Climate - Scotland’s position on the edge of the continent of Europe, surrounded by the sea on three sides, means that the weather is variable. Generally, the east coast tends to be cooler & dryer than the west coast, which is milder & wetter.
Temperatures in Scotland will range from daytime highs in the mid 60’s to evening lows in the upper 40’s from May to September. October temperatures range from the mid 50’s to the mid 40’s in the evening. However, as we can enjoy glorious Indian summers, we recommend that guests “dress like onions” & always carry an umbrella. Statistically, May & June are usually drier than July and August.
Time - Scotland will be on British Summer Time (BST) from March to October, which is5 hours ahead of US Eastern Daylight Time. Therefore, when it is 5.00pm in Scotland, it is 12.00noon in New York, 11.00am in Chicago, 10.00am in Denver and 9.00am in Los Angeles.
Electrical Current - The electrical current in Scotland is usually 220volt, 50 cycle AC. A 110volt appliance (such as electric razor or hair dryer) will require a current converter appropriate for the wattage of the appliance & two plug adapters, one with two fat prongs and one with rectangular prongs. Dual voltage appliances also require the plug adapter.
Currency - The monetary unit of Scotland is the GB£. The UK does not subscribe to the European Euro.
VAT Refunds - Purchases made in Europe (except in most European countries and former members of the Soviet Union) are subject to VAT or a Government Valued Added Tax (approximately 6.533%). Citizens of the US can often recover most of the tax on items not intended for use in Europe. The amount of tax refunded varies for each country & sometimes from store to store. www.globalrefund.com. Most countries require a minimum amount of purchase before VAT refunds apply. The amount varies by country and in Scotland; the stores themselves establish the minimum. (The minimum range from about $15 to $340 valued in US$. On small purchases, a refund is not usually with the effort, but it can be rewarding on large purchases. A customs official upon departure from the taxing country must stamp the VAT refund form received from the store. Please note that any VAT transactions are the sole responsibility of the individual.
Mobile Phones - It is possible to use mobile phones in Scotland, however you will need to check that your phone can be adapted for use in the UK. Check this with your network provider.
Personal Computers -
If you are planning on taking a laptop computer with you, please ensure that you take the correct adapter suitable for use in the UK.
Disabled Access – As Scotland is a historical destination there are some venues (castles/palaces/churches) that have limited access.
Smoking – Scotland is a non-smoking destination in public enclosed places. In practise this affects hotels, restaurants, bars, all private venues & other public places, coaches & chauffeur driven vehicles. Some hotels will still be able to provide “designated bedrooms for smoking” if they wish to do so.
Passports – A valid passport is required upon arrival in the UK
Check-In – Please reconfirm your flight with your airline (72 hours prior to departure) and required check in time. As a guideline, plan to arrive at the airport 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights (UK) & two & half hours for international flights.
Hand Baggage – Enhanced security can take time so please be patient. Passengers at all airports should allow time for personal and luggage searches. Please check with your airline for a list of permitted items as hand luggage.
Public Holidays 2010
· 1 & 2 January
· 21 & 24 March (Easter)
· 5 & 26 May
· 25 August
· 25 & 26 December (Christmas Day & Boxing Day)
