Scotland, United Kingdom Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Scotland is a country in the northern part of the United Kingdom, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Scotland is a diverse and welcoming nation, home to bustling cities, charming towns, and picturesque villages. From the rugged Highlands to the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient castles, sampling traditional whisky, or hiking through breathtaking scenery, Scotland has something to offer for everyone. Come and discover the beauty and charm of this fascinating country.

Why Scotland, United Kingdom?

  • Scotland is home to the highest waterfall in the UK.
  • The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is the longest street in the UK.
  • Scotland has over 790 islands.
  • The shortest scheduled flight in the world is between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland, with a duration of only 47 seconds.
  • Scotland's national animal is the unicorn.

Scotland, United Kingdom Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
43° F
° F
February
45° F
° F
March
48° F
° F
April
52° F
° F
May
57° F
° F
June
62° F
° F
July
65° F
° F
August
61° F
° F
September
61° F
° F
October
55° F
° F
November
48° F
° F
December
44° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.0 inches
February
1.6 inches
March
1.6 inches
April
1.6 inches
May
1.6 inches
June
1.8 inches
July
2.2 inches
August
2.3 inches
September
2.1 inches
October
2.5 inches
November
2.3 inches
December
2.2 inches

History

Scotland, a country located in the northern part of the United Kingdom, has a rich and intriguing history that dates back thousands of years. The land was first inhabited by various Celtic tribes, such as the Picts and the Gaels, who left behind a legacy of ancient stone structures and symbols, including the iconic Stonehenge.

In the 5th century, the Kingdom of Scotland was formed when various Celtic peoples joined together under one ruler. However, the country faced numerous invasions and battles, particularly from the Vikings and the English, over the next few centuries.

In 1296, Scotland was officially declared an independent country after winning a series of wars against England. However, this independence was short-lived as the two nations continued to engage in battles and conflicts, including the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 led by Scottish hero Robert the Bruce.

The 16th century saw the rise of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, led by religious reformer John Knox. This movement eventually led to the establishment of the Church of Scotland, which became the national church of the country.

In 1603, Scotland and England were united under one monarch, King James VI of Scotland, who also became King James I of England. This union officially formed the Kingdom of Great Britain.

The 18th century was a turbulent time for Scotland, with several uprisings against British rule, including the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745 led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. This rebellion was ultimately defeated and marked the end of any major attempts for Scottish independence.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Scotland experienced a period of industrialization and growth, particularly in the textile and shipbuilding industries. However, this period also saw emigration, as many Scots left their homeland for better opportunities in other countries.

In 1999, Scotland was granted devolution, giving the country its own parliament and a degree of autonomy. This marked a significant step towards greater self-governance for Scotland within the United Kingdom.

Today, Scotland remains an important part of the United Kingdom, with its own distinct culture, traditions, and identity. The country is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and contributions to literature, science, and the arts. It continues to be a popular destination for tourists, who are drawn to its castles, lochs, and vibrant cities.

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Transportation on Scotland, United Kingdom

Getting to Scotland, United Kingdom and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 6 months. Visitors intending to marry may require a Marriage Visitor Visa.
  • Return/onward ticket required for proof of departure.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax; taxes are included in airfare.

Driving

  • Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if staying for more than 12 months.
  • Driving Side: Left-hand side.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are well-maintained, but rural routes in the Highlands and Islands can be narrow and winding.
  • Speed Limits: 30 mph (48 km/h) in urban areas, 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways, 70 mph (112 km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be cautious of wildlife such as deer on rural roads and single-track routes. Public transport is recommended for city travel, but renting a car is ideal for exploring the countryside.

Local Transportation

Scotland offers a wide range of transport options for those looking to explore its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, and charming villages. The train network is an excellent choice, with direct services linking major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, as well as scenic routes through the Highlands. For those venturing into more remote areas, renting a car provides the flexibility to explore Scotland’s rugged countryside and picturesque coastal roads at your own pace. Public buses are widely available for traveling within towns and between smaller destinations, although they may be less frequent in rural regions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient for shorter trips, while ferries offer a scenic way to visit islands like Skye and the Outer Hebrides.

Know Before You Go...® - Scotland, United Kingdom Travel Tips

Before making their way to Scotland, United Kingdom , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Scotland, United Kingdom even more relaxing.

Capital: Edinburgh
Population: 5.4 million (estimated)
Size: 30,090 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 230
Official Language: The official language of Scotland is English, which is spoken by the majority of the population. However, Scottish Gaelic is also recognized as a secondary official language and is spoken by a small percentage of the population.
Currency:
  • Scotland, as part of the United Kingdom, uses the British pound (GBP) as its official currency.
  • Scotland has its own distinct banknotes, which are issued by three Scottish banks: Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Clydesdale Bank. These banknotes are widely accepted throughout the country, but some businesses may only accept notes from specific banks.
  • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Scotland, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly used. American Express and Diners Club cards are also accepted, but may not be as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard. Contactless payments are also widely available, making it easy and convenient to make purchases.
  • Travellers can exchange foreign currency at banks, post offices, and currency exchange offices, which are found in major cities and tourist areas. ATMs (cash machines) are also widely available throughout Scotland, making it easy to withdraw cash using a debit or credit card.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • In Scotland, tipping is not mandatory and is considered a personal preference. However, it is common to leave a small tip of 10-15% in restaurants, especially for good service. Some establishments may include a service charge in the bill, so it is important to check before leaving an additional tip.
  • In terms of taxes, Scotland follows the same tax system as the rest of the United Kingdom. VAT is a consumption tax that is added to the price of goods and services. In Scotland, the standard VAT rate is 20%, although there are reduced rates for certain items such as food, children's clothing, and public transportation.
Dress Code: The dress code in Scotland is typically casual and relaxed, with an emphasis on comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing.
Topography: Scotland's topography is characterized by rugged highlands, vast lowlands, and numerous lakes and rivers, offering a diverse landscape of mountains, valleys, and coastal regions.
Telephone: * Telephone Country Code: +44 * Mobile Networks: Reliable coverage across the country, including rural and remote areas such as the Highlands and Islands. * Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi for guests.

Scotland, United Kingdom Weddings and Honeymoons

In Scotland, United Kingdom getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.

Submit a Marriage Notice Form (M10) to the local Registrar’s Office in Scotland at least 29 days before the planned ceremony date.

Required documents include:

  • Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
  • Birth certificates.
  • Certificate of no impediment to marriage (if either party resides outside Scotland).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
  • Any additional documents requested by the Registrar.

Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted by a registrar. The ceremony can take place at the Registrar’s Office or another approved location.

Costs: Marriage fees typically range from £30 to £60 for submitting the notice forms, plus additional fees for the ceremony and venue.

Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony:  Scotland allows weddings to take place at almost any location, including castles, scenic lochs, and remote Highland areas. Religious and humanist ceremonies are also legally recognized in Scotland.