Mistakes That First-Time Visitors Make in Scotland (And How to Fix Them) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

By: Theresa Moir [www.thefarmhousebnb.org]

As a lifelong resident of Scotland, I have had the immense privilege of experiencing its raw, unspoiled beauty every single day. Scotland is replete with tranquil lochs, lush forests, historic castles, and world-famous whisky distilleries. A trip to Scotland, regardless of your itinerary or the weather, is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

That said, I’ve seen countless first-time visitors plan their trips and stumble into a few common, easily avoidable mistakes. If you want to truly experience the best of our country, like a local would, here are some errors I see and my personal advice on how to skip them.  Even as a native of Scotland, I also ask a ”local” for advice of the best place to eat, visit, hike etc when I am travelling.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Just Because Scotland Is Small You Think That You Can Travel Anywhere Quickly / Driving Too Slowly on Rural Roads

Scotland is a tiny part of the United Kingdom, but don’t be fooled into thinking that your journey will be quick, please make sure you plan ahead and enjoy the scenery.  Some Scottish roads are not for the faint-hearted. We have many single-lane roads and steep mountain passes, and first-time visitors often drive with a little too much caution (especially as most have to learn to drive on the other side of the road), which can be frustrating for locals trying to go about their day.  When using single-track roads, pull into a passing place on your left when an oncoming vehicle is approaching or a vehicle behind you wants to overtake. If the passing place is on your right, wait opposite it so the other driver can pull in. If you are the closest to a passing place, you are expected to reverse if necessary, and neverpark in a passing place. 

The Fix: Be mindful of traffic behind you and practice good lay-by etiquette.

·       If you notice a queue of cars forming behind you, it is considered good etiquette to pull over into a designated lay-by or passing place to let traffic pass.

·       The roadside scenery is often so picturesque, you'll likely want to stop to admire the view anyway—so think of it as a forced, scenic photo break!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Being Unprepared for the Dreaded Midge

The nature in Scotland is gorgeous, but watch out for midges! These tiny, mosquito-like flies can put a real dampener on an otherwise perfect afternoon by the loch. Their bites cause small, itchy bumps, and they often swarm in huge numbers.

The Fix: Arm yourself with bug spray and be mindful of active times.

·       When and Where: Midges are most common in the warmer months and are prevalent around lochs, marshlands, and forests.

·       Active Hours: They are most active around dusk and dawn, so if you plan to be out in nature during these times, you will need a generous amount of bug repellent. Look for products specifically formulated to combat Scottish midges for the best protection!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Focusing Only on 'Hairy Coos' and Missing the Reindeer

Highland cows (or "Hairy Coos") are deeply ingrained in Scottish photography, and I don't blame any tourist for wanting to see those cute, shaggy coats! They are adorable, but they are not the only, or even the most exciting, wildlife you can see.

The Fix: Take advantage of all the amazing animals that Scotland has to offer.

·       You can spot seals in seaside towns like Oban or puffins at Dunnet Head.

·       My personal favorites are the reindeer. The Cairngorm Mountains are home to the UK's only free-ranging reindeer herd. I highly recommend taking a guided hill trip, which involves a short walk up a mountain, to hand-feed these gentle animals.

Local Tip: A waterproof coat and boots are essential for any kind of wildlife excursion, as the weather here can get wet year-round. But trust me, the experience of feeding reindeer is worth a little rain!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Thinking Loch Ness is the Only Loch Worth Visiting

Loch Ness is one of the most popular tourist destinations—in part thanks to the tales of Nessie lurking in its depths. But Scotland is home to more than 30,000 lochs (the Scottish word for lakes), and many others are just as scenic—and far less crowded.

The Fix: Seek out the stunning, quieter lochs for a truly breathtaking experience.

·       Loch Awe: To the east of Oban, this is Scotland's longest freshwater loch. At its northern end stand the striking ruins of Kilchurn Castle, offering a perfect photo opportunity of a castle, a loch, and mountains all in one frame.

·       Loch Shiel: Not far from Scotland's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, this loch offers an incredible view. Climb a small hill at the head of the loch and you can see the Glenfinnan Monument. Turn around, and you’ll see the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously crossed by the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Dressing for the Rain, But Not for the Wind

It's pretty well-known that it rains year-round in Scotland, and most travellers come prepared with a waterproof coat. What many don’t account for is just how windy it can get, especially on the coast and in the mountains. A thin, waterproof jacket often won't cut it on a particularly blustery day.

The Fix: Pack a sturdy windbreaker and embrace the art of layering.

·       Invest in a sturdy windbreaker: You need a jacket that offers both waterproofing and protection against the strong gusts.

·       Layer up: In colder months (December, January, February), a warm, padded raincoat is essential. Layering with fleece underneath will ensure you stay comfortable no matter what the mountain weather throws at you.

Are you ready to start planning your perfect, mistake-free Scottish adventure?