Safety tips to help you enjoy your Scottish experience.

Scotland is a safe nation with an overwhelming level of hospitality, yet no matter where you travel there are a few things that visitors may find useful to ensure their trip runs extra smoothly and stress free. Here are some pointers that might come in handy.

Emergency services

Hopefully you never need to use this, but please remember if you need to call the police, the ambulance service, the fire brigade, or the coastguard, the number is 999. If you need urgent, but non-emergency medical advice, you can call 111. Likewise, if you need to contact the police service but the matter is not urgent or an emergency, call 101.

Mountain rescue

This service is primarily staffed by volunteers and is under the authorisation of the police force. Tourists who visit the more remote places within Scotland do not realise how tough the mountains can be or how quickly conditions may change and find themselves needing rescue. If you are hiking, please always take a first aid kit and inform someone of your route and the time you should be back. Often bed and breakfasts or hotels will ask travellers for this information — and it has saved lives. If you are camping or moving on to a different location, let a friend or family member know your route and tell them when you have arrived. It is also worth noting that there may not be mobile phone signal in all the areas you visit.

Coastal and water safety

Scotland’s landscape is covered with water, from deep freshwater lochs to rivers and over 6000 miles of coastline. This means it’s important to take precautions around water. For example, water levels in fast-flowing streams or rivers can rise rapidly after rain or heavy snow melts. Tides can turn just as quickly, leaving you stranded on rocks or cut off on a beach surrounded by cliffs. Most of these issues can be avoided by simply being aware of your surroundings and not taking risks. Similarly, if you are swimming or surfing, always check on local conditions, such as whether there are any rip-tides present, and do not take chances near rough seas. There are local Facebook groups such as Free Swimming Scotland that help advise on local conditions, please use these resources and stay safe!

Weather

One of the spectacular things about Scotland is that we can experience all four seasons in one day. This means we get ever-changing views, magnificent light and stunning photography opportunities — but it also means you do not want to be caught without wet weather gear, an extra warm layer or two and sensible footwear. Many people also forget to bring a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream — when the sun shines it is usually intense and in the north, summer stays in the sky much longer than you may be used to. There is often a light, refreshing summer breeze — but this can mean you do not feel yourself burning until it’s too late.

Train travel

Most of the modern railway stations feature automatic ticket barriers. However, due to the rural nature of many Scottish stations there may not be anywhere to buy a ticket — if this is the case the station will have a sign saying so, and you simply buy your ticket once on the train. It is worth mentioning that some stations are just platforms in the middle of the wilderness. These are often request stops — if you are the adventurous type and plan on leaving the train at a request stop, inform the train guard when they come to check your ticket. The guard will then inform the driver that the train will need to stop. If the platform is especially low, or only one door of the train is to be opened at a shortened platform, the guard will announce this with plenty of time for you to prepare.

Driving

Like the rest of the United Kingdom, people in Scotland drive on the left. However, there are also single-track roads in the more rural areas, with passing places for cars to cross. Pay attention to oncoming traffic and if you are closest to a passing place, wait there. And don’t forget to wave a thank you if someone stops for you. You should also not use a mobile phone while driving and pay attention to the speed limits, which are given in miles per hour, not kilometres.

Money

The notes you are likely to encounter are the £5, £10 and £20. Please avoid carrying £50 notes as these are harder to use, especially in rural areas where people may not have enough change. Coins come in 1p (pence), 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p and £1 and £2. Please be aware that in Scotland, you will encounter different notes to those you may see in England, with each bank issuing their own designs, often featuring iconic Scottish scenes or people.

Midges

We cannot end our travel safety tips without mentioning the Scottish midge. In the summer when the wind drops below 5mph, and the sun is hidden behind clouds, these tiny biting flies may appear as if by sorcery. Various repellents are available; some work for some people, others work for others. If you are camping, the smoke from a camp-fire will also deter them.

The right to roam, camping, and fires

Scotland has very liberal and accepting access laws, allowing the public to walk just about anywhere. This right extends to the right to wild camp, but not in all areas. It is best to check locally as to whether there are any bylaws that prevent camping, or the lighting of fires. In many places it can be dangerous to light fires at certain times of year, as the moorland can become dry. There can be areas that become off-limits to visitors from time to time, including when hunting is taking place.

Wildlife

Many people come to Scotland in order to view the wildlife, from dolphins, sharks, whales and seals to deer and even red squirrels. For the most part, these encounters are perfectly safe, but it is worth noting that deer in particular can be unpredictable at times. This is especially true when they are near roads, as they may leap across in front of you if scared. Similarly, numbers of wild boar in Scotland have been increasing since they were reintroduced. It is best to give these creatures a wide berth if spotted — but usually they will disappear long before you see them.

The Sabbath

In some parts of Scotland, notably the western isles of Lewis and Harris, the observance of the Sabbath is still strictly adhered to. There are no Sunday papers on the island, as distributors do not work, and nearly all shops are closed. Hotels and bars are usually open, but the bars usually operate reduced hours. If you will be on one of these islands it is wise to plan ahead for Sundays.

General safety

If you are visiting one of the bigger cities, such as Edinburgh or Glasgow, it is wise to pay attention to your surroundings, behaving as you would in any city. Incidents involving tourists and visitors are rare, with thefts and pickpocketing being the likeliest, especially during busy times such as the Edinburgh festival. In many parts of Scotland, especially the rural communities, it is rare for people to even lock their door. The Scottish people pride themselves on their famous hospitality and will often go out of their way to ensure visitors are well-treated.