Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Scotland! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Scotland, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Scotland Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Scotland for up to 6 months.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Scotland currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
If you are not an EU citizen, you may need to apply for a VISA if you intend to travel to Scotland. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe and the UK will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the UK as an EU resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in the UK. You can apply for one within your home country.
Scotland Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Scotland throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 1° / 6° | 1° / 7° | 2° / 9° | 4° / 11° | 6° / 14° | 9° / 16° |
| Aberdeen | 2° / 6° | 2° / 7° | 3° / 8° | 4° / 10° | 6° / 13° | 9° / 15° |
| Inverness | 0° / 6° | 0° / 6° | 1° / 8° | 3° / 11° | 5° / 14° | 8° / 16° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 11° / 18° | 11° / 18° | 9° / 16° | 6° / 13° | 3° / 9° | 2° / 7° |
| Aberdeen | 11° / 17° | 11° / 17° | 9° / 15° | 7° / 12° | 4° / 9° | 2° / 7° |
| Inverness | 10° / 18° | 10° / 18° | 8° / 15° | 5° / 12° | 2° / 8° | 0° / 6° |
When to visit
The best time to visit Scotland for weather is from March to May or September to November, when temperatures are warmer, but there will still be snow in the mountains. To avoid midges, travel between October and May.
The cheapest time to visit is between November and March, when the temperatures are colder and there is a lot of rain.
Peak tourist season is Summer, between June and August, but this is also the best time to explore the Highlands.
Every year, Edinburgh hosts the Fringe Festival for the entirity of August. If you’re not keen on incredibly busy crowds and extortionate hotel prices, I recommend visiting Edinburgh at any other time.
Getting around in Scotland
Children under 5 travel for free.
Trains
The railway network in Scotland is operated by National Rail, and is a popular mode of transport. Tickets are much cheaper if you book in advance, either via National Rail, or a third-party website like thetrainline.com. You can also purchase tickets directly at the station.
Buses
There are plenty of bus services that operate in Scotland, connecting villages with towns and cities. Board the bus through the front entrance and pay the driver for your ticket by cash or card. Depending on the bus, you will need to either exit by the front entrance again, or by a side entrance.
In Edinburgh, you can tap your VISA or Mastercard to pay for your bus journey as you board. One journey will cost you £2, two will be £4, and any more the price will be capped at £4.80 a day no matter how many buses you take, but you must tap in with the same card for each journey for the cap to take effect.
You can also travel longer distances by coach, which take longer than trains but are generally a lot cheaper. The two main services for coaches are National Express and Megabus.
Trams
Edinburgh has a tram network, and you will need to buy a ticket from the machine located by the platform before boarding. For an open return ticket from and to the airport, it currently costs £9.50 for an adult. You can plan your journey and check more fares on the Edinburgh Trams website.
Taxis
Taxi fares vary wildly depending on where you are and the time of day or week it is, and in general are reasonably expensive. The majority of taxis will take card as well as cash, but always check with them before you set off. The easiest way to take a taxi is to either walk to a taxi rank, or contact a taxi company directly by app, online, or by phone. Uber is a popular option.
Bikes
By following the National Cycle Network, you can explore some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery by bike. You can find all the available routes at sustrans.org.uk.
Luggage storage
Most of the main train stations in the UK have left luggage services, including Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. The best way to check if a station has a left luggage facility is to look at the website, left-baggage.co.uk. You can also pay online in advance.
Other useful luggage storage solutions in Scotland include Vertoe, Stasher, Nannybag, Luggage Hero, and Radical Storage, who all offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in Scotland
What language is mainly spoken in Scotland?
Gaelic is the official language of Scotland, but the main language spoken is English.
What is the main currency of Scotland?
The currency of Scotland is the Pound (£).
What is the emergency number in Scotland?
If you need emergency services in Scotland, you can dial 999 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, or the police. In a non-emergency, you can call 101 to report a crime.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Scotland?
You will need a Type G system adapter for plugs in Scotland. Scotland operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Scotland?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Scotland.
Are public toilets free in Scotland?
Generally, public toilets are free to use in Scotland, especially in Edinburgh.
Is there free public wi-fi in Scotland?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Scotland. Look for it in places like stations, museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Scotland?
Tipping isn’t expected in Scotland, but if you feel you’ve had an exceptional service, a usual tip is around 10% of the total bill.
What is the drinking age in Scotland?
The legal drinking age is 18 in Scotland, although 16 and 17 year olds can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal at a restaurant or pub if accompanied and bought by an adult.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Scotland?
The only dangerous animal in Scotland is the adder, a venomous snake, however its bite is rarely fatal and is easily treated. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Scotland? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in the British Isles!