Scotland is a beautiful country one must visit. With its fascinating history and fantastic scenery, it definitely should be on everyone’s bucket list. There are so many attractions one can visit as well as a selection of tours in Scotland, where one can explore the Edinburgh Castle and the city, visit the highlands, majestic landscapes, museums and so much more.
Visa
European nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Scotland. Those living outside of Europe need to check with the embassy or consulate of that country to check whether they require one.
Time Zone
British Time – Malta is one hour ahead of Scotland.
Best time to go on Tours in Scotland
The best time to visit Scotland is during the Summer months between June to August when its at its warmest with an average of 15°C to 17°C.
Spring between March and May with an average temperature of 7°C to 13 °C makes it a good time to visit. The autumn months between September and October when the temperature if around 8°C to 14°C is also a good time.
Vaccines
It is suggested to always check which vaccinations you have taken in the past. There is no need for vaccinations to travel to Scotland for those living in Europe. Here is a link to guide you to what vaccinations are needed to travel.
It is best to contact your doctor to confirm which vaccinations should be taken to travel to Scotland or contact Floriana Health Centre on 21 243 314 for further guidance.
Currency
The currency in Scotland is the Pound Sterling – GBP. 1 euro is equivalent to 0.87GBP – this can vary depending on the currency conversion at the time
Food
Scottish cuisine is very similar to that of British cuisine. Some of the typical dishes include haggis, the traditional English Breakfast, bangers and mash and fish and chips.
Scotland’s national dish is haggis, which consists of sheep’s liver, heart and lungs , and its traditionally accompanied by mashed potatoes, turnips and a whiskey sauce.
Country Top things to do by interest
Nature
Scotland has several lovely natural surroundings one can visit. Amongst the numerous natural attractions and memorable nature tours in Scotland, these may be by far the best places to visit:
Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands set within the Southwest of Inverness. South Loch ness is wild, tranquil and delightful and offers a variety of possibilities to see the wildlife and nature of the amazing Highlands of Scotland. It is the home of the legendary Loch Ness monster.
In Edinburgh, you will find some of the most spectacular gardens and parks. The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is one of the lovliest botanic gardens you can find. The garden offers fantastic views of Edinburgh castle.
Some of the most popular nature parks in Scotland include;
Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature reserve , full of enchanting forests and different paths that one can explore. This place is surrounded by riverbanks and esch side of the forest and is a very peaceful place. Near the falls you can find also ruins of Corra Castle which are also worth visiting.
Glen Roy National Nature reserve is located in the Scottish Highlands, the main draw of the reserve is the ‘Parallel Roads’. Although the Parallel roads are the main attraction, the reserve’s natural charm is also worth visiting. You can also spot red deer along the way.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park has the most picturesque views of the countryside together with its crystal -clear waters of the lochs and rocky peaks of the mountains. For those nature lovers, this park will enjoy the stunning scenery this park has to offer
Nature & trekking
Tours in Scotland are nothing without a touch of nature. The Three Sisters Mountains in Glencoe has been named one of the ‘top views in the UK’. Here you can see the most beautiful mountains and outstanding nature. You can trek along the Three sisters Hiking Trail in Glencoe. It is an easy to moderate trek and takes about 40 minutes in total covering around 3 kilometres there and back
Another outstanding place to visit is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. The average time taken to climb Ben Nevis is 7-9 hours, with the climb to the top taking around 4 hours, and then return 3 hours.
Best one day hike, one can visit Old Man of Hoy, Orkney, off Scotland’s Northeast Coast. Here you can walk along the highest sea cliffs. Then you will catch your first sight of the iconic red sandstone sea sack. This trek takes around 3 hours.
For the most unforgettable view, one can trek on Stac Pollaidh which is one of the best ‘little mountains in Scotland’. This trek takes around 3 hours.
Best hike for families, one can visit the Loch an Eilein, Cairngorm National Park. Look into the forest wildlife, including squirrels and Scottish crossbills, and maybe stop for some ice cream!
Wildlife & Safaris
Tours in Scotland can also focus around wildlife if its your thing. In Cairngorms national park and Speyside you will find a variety of wildlife such as wildcats, capercaillie, squirrels, deer’s, badgers and golden eagles .You can enjoy a 4×4 safari that will take you into the real wilderness of Scotland.
The Cairngorms National Park you will also discover its mountains, lochs, rivers, waterfalls and the spectacular Ardverikie Castle.
Sightseeing
Edinburgh Castle is the most famous castle in Scotland and a great experience for all families. You can explore through the castle and roam through the different hallways and discover the wonders of medieval Scotland.
Lochness and Urquhart Castles are the most famous places travellers visit when on tours in Scotland. They are famous for the legendary Loch ness monster.
Stirling Castle is another spectacular place to explore as has a lot of history and has spectacular architecture.
Fort William and Old Inverlochy castle is an interesting ancient sight, the castle is possibly the oldest in Scotland.
Shopping
Princess Street in Edinburgh city is famous for shops. Here you can grab a bargain such as Debenhams, New look, House of fraser, Zara and Primark. George street which is next to princess street also has a few shops where one can enjoy some shopping.
Scotland’s Christmas markets are a splendid place for shopping for Christmas gifts such as handmade crafts
Adrenaline
Some of the many adrenaline adventures in Scotland include abseiling, bungee jumping, canyoning, caving, quad biking and mountain biking.
Highland Perthshire offers a variety of adrenaline activities where one can enjoy the day abseiling or simply quad biking.
Glentress Forest is a great place for mountain biking which has different trails that one can experience including some fun downhill drops
Killiecrankie Bungee Jump Perthshire, one can jump and enjoy the beautiful view over river Garry .
Culture
The Scottish culture is known for its bagpipes and the national Scottish costume. The Scottish costume that is a stripped pattern kilt modern kilt, which became popular in the 18th century.
The Scottish people are known for there open minded spirit and for their passion of sports
Whiskey is one of the famous drinks found in Scotland. One may find a variety of whiskey bars and whiskey tasting in Scotland
Their traditional music is folk music. They would dance around in their traditional costumes and play their traditional folk music
Cuisine
Haggis is Scotland’s traditional dish. It consists of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs minced with onions, some spices,oatmeal, salt and a mixed stock. It is usually served with mashed potatoes on the side of the dish.
Scotland is also known for its beef, cheeses, porridge, scones and potato stew
Scottish whiskey is also part of the Scottish Cuisine!