SCOTLAND
YOUR GUIDE TO SCOTLAND
Find Your Peace in Scotland's Tranquil Beauty
With its stately castles, glass-like lochs, and voluptuous glens, Scotland has always been a showstopper. The country's magic extends from its quaint small towns to the snow-capped peaks of its romantic, rugged Highlands to its dynamic modern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It's home to some of the best national parks in the U.K. and more than 900 offshore islands with extraordinary wildlife like regal red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon (not to mention the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness, too).
Top Attractions & Activities:
Explore the Scottish Highlands
Visit Edinburgh
Celebrate Hogmanay
Drink whisky in Islay
Visit Inverness
Wander around Glasgow
See the cathedral
Puzzle over Rosslyn Chapel
Capital and Population:
The capital city of Scotland is Edinburgh.
Population: 5.454 Million
Language Spoken:
The official language of Scotland is English.
Currency:
The official currency of Scotland is the Pound Sterling (GBP).
You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange bureaus, or use ATMs. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions.
Avoid exchanging currency at airports or tourist hotspots, as they often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates.
If you plan on travelling to remote areas, make sure to carry enough cash, as some places may not accept cards.
Consider getting a prepaid travel card, which allows you to lock in exchange rates and avoid foreign transaction fees.
Best Time to Visit and Weather:
The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November).
Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 43°F to 59°F, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms. The summer months (June through August) are the warmest of the year, with extensive daylight hours in July and August the further north you go.
The crowds begin to disperse from late October. Early to mid-November can be a wonderful time to see Scotland’s glorious fall foliage. However, many sites close for winter from mid-October. Snowy conditions in December through to February can make travel tricky, although you’ll be rewarded with spectacular wintery scenes and roaring log fires.
Interesting Facts:
Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes, including majestic mountains, deep lochs (lakes), rugged coastlines, and picturesque countryside.
Scotland is home to over 2,000 castles, each with its own fascinating history. Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Eilean Donan Castle are just a few examples of the impressive castles that dot the Scottish landscape.
Scotland is associated with various tartan patterns, which are traditional woven fabrics often associated with specific clans or families. Tartans are an important symbol of Scottish heritage and pride.
Scotland is renowned for its traditional music and instruments, with the bagpipes being the most iconic.
