13 Habits You Can't Help Picking Up Living in Scotland

Whether off for a wee wander around the park, enjoying a cheeky wee tipple or having a wee gander for cool documentaries to watch, let’s face it — the Scots have an affinity for the word ‘wee’.

There’s something undeniably soothing about the word ‘aye’, especially when uttered in a sing-songy Scottish accent. Besides, you know you’ve been in Scotland for a wee while when you respond with ‘aye, that would be grand pal, cheers’. Just you wait.

No question about it, the Scots, in general, have this way when it comes to humour. Witty beyond belief, much of the banter owes credit to their ability as a culture, to take the piss out of themselves. This self-deprecating trait is an essential ingredient in Scottish society.

A life-hack backed up by the ‘Big Yin’ Billy Connolly, every Scot knows that Irn-Bru works a charm as a hangover cure. With each sip, all sluggish thoughts of self-pity and last night’s shocking dance moves evaporate into thin air. In all seriousness, Irn-Bru is the best-selling soft drink and Scotland’s other national drink for a reason. And yes, we use it as a mixer too. Phenomenal.

You don’t need to be a full-fledged Scot to know that New Year’s Eve is Hogmanay in Scotland. Speaking of which, one taste of a Scottish Hogmanay shindig and you’ll never go back. The buzz is unrivaled and you’ll be first-footing away with the rest of them.

A place notorious for dramatic shifts in weather, Scotland endures snippets of all the seasons most days. Whether pure baltic or infused with sunbeams, blethering about the weather (to anyone with an ear) is common practice. When you start referring to the day as ‘dreich’, you know Scotland holds a space in your heart.

Otherworldly and life-affirming, the bagpipes are Scotland in sound. That is to Scottish people of course! Otherwise, the distinct tones can be misconstrued as obnoxiously grating and shrill. Point being, it may grind your gears upon arrival, but it only takes one nostalgic mood and a lone bagpiper to change your mind.

An unbeatable taste, a proper fish supper from the local chippy is a bite of paradise. Like eating a fluffy cloud, the chips are perfect and the fish is crisp and wonderfully flaky. When you start defending the battered Mars Bar and deep-fried pizza to non-Scots, you know you’re right at home!

A fine art, knowing how to layer properly is everything in Scotland. Going all out and wearing a puffy skiing jacket won’t get you anywhere, thanks to unbearable hot sweats if you so much as lift a finger. Like riding a bike, once you master it, perfect layering stays with you forever!

Whether with a surprise guest, friendly neighbour or best pal, stopping for a wee cup of tea multiple times a day (and thinking nothing of it) is a daily rite of passage in Scotland. And what goes with tea? Tunnock’s Teacakes. And yes, you guessed it — these delightfully addictive chocolate marshmallow delights are Scotland born and bred.

Just don’t. Unbeknown to many, not all Scots drink whisky like it’s water. But when we do, we certainly don’t mix it with anything other than itself. That’s just shocking manners.

Waiting for a bus, walking down the street on the way to the pub, at the chippy — you get the drift. Scots couldn’t care less about airs and graces, let alone the socially constructed status quo. When you find yourself well accustomed to making a wee joke to the person in the queue next to you (or standing your ground if they have the nerve to skip in front) you’re officially an honorary Scot.

‘I’ll never be that person. That shameless serial selfie taker’, they said. Move to Scotland. Take an unfathomable amounts of selfies with the scenery. Visitor or local, the magic never wears off!