Scotland

Currency and money

As part of the UK, Scotland does not have its own currency. It does have its own banknotes however. These are issued by three different banks (Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Clydesdale Bank), and come in the same denominations as English banknotes, except that the Royal Bank also issues one pound notes. Beware, these notes are generally acceptable in other parts of the UK (although some shops and many pubs will refuse the larger denominations), but they are completely useless outside the country, as currency exchanges will almost never recognise anything other than English banknotes as sterling.

Language

English is the first language for virtually everybody in Scotland, although there are many words and phrases which are uniquely Scottish, and the accent can seem extremely thick to people used to hearing English or American accents. You should get by okay as long as you pronounce words clearly yourself and listen carefully. Most Scottish people are well aware that their accents can be difficult for English people and other foreigners to understand and will speak more clearly to accomodate.

Something like 40000 people, mostly on the islands, still have Gaelic as a first language. It is doubtful whether you will run into anybody even speaking the language however, let alone anybody who cannot speak English when they need to.

Shop opening

Shop opening is generally the same as the rest of the UK, except:

• Off-sales of alcohol (drinks bought from shops rather than in pubs and clubs) are not allowed after 10pm.
• Supermarkets are free to open for longer on a Sunday.
• In Edinburgh, all take-away food shops close by 3am when the clubs close

See also the night-life section for information on pub and club opening times.

Crime and punishment

Crime

The crime rate in Scotland is fairly similar to the rest of the UK. Scottish cities, and Glasgow in particular, have a reputation for random violence, particularly related to drunkeness and football. This is not particularly deserved. As usual you will be safer if you avoid walking home alone late at night, take taxis through unfamiliar areas and avoid making eye contact with anybody who looks particularly aggressive. Personal space can also be a slight issue for people from many countries - Scottish people do not appreciate being crowded into a very small space, or having to squeeze past people in corridors who could move out of the way. This is not too much of a problem but will occasionally provoke an aggressive response in the wrong place.

Basic laws

Drinking in public is banned in city centres in much of central Scotland. It is not banned in Edinburgh however, so have a tipple. Smoking is a different matter. A strict ban has been introduced throughout Scotland on smoking in all enclosed public places. This includes pubs, clubs, railway stations, and even bus shelters.