Stock up on bug spray if venturing into the Highlands or to the islands. Otherwise, midges (small, irritating flies that bite) will make your life miserable.
Rain on your parade
Even in summer, you’ll be glad you packed your rainwear. Scotland’s lowlands get over 30 inches of rain each year, while the highlands see as much as 120 inches.
Know the way
Tuck a map into your pocket before you explore. Streets often change names a number of times as they wind through what were originally separate villages.
Tight curves
Prepare to breathe in – or reverse to a wider spot – if driving the scenic Loch Lomond road. The narrow road has hairpin bends that can’t always accommodate two vehicles at once (watch out for tour buses).
Say what?
No, they’re not speaking a foreign language in Glasgow. Well, not quite. Pick up a book on the Glasgow Patter to help you understand all the unusual words and phrases spoken here.
Edinburgh Festival
August’s festival is actually a collection of gargantuan events; the most popular are the official Edinburgh International Festival and the offbeat Fringe, now the largest arts festival in the world.
West End Festival
Glasgow’s biggest and most popular event features over 200 art, film, music and performance events in the leafy West End and University areas.
Separate bills
Scotland finally saw the start of devolution in 1997 and set up its own parliament in 1999. In 2007, 300 years after the union with England, Scottish independence seems to be on the horizon again.
Kilts and clans
Kilts came into fashion in the 1500s and have been adopted by all Scots, not just those descended from the Highland clans who originally wore them. There are almost 300 recognized clans.
Frying to meet you
You’ll find haggis on the menus of upscale eateries, but also in the ubiquitous “chippies” (chip shops). For the world’s least heart-healthy feast, add deep fried pizza and a battered Mars Bar to your order.
Make friends and influence people
Take care not to mix up “English” with “British.” Nothing irritates a Scot more than being called “English” or hearing a visitor misuse “British” when they mean “English.”
