Scots is a regional language spoken primarily in the Lowlands of Scotland, which is a close relative to English.

Currency

Scotland uses the same currency as the rest of the U.K.: the pound (￡). All major credit cards can also be used throughout the region. Make sure to check conversion rates and foreign transaction rates with your bank beforehand. 

￡1 = $1.33

￡1 = €1.17

Must-Try Scottish Food and Drink

Haggis — Scotland’s national dish — is a meat pudding, often paired with mashed potatoes, turnips, and whiskey sauce. For those old enough to imbibe, Scottish whiskey, with its smoky finish, lives up to the title as Scotland’s national drink. The famous Scottish shortbread, light and full of buttery crunchiness, is absolutely worth a try. The lesser known drink, IRN BRU, is an orangey pop drink that's affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s other national drink.’

Visa requirements

Depending on your nationality, you’ll need either an Electronic Traveler Authorization (ETA) or a Visitor Visa. The Electronic Traveler Authorization allows American citizens to stay in the U.K. for up to six months at a time.

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Scotland Weather

“If you don't like the weather in Scotland, wait five minutes.”

No matter where or when in Scotland, bring layers and a rain coat. It can (and will) be sunny and clear one minute, and pouring down rain the next.

Spring (March-May): Spring in Scotland is mild and dry. The high and low temps are about 12°C/4°C (54°F/40°F), and the average rainfall is about 48 mm for the entire season — so not much at all. 

Summer (June-Aug.): Summer is rainy and warm, and the average of 17 hours of sunlight is perfect as festivals take over the country. The high and low temps are about 18°C/11°C (64°F/52°F), and the average rainfall is about 72 mm for the season. 

Autumn (Sept.-Nov.): In Scotland, the leaves change color in Autumn as temperatures drop. The average high and low temperatures are 13°C/7°C (55°F/45°F), and the average rainfall is about 52 mm for the season.

Winter (Dec.-Feb.): Winter comes with only 8 hours of sunlight on average, but as the temperatures drop to their lowest point, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some Scottish whisky! The average high and low temperatures are 7°C/2°C (45°F/36°F), and the average rainfall is about 57 mm for the season. Scotland doesn't get much snow.

The people in Scotland are incredibly friendly and helpful. If you need help, a simple “excuse me” with a smile is all you need to catch someone's attention, and they’re generally happy to help.

Safety in Scotland

*Disclaimer! This information is based on research and personal experience. This assessment does not guarantee the safety of your trip.

Especially in Edinburgh, you'll pass people from all over the world just enjoying themselves. Locals are kind and friendly as well.

Women	As a young woman, I felt incredibly safe in Edinburgh and the surrounding towns I visited. Even walking in the city at night, and at pubs, I never felt unsafe (or even leered at).
People of Color	Nearly 13% of Scottish citizens reported they were a part of an ethnic minority group, but a few of them are white ethnicities. However, scotland.org says “Scotland is a welcoming nation with a strong commitment to supporting those forced to flee their own country.”
LGBTQ+	Walking around Edinburgh and nearby towns and cities, it was clear that members of the LGBTQ+ community can live and love openly, and can safely display affection in public. Scotland continues to work to advance equality for LGBTQ+ people, promoting, protecting and realizing the rights of every LGBTQ+ person in the country.

Emergency number: 999

This free service connects you to ambulances, fire and rescue, coastguard and the police.

Events and Festivals in Scotland

Celebrations and festivals occur year-round in Scotland; there’s almost always an event going on. In the Spring, visit for the Glasgow Film Festival, Edinburgh Science Festival, or Tartan Day. Take your pick of culturally rich festivals and activities in the Summer, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Commonwealth Games, and Fringe Fest — the largest arts festival in the world. The Wigtown Book Festival, Storytelling Festival, and The Royal National Mòd take place in the Fall, and the fun doesn’t stop in winter. Winter months host Celtic Connections, Burns Night, Hogmanay — one of Scotland’s most-loved nights of the year — and more. 

The Briefest History of Scotland

Scotland's culture dates back to prehistoric times. The land has been touched by Roman soldiers, Vikings, noble clansmen, and philosophers alike, making it a part of numerous world-changing points in history. 

Hunter-gatherers have been on Scottish soil dating back to the Stone Age, and prehistoric tools and permanent buildings from 3000 B.C. Then came the Roman Empire, the Vikings, and Mary Queen of Scots. 

Now, Scotland is a country with its own legal system and national identity, but it exists alongside Wales, England, and Northern Ireland within the political union of the United Kingdom.