Tours in Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best time of year to visit Scotland?

   May to September typically brings the most crowds, but it’s a popular time for a reason – the weather is best during these months, with long daylight hours the further north you go and prime season for hiking. To avoid crowds, the shoulder season of early spring and late autumn offers fewer visitors and decent weather. Many of the islands are shut down for the season in winter, but visiting cities like Edinburgh (for its Christmas Markets or Hogmanay) can be a magical experience.

2. What’s the climate like in Scotland?

   Like the rest of the UK, Scotland has four seasons – all of which bring variable weather. Summer (June to August) will have the warmest temperatures and the best chance for sunshine. Spring (March to May) and especially Autumn (September to November) can be rainy and unpredictable, but sometimes quite pleasant. Winter (December to February) in Scotland will see cold and rainy weather, with snow and frigid temps in the Highlands. If you’re planning on hiking, keep in mind that some mountain ranges will have snow on the peaks through June.

3. What are the five best things to do in Scotland?

   • Step back in time and wander the charming streets of Edinburgh Old Town
   • Try to spot Nessie on a visit to Loch Ness
   • Pretend you’re off to Hogwarts on the Jacobite steam train, departing Fort William
   • Soak up the spectacular Scottish scenery on a hike in the Highlands
   • Sip a dram of whisky at one of the country’s many distilleries

4. What are the top five islands to visit in Scotland?

   • Skye – otherworldly landscapes and supreme hiking opportunities
   • Lewis and Harris – home to a vast expanse of white sandy beaches
   • Mull – enchanting castles, colourful Tobermory harbour and walks along the coast
   • Arran – nicknamed Scotland in miniature for its diverse array of landscapes
   • Orkney – ancient Neolithic history and excellent wildlife spotting off Scotland’s north coast

5. What language is spoken in Scotland?

   English is the dominant and widely spoken language, but there are indigenous Celtic languages in Scotland, with Scots and Scottish Gaelic both given official status. According to the most recent census, around 1.5m people can speak Scots, with the highest proportion of speakers found in the Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, Aberdeenshire and Moray. A further 57,000 are able to speak Gaelic, mostly in the Western Isles and a little in the Highlands.

6. What is the time difference in Scotland?

   Scotland, like London and the rest of the UK, follows Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0). That’s 5 hours ahead of New York and 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

7. Major Airports in Scotland:

   • Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
   • Glasgow Airport (GLA)
   • Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)

8. Is Scotland a country

   Yes! Scotland is a country in its own right, as well as being part of the UK and of Britain. The United Kingdom is a multinational state that includes four home nations – Scotland, alongside Northern Ireland, Wales and England. Britain is a geographical term relating to the island that consists of England, Scotland and Wales. So, Scotland is a country. Scotland is on the island of Britain and, finally, Scotland is a member of the United Kingdom!

9. Is Scotland expensive for tourists?

   The UK is one of Europe’s pricier destinations and Scotland is definitely part of that. Expect moderate-to-high costs for accommodation and transport in particular. You will notice a significant range in the cost of living in various regions. Edinburgh is the most expensive place in the country, particularly during the Festival, Glasgow is a little more reasonable while more rural areas tend to be cheaper. This doesn’t mean a trip to Scotland has to cost a bomb, though. There are plenty of accommodation and transport options to keep to a budget, while so many of the country’s amazing attractions – be it museums or natural wonders – are totally free!