Scotland is a wild and untamed country stretching from rolling farmlands in the South and East to the dramatic highlands and islands in the West, where the craggy coastline is pocketed with beautiful beaches and rises up to rugged, empty mountains divided only by shimmering lochs and deep rivers. This ancient land has a brutal history and is studded with ancient castles and strongholds.

Although part of the United Kingdom, the Scots are a fiercely independent and proud nation. They have their own legal system and more recently have their own parliament and are developing into an economic force in their own right - Aberdeen is the hub of the North Sea oil industry and Edinburgh is now home to Europe’s largest bank.

Scotland is the home of golf and whisky, and has a cultural heritage stretching from the festivities of the clans, to the poetry of Robert Burns. Scotland’s rich traditions can be best seen over the summer months at the cutting-edge Edinburgh festival or at one of the many, more low-key, highland games. Whether visiting for fishing, stalking, sailing or hiking, Scotland is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast.

EDINBURGH:
Rising up in medieval splendour from its base atop an ancient, extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle stands at the head of the Royal Mile in Old Town, the original city centre with winding lanes and dark alleys. Opposite, the Georgian New Town provides a contrast with its ordered grid of elegant 18th-century architecture. While Edinburgh has a rich, cultural heritage and is home to many of Scotland's museums and galleries, it is perhaps most famous for the Edinburgh International Festival, which runs for three weeks during August. During the festival the town comes alive with street performers advertising their shows, and visitors are sure to be entertained by comedians, and may even see one or two of their favourite actors sampling a barrel at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre.

GLASGOW :
During the past few decades Glasgow, the UK's fourth largest city, has re-invented itself from a rather economically depressed post-war industrial centre to a modern metropolis with a thriving art and culture scene, which has earned it accolades like the "European City of Culture" title in 1990 and "City of Architecture" in 1999.

In days of yore Glasgow depended on shipbuilding and engineering for its wealth; the city fell into decline in the mid-20th century with poverty and unemployment rife. Prosperity has returned, riding on the back of 21st century technology, and it is the hub of Scottish film, theatre, writing, music and design which has captured worldwide attention.

The city has more than 20 galleries and museums to complement the architectural heritage of architects like Alexander Thomson, renowned for his classical designs, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, master of art nouveau.

THE HIGHLANDS :
The Highlands of Scotland contain some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. A timeless wonderland, where roads and railways cut through breathtaking mountain views, past the deep and mysterious lochs, through the world’s finest whisky-producing regions, and up to the highest peaks in Britain. The long and dramatic Loch Ness, a short journey from Inverness, with its mythical monster, affectionately known as ‘Nessie’, has attracted thousands over the past century, all eager to catch a glimpse.

The region is rich in heritage, and has played host to many bloody battles between the proud and ancient Scottish clans. Off the coast, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands with their rugged and dramatic scenery reveal ancient settlements and unspoilt insights into the ancient history of Scotland. A visit to this highland wilderness, despite predictably unpredictable weather, ignites a very basic pleasure and can be a glorious and refreshing experience.

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Time:
GMT (GMT +1 between last Sunday in March and Saturday before last Sunday in October).


Electricity:
240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are standard.


Language:
English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents and may sometimes feel they need an interpreter when speaking to locals.

Health:
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. The British National Health Service is excellent; emergency treatment is free to visitors, but charges are made for routine medical care. A number of countries have reciprocal health agreeements with the UK including Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. Visitors from other countries (including Canada, South Africa and the US) are advised to take out good medical insurance.


Tipping:
Taxi drivers and waiters expect a tip of 10 to 15%. Waiters should be handed the cash, rather than have it left on the table. Most people in the service industry expect to be tipped about 10-15%.

Safety:
It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK, although travellers are advised to take special care of their personal belongings in central London, where pick-pocketing is often reported. There is a risk of international terrorism, as demonstrated by the deadly terrorist bomb attacks in central London on three tubes and a bus on 7 July 2005 that killed over 50 people and injured about 700. On 21 July 2005, four attempted bomb attacks on three underground tube stations and a bus mirrored the attacks of 7 July, but no injuries were reported.

Customs:
Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone new. Smoking is banned on public transport, but occurs in restaurants and bars. There is a strict etiquette on escalators - stand on the right, walk on the left. Visitors will find Londoners more rushed and less friendly than Brits in other parts of the country, particularly on London transport where tourists are generally the only people who talk.

Communications:
The international country dialing code for UK is +44. The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). Mobile phones work throughout the country; the network operators use GSM 1800 networks, which may not be compatible with some dual-band US cell phones. Internet cafes are available in major towns and cities, train stations and airports.

Airports: Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
Location: The airport is situated seven miles (11km) northwest of Aberdeen. Time: GMT (GMT +1 between last Sunday in March and Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)1224 722331. Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for the city centre. Rainbow Airport Taxis are also available on the forecourt of the terminal.

Facilities: Facilities include left luggage, a bureau de change, bars, a duty free shop and a restaurant. Parking: There are various parking options to suit all requirements. Long-term car parking can be booked via the airport website or on arrival at the airport. Website: www.baa.com

Edinburgh International Airport (EDI)
Location: The airport is eight miles (13km) west of Edinburgh. Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)131 333 1000. Transfer to the city: Stops for public buses are situated at stand 18 on the terminal forecourt road outside the UK arrivals hall. The designated taxi rank is also outside the UK arrivals hall beside the coach park. Journey time to the city centre is about 25 minutes. Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National. Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, a bureau de change, shops, restaurants and bars. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Parking: The short-term car park is adjacent to the terminal building. The long-term car park is a few minutes away; a courtesy bus ferries passengers to the terminal. There are discounts available if parking is pre-booked; telephone 0870 000 1000. Website: www.baa.com

Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Location: The airport is located eight miles (13km) west of Glasgow, off junction 28 of the M8 motorway. Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)141 887 1111. Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for Glasgow, stopping off at the main railway and bus stations. The journey to the city centre takes 15 to 20 minutes. There are also trains to Glasgow Central Station, connecting to towns and cities throughout Scotland. Taxis are available outside the terminal 24 hours a day. The taxi fare from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow city centre is approximately £16.50.

Facilities: Facilities at Glasgow Airport include ATMs, a bureau de change, a post office, shops, bars and restaurants. A business centre in the terminal offers meeting rooms, secretarial support, telephones, fax machines and Internet connectivity. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs are advised to inform their airline or travel agent in advance. Parking: Short- and long-term car parking is available; long-term parking can be booked in advance via the airport website or by telephoning 0870 000 1 000 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK). Chauffeured Parking can be arranged via CPS Services (tel: 01883 340 089) who also offer car valet, servicing, personal chauffeuring and car transfer between airports. Website: www.baa.com

Currency:
Money: The currency remains the pound (£), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted; visitors with other cards should check with their credit card companies in advance. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks. Travellers cheques are accepted in all areas frequented by tourists; they are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges.

Visa & Passport Requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: US travellers must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport. A visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa to enter the UK, but if travelling from a country other than Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the UK, then a passport is required.

Passport/Visa Note: If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the U.K.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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