Scottish Ancestral Trail

Any questions which arise during your Trail can be answered by your driver. They can refer anything to the Scottish Ancestral Trail office if necessary. You can always reach the Scottish Ancestral Trail office directly on 01683 300389 or 07966 265751 (cell).

Baggage

Check with your airline about any restrictions on baggage (ie. weight restrictions for hold baggage or any carry-on restrictions). During your Trail your baggage will be handled by your driver and accommodation staff.

Clothing

Pack clothing that you will be comfortable traveling in. An extra sweater won’t go amiss, comfortable shoes for exploring and don’t forget a rain coat or jacket! Umbrellas are provided by Scottish Ancestral Trail should the need arise.

Electricity

The UK uses 3 pronged square pin plugs, 240V, 50Hz, 13 amp. Adapters are widely available for purchase at your departure airport.

Emergency

Dial 999 from any phone (no charge) to contact Fire, Police or Ambulance Services.

Health

If used regularly, consider bringing a small quantity of over the counter medications from home. Chemists or pharmacists are very knowledgeable and helpful and will be able to make recommendations for similar medications if necessary.

If you become ill on vacation in Scotland the National Health Service (NHS) will take care of you in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of a hospital. Non EU citizens will have to pay for treatment if admitted as a patient. It is therefore wise to take out travel insurance before traveling.

Insurance

It is wise to arrange travel insurance well in advance of your holiday.

Money

Scotland and the other countries of the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) use Pound Sterling.

ATMs are available in all major towns and cities. They may be difficult to find in smaller villages, so it is advisable to have some Sterling cash on hand.

In the UK currency can be exchanged for Pound Sterling in all banks, some post offices and at Bureau de Change in large cities, airports and train stations. Currency issued in England, Wales or Northern Ireland is legal tender in Scotland and vice versa.

Most hotels, restaurants and stores accept major credit cards. Outside of large cities, smaller establishments may not accept payment by credit card, so it is advisable to have some Sterling cash to hand.

Report any loss or theft of credit or debit cards to the Police and remember to cancel the cards with your own bank provider and/or travel insurer.

Smoking

As of April 1st, 2006 smoking is not permitted in enclosed public areas in Scotland, including restaurants, pubs and hotels. England will follow suit sometime in 2007.

Telephones

Scottish Ancestral Trail can provide you with a cell phone for the duration of your Trail. Ask for information. If you choose to bring your cell phone from home, please contact your service provider before you depart.

When telephoning another country from the UK, remember to insert the country code and remove the first zero in your country. For example:

USA 001

Canada 001

Australia 0061

New Zealand 0064

For other countries check with the International Operator.

When telephoning a UK number from within the UK, include the leading zero of the number. Using a hand-held cell phone while driving a vehicle is illegal in the UK.

Time Zone

Scotland is in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is 5 hours ahead of New York and 1 hour behind Paris.

Tipping

Tipping is becoming more common in the UK, but only if you are happy with the service. In a restaurant a tip of 10% would be acceptable, but only if you are happy with the service. No tipping of bar staff is necessary. Tipping a taxi driver is usual, depending on the length and value of the trip. Guides will appreciate a tip if you are pleased with their service. Voluntary organizations operating small museums always appreciate a contribution to their funds.

Water

Cold tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available.

Weather

For details of weather in all of the areas of the UK, please visit the Met Office website .

Scotland’s weather is varied, with May and June usually drier than July and August. Generally, the east coast tends to be cool and dry while the west coast is milder and wetter. Scotland’s long summer days are balanced by the long winter nights, when it’s best to sit snugly in front of a fire. Average temperatures in the summer are 15-22 degrees C (60-75 degrees F).

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