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As promised here are Anne’s top ten tips for an enjoyable stay in Scotland.

Tip 1: Be prepared for hills in Edinburgh.

The Royal Mile is a hill, with Edinburgh Castle at the top and Holyrood Palace at the bottom.

Quickest access to many parts of the old town is up a steep flight of steps, but you can usually find a longer, less arduous way to get there.

If you cannot manage the hill to The Castle, a taxi can drop you off on the Esplanade ( but this is closed when the Tattoo is on)

Tip 2. Cobblestones

We have lots of these in Edinburgh and at locations. So please, wear sensible footwear- trainers, walking shoes etc.

No heels and especially NO Flipflops. (You can still bring your glamour shoes for a night out 😁 )

Tip 3: What to Wear

Just as important as footwear, the rest of your outfit.

This part of the world is known for having four seasons in one day, so the trick is to wear layers.

Lightweight T-shirt, jumper or sweatshirt and a waterproof outer layer is often more important to keep out wind chill than rain.

In Scotland we’re inclined to strip off at the first hint of sunshine, but it will not be too hot at any time.

Tip 4: Bring a washcloth.

This may seem a bit strange, but it is the single biggest issue we get from hotel/ B&B guests.

It is not customary to provide a washcloth (we call them facecloths) in the UK. You can pick them up cheaply in local supermarkets.

On the plus side, it is customary for bedrooms to have a hospitality tray. A kettle with tea, coffee and usually a wee biscuit or shortbread.

Tip 5: Food and drink.

Let’s start with what to expect when eating out. You will find a full range of eateries from fast food chains to great pub food and fine dining. Vegetarian, gluten free and most dietary needs are readily available.

 A couple of cultural differences to watch out for: you will not routinely find jugs of water on the table ( though more places are starting to do this). Just ask for a jug of tap water (tap water is very safe and excellent in Scotland).

You can also buy bottles of water if you prefer.

Eating is much more relaxed in Scotland, and you will not be rushed from the table (if it is needed later they will tell you) This means they will not automatically bring your bill, and you will have to ask for it. In some pubs, you choose a table and order and pay for your food at the bar.

Tip 6: All about Tipping.

This can cause a bit of anxiety, as visitors don’t want to cause offence and obviously don’t want to pay too much.

How to get it just right?

Tipping in Scotland is a reward for good service. It is not compulsory, if service has been mediocre. The standard amount is generally 10% of the total bill.

We normally tip in table service restaurants, but in say a self service cafe, you would just add some change to a dish usually at the cash register.

It’s not usual to tip at a bar, though you may offer to buy the bar tender a drink if you are having a chat or getting special service. They will normally take the price of the drink as a tip.

Taxis at your discretion depending on how helpful they are. I normally round up to the next £5 or £10 .

Just to reiterate, it’s for good service and not compulsory

Tip 7: Soft drinks

A huge topic so I’ll break it down. Let’s start with Soft drinks.

There are a few things I’ve come to realise over the years (there are probably more). If you ask for lemonade here, you get a fizzy drink, like Sprite.

You will find non– fizzy fruit juices or flavoured water, bottled in cabinets in some cafes.

Pubs tend to have fresh orange. Iced tea is not widely available except for the bottled, sweet flavoured kind, in a few places. We don’t have much call for it here.

Many guests get a hot tea and a large glass of ice and make their own. We also don’t use nearly as much ice as you may be used to.

Sugar free versions of drinks are usually referred to as “diet” here.

Scotland is the only country in the World where a coca cola is not the biggest selling soft drink. We have Irn Bru- give it a try- though it can be an acquired taste.

Finally, the tap water in Scotland is very safe and tastes very good, so there is no need to buy bottled water , unless it is your preference or for convenience.

In restaurants and cafes you will not automatically be given a jug of water- just ask for a tap water (they all sell bottled water too)

Tip 8 Alcohol

Scotland is all about Whisky (no “E”). Is it? of course there are loads of amazing distilleries and they are worth a tour, even if you don’t drink.

The process is fascinating. The taste varies dramatically from the Lowlands to the Speyside and Highlands and out to the island of Islay.

One wee observation. If you have never had whisky before, maybe start with something lighter lighter like a lowland brand. Many Outlander fans come and immediately try Laphroaig as that’s what Sam drinks, but it is one of the strongest, peatiest whiskies,so maybe not the best place to start.

Now, as a Scot who hates whisky (I know, you’re horrified), I’m much more taken with all the new craft distilleries springing up as they are producing gin- either in it’s own right or until the whisky is ready. ( it can’t be called whisky till it has been matured for at least 3yrs and 1 day).

There are many amazing gins.

We have also had a resurgence in craft breweries, but I think that is the same across the world.

One word of warning, if you are driving. DO NOT have even a single drink. The limit here is so low it only really covers any residual alcohol in cooking or medicines. (it is lower than England)

Tip 9: Food

The quality and variety of food available is excellent. Special dietary requirements are widely catered for and most supermarkets now have a gluten free section.

Most of our guests comment on the flavour of the foods (we have a lot less processed foods) with things like cheeses being mentioned in particular.

By the way, if you are fond of a grilled cheese sandwich, what you need to ask for here is a Cheese toastie.

Make sure you try some of our classic dishes, legendary fish & chips, steak pie, amazing soups (great for a lunchtime snack) and of course Haggis.

We are also very fond of our Bakery goods and nothing can beat a good scone.

Try and factor in some time to enjoy an afternoon tea- a fabulous experience, but needs to be relaxed and enjoyed. Would love to hear some recommendations of great food you have enjoyed here.

Tip 10 : Travel

Public transport is generally very good and very safe.

We have an excellent suburban train service and this is how most locals travel in and out of cities.

Do not drive in Edinburgh City Centre unless you have to. Parking is a nightmare. Hire a car from the airport or somewhere else on the outskirts, if you need one to travel North.

You can get from Edinburgh airport to the City Centre by Tram, Bus or cab. It takes about 30mins. Glasgow has a bus link to the City Centre. Cabs are expensive in Edinburgh, not so much in Glasgow. Both have Uber now.

We start our Day Tours from Linlithgow Station (it is 20mins from Edinburgh) as you are then 5mins. from your first location, instead of sitting in traffic for an hour. If you do hire a car, remember to book an automatic well in advance as there are not so many of them.

When planning your route, allow a lot more time than you might expect at home- our roads are narrow and busy in The Highlands and you will want to stop and take photos.

Take your time, but also be considerate of other vehicles. Pull over and let them pass.

Turn left onto a roundabout (of which we have many) and make sure the driver is always at the middle of the road – not on the verge or pavement side.

BONUS TIP: We’d like to thank  Debby Jo Hill  for our bonus tip. She is a Canadian lady who is living the Scottish dream. She has done what many would like and loved Scotland so much, she has moved here. ( She did have the necessary, close ancestry to do so).

Debby Jo told me that medications – and their different names can be an issue, so she has compiled a very useful list for you.

Here we go: 

Always speak to your Doctor before travelling.
Make sure you are up to date on your immunizations.
For example: had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years.
Most medication has different names than travelers are familiar with.
Most are small so bring what you are familiar with, is the best option but if you run out or forget….

Here are a few of the more common ones:

Paracetamol – 500mg………..Tylenol
Benadryl Allergy……………..Benadryl
Ibuprofen 200mg…………….. Advil , Motrin, and Nurofen .
Voltarol…………………………Voltaren packaging is the same.
Germolene……………………..Polysporin..antiseptic cream
Skin Allergy Relief 2% cream by Boots …………Calamine Lotion Arnica Cream ………………….available in North America but not often used – for severe bruising
Caprin, Danamep, Micropirin and Nu-seals 75 mg( brand names) ….Low dose Aspirin 81mg for heart attack prevention.

Other suggestions: 
Blister Band Aids

All Rx medications must be in their original packaging with your information on them.

If you get a large supply ( ie. 120 days) and you only need to bring 30, ask your Pharmacist tomake you a smaller pill bottle with the right number and information

So there you go! Top tips to help you during you stay. Remember to get in touch if you need advice about you stay.

Hope to see you soon,

Emma and Anne