What is the weather like in summer?
The climate is temperate and maritime. This means it can be quite unpredictable, but is rarely extreme. It can also be quite windy in the islands and along the coast. The best bet is to be well prepared - carry a lightweight raincoat and thin layers that can be easily worn or shed. Expect rain on any given day, but do not be surprised to get hot sunny days.

What are midges?
Midges are the scourge of the West Highlands. They are small, almost invisible flying insects that attack in swarms and bite any uncovered flesh. They are not dangerous or painful, but can be intensely irritating. They come out in late summer, and are worst in August. They are mainly gone by September. They are worst at dawn and dusk and in forests. They like overcast, still weather. They dislike wind, strong sunshine, or heavy rain, and cannot get time to bite if you walk fast. There are a number of skin lotions you can get to ward them off, such as Jungle Formula, and they dislike heavy pipe smoke.

How can I get around Scotland?
Central Scotland has an excellent rail and bus network, especially around Glasgow. You can get from the centre of Glasgow to the centre of Edinburgh in 55 minutes with the quarter-hourly high speed rail link, and there are frequent rail and bus services to other major towns in Scotland. Away from the Central Belt, or major tourist routes like Glasgow to Skye or Inverness, public transport becomes scarcer and a car is recommended. Inhabited islands tend to have bus services integrated with ferry timetables. Islands close to the mainland will have several ferries a day, the Outer Hebrides 3 per week, and Shetland 2 per week. Hitchhiking is reasonably common in summer in the West Highlands, but may be difficult elsewhere. It helps when hitchhiking to look young, cheerful, carry a rucksack, and hope the sun is shining (as many people do not want wet people in their cars). It also helps to hitchhike away from cities on Friday evenings and into cities on Sunday evenings to catch the weekend exodus to the countryside. See the links page for more travel information.

What kind of accomodation is there for travellers on a budget?
Cheap independent hostels are becoming more and more popular all over Scotland, and one can stay in the centre of Edinburgh for around £18 per night, and around £14 in the country. See the links page for more hostel information. Wild camping and bivvying (sleeping rough) are also popular in summer in the Highlands. If you are wild camping, follow the countryside code. It is not illegal to tresspass on wild land in Scotland, provided you do not cause any damage.

Where can I go for the 'craic'?
Similar to Ireland, Scotland has a good tradition of live music and pub culture. Unlike Ireland, it is often a hit and miss affair as to whether you can be sure of seeing any, there being correspondingly fewer tourists, especially in the winter. However, you can be sure that if you do find some, it is for the benefit of the locals rather than the tourists. You can increase your chances, by going to places known for their music - The Taybank in Dunkeld, Celtic Connections in January in Glasgow, in August the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Barra Feis in the Western Isles, and pretty much the whole country at Hogmanay (New Year).

When does the Royal Family holiday at Balmoral?
In August and September - the height of the grouse shooting season is your best chance of catching a glimpse of Royal wellington boot on Upper Deeside.

Do people in Scotland speak English?
Yes - if you have trouble, ask us to speak slo-o-o-wly.

I guess you can tell by now this is really a 'Frequently Made Up' section. If you have a real question, email, and if enough of you do I'll stick it up here!

FAQ
HISTORY
GAZETTEER