Welcome to Scotland

Historic castles, stunning countryside, exciting cities – Scotland is dazzling at every turn. The country is abuzz with charm and the history can be felt everywhere you go. Timeless as it may be, Scotland also has one foot firmly in the future, whether fashion, art or cuisine.

But first, back in time you go to St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, to the prehistoric monuments of Calanais and Orkney and the fantastic castles of Dunrobin and Drummond. Tour a whisky distillery in Speyside or Islay. Search for the mythical Loch Ness Monster and gaze on Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the British Isles – from Neptune’s Staircase.

Attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest performing arts festival, then stick around to explore the Royal Mile and Old Town. Glasgow charms visitors with its beautiful parks, rich architecture and resurrected shopping and nightlife. Listen carefully … you’ll hear bagpipes on the wind. Scotland awaits.

Unique Facts

• The official animal of Scotland is the unicorn – no kidding. James II embraced the legend of the unicorn and it became a symbol of purity and power in the 15^th
• Scotland has more than 900 offshore islands, not all of which are inhabited. They’re divided up into the Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands.
• Scotch Whiskey has been the national drink of Scotland since 1494.
• Scotland is full of red heads – the highest proportion in the world, actually. Approximately 13 percent of the Scottish population has red hair.
• For the best chance of spotting a UFO, head to the small town of Bonnybridge – there are more than 300 UFOs reported annually.

Language

Scotland’s official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Scotland for decent weather and plenty of daylight is mid-April through May or mid-September through mid-October. High season, and the warmest weather, is in July and August. The best time to go to Scottish Highlands is from June to August.

Airports

Aberdeen International Airport
Edinburgh Airport
Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for duration of stay.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of six months or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Scotland: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Birr

Getting Around

Public transportation throughout Scotland includes local bus service, express coaches, national rail service, ferries, Glasgow subway network and Edinburgh tram network. If planning to explore the countryside, it is advisable to rent a car.

Driver’s License

Foreign visitors must obtain a temporary Ethiopian driver’s license.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy London
33 Nine Elms Lane
London, SW11 7US
United Kingdom
Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000
Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845
Email: SCSLondon@state.gov

US Consulate General
3 Regent Terrace
Edinburgh EH7 5BW
Tel: +44 0 131 556 8315
Edinburgh-Info@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Visit https://www.visitscotland.com/about/practical-information/vic/ for a list of Visitor Information Centers.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 999

Safety and Security

The crime rate in Scotland is low. Petty crime is less of a concern here than in other major European cities. Use precautions in public places and take care of your belongings. The crime rate is higher in Edinburgh and Glasgow, mainly due to gang-related activities.