Practical

Information

A little local know-how goes a long way in Scotland. Here you can find all the essential advice and information you will need during your stay.

Personal Security

Scotland is generally safe, but petty crime does take place. Pickpockets work known tourist areas and busy streets. Use your common sense and be alert to your surroundings. If you have anything stolen, report the crime as soon as possible at the nearest police station. Get a copy of the crime report in order to make a claim on your insurance. Contact your embassy or consulate immediately if your passport is stolen or in the event of a serious crime or accident.

For emergency police, fire, ambulance services, or emergency mountain rescue, dial 999 (or 112). For medical help or non-emergency situations, dial 111.

Scots are generally accepting of all people, regardless of their race, gender or sexuality. In fact, Scotland has long been considered more socially progressive than its British neighbours.

LGBT+ rights are generally in line with the rest of the UK, which are considered among the most progressive in Europe. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Scotland in 2014 and Scotland is the first country in the world to include LGBT+ history and education in the school curriculum. Major Scottish cities have vibrant LGBT+ scenes, and since 2018 smaller towns and villages have launched their own Pride parades.

Despite all the freedoms that the LGBT+ community enjoy, acceptance is not a given. LGBT Helpline Scotland is a fantastic service that provides support and practical information for victims of homophobic abuse or hate crimes. If you do feel unsafe, the Safe Space Alliance pinpoints your nearest place of refuge.

LGBT Helpline Scotland

§ 0300 123 2523

lgbthealth.org.uk

Safe Space Alliance

safespacealliance.com

Health

The UK has a world-class healthcare system. For minor ailments go to a pharmacy or chemist. If you have an accident or medical problem requiring non-urgent medical attention you can find details of non-emergency medical services on the NHS website. Alternatively, call NHS 24 at any hour on 111, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.

You may need a doctor’s prescription to obtain certain pharmaceuticals. EU citizens can receive medical treatment in the UK free of charge, though this may change when the UK leaves the EU.

NHS

nhs.uk

Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs

Smoking and “vaping” are banned in all public spaces. However, many bars and restaurants have outdoor areas where smoking is permitted.

Alcohol may not be sold to or bought for anyone under 18 and it can only be purchased between the hours of 10am and 10pm, and 12:30pm and 10pm on a Sunday. The drink-drive limit is strictly enforced.

Possession of all recreational drugs, including psychoactive substances formerly known as “legal highs” and now classified as illegal, is a criminal offence.

ID

Visitors to the UK are not required to carry ID on their person. Passports are required for internal flights within the UK. You may be asked for photo ID when buying alcohol.

Visiting Places of Worship

Show respect by dressing modestly, especially when entering churches and religious buildings. Some remote areas of the Highlands and Islands are deeply religious.

Responsible Tourism

It is the law that every person, regardless of whether they are a local or visiting, should have access to the countryside in Scotland. As long as you act responsibly, you can walk, cycle, canoe and horse ride in all open land or waters. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before you set off.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

outdooraccess-scotland.scot

Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi

Do not rely on mobile phones or other devices for navigation or emergency communications in remote areas where mobile reception can be intermittent. Free Wi-Fi hotspots are widely available in city centres. Cafés and restaurants will usually give you their Wi-Fi password on the condition that you make a purchase.

Visitors travelling to the UK with EU tariffs are able to use their devices abroad without being affected by data roaming charges. This situation may change once the UK has left the EU. Pay-as-you-go SIM cards are available at newsagents and supermarkets.

Post

Standard post is handled by the Royal Mail. There are post offices throughout Scotland, some in supermarkets or other stores. Larger post offices will open from 9am to 5:30pm on weekdays and until 12:30pm on Saturdays. You can also buy stamps in shops.

Taxes and Refunds

Stores offering tax free shopping will provide non-EU residents with a VAT 407 form which allows you to reclaim value added tax (VAT) on certain products. VAT is charged on most goods and services and is included in the price shown.

Discount Cards

If you plan to visit as many of Scotland’s castles and stately homes as possible, the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass provides access to over 70 attractions over a 3-, 7- or 14-day period. For those planning to travel extensively within Scotland, Scotrail’s Spirit of Scotland pass offers unlimited train, bus and ferry transport over an 8-or 15-day period. The Scottish Citylink Explorer Pass offers 3-, 5- and 8-days unlimited travel on its coach network, as well as special offers on accommodation.

Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass

historicenvironment.scot

Scottish Citylink Explorer Pass

citylink.co.uk/explorerpass.php

Spirit of Scotland

scotrail.co.uk

Need to know Practical Information

At a Glance

USEFUL NUMBERS

Need to know Practical Information

Time zone

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GMT/BST

British Summer Time (BST) runs late March to late October.

Tap water

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Unless otherwise stated, tap water in the UK is safe to drink.

Need to know Practical Information

WEBSITES AND APPS

Traffic Scotland

Use this app for real-time traffic conditions and road journey times anywhere in Scotland.

visitscotland.com

Scotland’s official tourist board website

walkinghighlands.co.uk

A useful tool for planning walks and hikes anywhere in Scotland

mwis.org.uk/scottish-forecast

Weather forecasts provided by the Mountain Weather Information Service

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