Free guide · 2027 edition

Before you travel to Scotland

Whether this is your first visit to Scotland or your tenth, our guide gathers the practical things visitors most often ask us about: entry rules, weather, money, getting around and what to pack.

Download the free guide13 pages, sent straight to you as a PDF

Cover of the MacLean & Bruce Before You Travel guide

Scotland at a glance

The essentials, on one page.

999

Police, fire and ambulance

£ GBP

Pound sterling

Type G

Three-pin plugs, 230V

Left

Drive on the left

Tap water

Safe to drink everywhere

10–15%

Usual restaurant tip

GMT / BST

One hour ahead in summer

Miles

Road distances and speed limits

111

NHS 24, urgent health advice

Four seasons, sometimes in a day

Scotland’s weather changes quickly, and rain is possible in every month. Layers and a good waterproof matter more than the forecast.

Spring

6–15°C (43–59°F). March to May. Sunshine and showers, lengthening days, lambs and blossom.

Summer

10–19°C (50–66°F). June to August. The warmest months, with long evenings; rain is still common.

Autumn

7–14°C (45–57°F). September to November. Cooler, with more wind and rain, and the colour of the hills at its best.

Winter

0–6°C (32–43°F). December to February. Cold, wet and short days; snow is possible, especially in the Highlands.

Inside the guide

Thirteen illustrated pages.

Safe, clean and temperate
Before you go: entry rules, the UK ETA, passports, insurance and arriving
Weather and seasons
Money and tipping
Getting around
What to pack
The whisky regions
Words you may hear: a short Scots glossary
Fun facts

Entry requirements vary by nationality and can change. Check gov.uk for your own passport shortly before you travel.

Let us plan your journey

From a few days in Edinburgh to a private tour of the islands, write to us and we will shape it around you.

Download the free guide