Scotland travel guide

 

Scotland

 

Meet Scotland Scotland weather reportGetting into ScotlandFrom the Scottish kitchenFrom the Scottish bar Currency in ScotlandMajor airports in ScotlandDid you know?

 

Meet Scotland 

 

Although part of Great Britain, Scotland is a country proud of its own identity. From kilts and canoeing to haggis, whisky and smoked salmon, Scots are as proud of their contemporary culture as they are of their impressive heritage.

 

Exploring Scotland, you will be dazzled by the beautiful scenery. Dramatic mountains compete with rocky planes and lush green fields, while icy seas crash at the cliffs of the Outer Hebrides. Edinburgh and Glasgow are packed full of museums, ancient castles and trendy nightclubs, while the Highlands provide a gateway to famous whisky distilleries and the rustic fishing villages of the northern islands.

 

Scotland is also one of the easiest places to get to know the locals. Strike up a conversation over beer in a cosy country pub, or chat to stallholders at the winter markets. These casual encounters will likely lead to top tourist tips, such as suggestions for the best nature walks, or recommendations for the best haggis in town.

 

For a country as magnificent in its raw, unrestrained beauty as it is in terms of hospitality and friendliness, look no further than Scotland. With its unflinching identity, unique culture and fascinating history, it is a destination not to be missed.

 

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Scotland weather report

 

Scotland’s temperate climate means that cold winters and mild summers are the norm. Perfect for skiing trips, the winter brings snow and lots of it. However, fierce winds and freezing temperatures mean that travelling to the islands may prove tricky, particularly between November and March. Summer weather can be pleasant – glorious even, if you get lucky, although there is always the chance of cool and wet weather even during the July-August peak.

 

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

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Getting into Scotland

 

Most visitors to Scotland will not need a visa; a valid passport will do. However, it is always advisable to check before you travel.

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From the Scottish kitchen

 

Haggis is undoubtedly Scotland’s national dish. Consisting of the heart, lungs and liver of a sheep boiled with onions, oats, spices and stock inside the sheep’s stomach, it may not be to everyone’s taste, but you can hardly leave Scotland without sampling some.

 

For more commonplace – but no less Scottish – cuisine, fresh wild Scottish salmon is hard to beat, although Aberdeen Angus beef remains a firm favourite. Porridge and oats are also traditional Scottish dishes, and can be extremely comforting on a cold winter’s evening after an exhausting hike.

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From the Scottish bar

 

The Scots are known for their love of alcohol, and it’s whisky they are famous for. Dotted throughout the Highlands, established distilleries produce some of the world’s best single malts, including Laphroaig, Dalwhinnie, Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie. Beer is also a popular beverage, consumed in vast quantities at local pubs and bars.

 

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Currency in Scotland

 

Scotland’s currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP), which is made up of 100 pence. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50. Some Scottish pounds are in circulation, and these are equivalent to GBP, but it may be hard to exchange these outside Scotland. Euros are scarcely accepted.

 

For the latest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.

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Major airports in Scotland

 

Many international flights operate to and from Scotland’s airports. However, for long-haul flights from Scotland, it is likely that London’s airports (Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick) will be the departure point, and you may have to make your way there in order to travel such routes. Scotland’s main airports are:

  • Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) is located approximately 6 miles from the city centre

  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is Scotland’s busiest airport, located close to Edinburgh city centre

  • Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is the country’s second busiest airport  

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Did you know?

  • Around 1 billion bottles of whisky are exported annually.

  • It is rumoured that an American intelligence agency was monitoring the Bruichladdich distillery to see if they were producing weapons of mass destruction.

  • The number of tartans in existence is unclear, but there are well over 5,000.

  • The national flower of Scotland is the thistle.

  • Scotland has around 800 islands – 130 of which are uninhabited.

  • Edinburgh was the world’s first city to have a fire brigade.

  • Scotland had its own King until 1603. 

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