Hate #1: Prices in Scotland

Scotland is expensive. Whether it’s food, public transportation, accommodation, and Scotland attractions, they are all expensive. Add in a poor exchange rate for the US and it becomes even more expensive to visit Scotland. When planning your Scotland itinerary, make sure you are budgeting to account for the higher prices as well as the fluctuating exchange rate. (Scotland uses the Pound Sterling, not the Euro, although the values are usually fairly close.)

Hate #2: Business Hours in Scotland

Most shops in Scotland close after 6:00, so if you want to go shopping after 6:00, you’re pretty much out of luck. I ripped my pants in the evening and had to wait until the next day to buy a new pair. Don’t count on shopping in Scotland in the evening! In fact, if you visit the smaller villages of Scotland, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything open other than a local pub or restaurant.

Hate #3: Scotland Accommodation

It can be really difficult to find decent, affordable accommodation in Scotland. The good places that aren’t outrageously expensive will book up months in advance, so you have to plan far ahead if you want to save money. As soon as you have mapped out your Scotland itinerary, your first step should be to secure your Scotland accommodation.

Hate #4: Public Transportation in Scotland

Many of the best things to see in Scotland are scattered throughout the countryside and they are not easy to reach using public transportation. Trains pretty much go to the major cities, leaving you with expensive buses and infrequent service. If you really want to see Scotland, you need to rent a car and drive yourself.

Hate #5: Scotland Weather

Like England and Ireland, the weather in Scotland isn’t that great. If you visit Scotland in the winter, it’s gray and rainy with very few hours of daylight. Summers have a lot of daylight, but it’s still gray and rainy quite a bit. Always be prepared for rain in Scotland, no matter which season you decide to visit. If you find yourself enjoying a warm, sunny day in Scotland, consider yourself lucky!

Love #1: Scottish People

The people of Scotland are so nice and you’ll have some of the best service in Europe when you visit Scotland. From the bartenders to the police officers, everyone is super friendly and helpful. Scotland is known for warmth and hospitality, which is a big draw for over two million travelers per year who make trips to Scotland.

Love #2: Scottish Castles

One of the coolest things to see in Scotland are the castles. They are seemingly everywhere and come in all shapes and sizes. It is estimated that Scotland at one time had over 2,000 castles, many of which are now ruins. The oldest standing castle in Scotland is the Aberdour Castle, which dates back to the early 13th century. The most photographed castle in Scotland is the scenic Eilean Donan Castle, which sits on a small island surrounded by water and mountains. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Love #3: Scottish Countryside

Scotland is such a beautiful country, with mountains and lakes in every direction. Rolling green hills, fields of heather and the aforementioned castles and castle ruins seem to sprout from each hill. Some of the best places to visit in Scotland include the Isle of Skye, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Scotland’s Highest Mountain (Ben Nevis) and many lakes, including the famous Loch Ness.

Love #4: Scottish Whisky

Apart from the natural beauty of Scotland, some of my favorite places to visit in Scotland are the whisky distillery tour. Even if you don’t drink whisky or Scotch, a distillery tour is a great educational experience where you can learn about the official drink of Scotland. You can learn the difference between Scotch and Whisky and sample some of this quintessential Scottish booze. There are over 100 whisky distilleries in Scotland, so you won’t have to go far to find a tour!

Love #5: Outdoor Adventure in Scotland

If you love to be outside, you’ll love Scotland. There are great hiking trails all over the country, including two famous long-distance trails: Rob Roy Way at 128 kilometers and the West Highland Way at 154 kilometers. Scotland is a premier hiking destination. If golf is more your speed, Scotland is where golf was invented. There are over 500 golf courses in Scotland, including the famous St. Andrews course.

By: woltersworld.com