Windswept castles, rugged coastlines, ancient stone circles, cozy pubs, and dramatic Highland landscapes – Scotland is a land that stirs the imagination. Whether you’re tracing clan heritage, road-tripping the North Coast 500, or exploring Edinburgh’s layered history, Scotland is raw, romantic, and deeply memorable.
Scotland is easy to reach by air and rail, with major international connections and scenic domestic routes.
Main International Airports: Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Aberdeen (ABZ), Inverness (INV)
Typical Flight Prices: $500–800 roundtrip from North America
Rail Entry: Direct trains from England via London, Manchester, and Newcastle
Ferry Options: Ferries from Northern Ireland and Europe (limited)
Get oriented with the essentials to plan your trip efficiently and confidently.
Capital: Edinburgh
Currency: British Pound (GBP £)
Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0), BST (UTC+1 in summer)
Languages: English, Scottish Gaelic (spoken in some regions), Scots
Population: ~5.4 million
Religion: Predominantly Christian (Church of Scotland)
Plug Type: Type G | 230V | 50Hz
Emergency Number: 999 or 112
Visa Requirements: UK rules apply; visa-free for US, CA, AU, and EU (check for post-Brexit changes)
Tipping: 10% is standard in restaurants if not included
Drinking Water: Safe to drink and often exceptionally clean
Driving: Left side of the road | International Driving Permit recommended if outside EU/UK
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