Safety: Scotland can present something of a danger to un-savvy visitors with many of its urban areas experiencing run-down conditions and, unsurprisingly, high levels of crime within them. Depending on where you visit, you will need to maintain fairly strict levels of vigilance if you are to avoid being targeted by opportunist criminals, or becoming involved in any chance encounters of a violent nature. All of the big cities offer their own problems areas and visitors are wise to use common sense as far as possible and avoid obviously seedy areas, or those likely to be poorly lit and sparsely populated at night time. Train and bus stations always attract undesirables, so it’s fairly safe to say that loitering in them with a map of the city on obvious display, is not a sensible move. Car crime is common so it’s unwise to leave vehicles parked in deserted or derelict areas or those with poor lighting and it’s exceedingly foolish to leave anything of any value on display inside of them. Ideally, cars should be parked in private or council-owned car parks if likely to be left for lengthy periods. Out in the countryside, the danger levels drop and the small towns and villages enjoy much lower crime levels and altogether more welcoming and relaxed atmospheres. It pays however never to drop your guard and to maintain all the same precautions that you would in the big cities. When to go: Scotland can experience some pretty miserable weather, make no mistake about it, and if this plays a big part in determining when you will schedule your holiday for, then you need first to consider exactly what kind of holiday you hope to pursue. A sightseeing holiday involving outside activities would be best taken in the summer months (July or August) when temperatures are highest. While the summer climate by no means guarantees neither hot nor dry weather, chances are that it will be warm enough to spend time outside without jackets or sweaters. The popular Edinburgh Festival airs in August and is a time for many to visit, with the event scheduled to take advantage of what is generally the best weather of the year. But it’s also the most crowded time. Spring can be a pretty wet season all told, while autumn can be dry but chilly of an evening and morning. For holidays in either season, be sure to pack the appropriate clothing. Money: Scotland is part of the United Kingdom and is one of the few countries in the European Union that has not introduced the Euro as its currency. Pound sterling (GBP), is the official currency of the country and is a unit comprised of 100 pence. Notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 pounds, while coins come in denominations of 1 and 2 pounds and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence pieces. Language: English is the official language of Scotland and is spoken across the country. Scottish Gaelic is still spoken in parts of the Scottish Highlands and the Hebrides, but is relatively uncommon and those who speak it are generally English-speakers also. The English spoken in Scotland is heavily accented and often includes a variety of dialectical peculiarities which might be difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. Emergency: Emergency services, be they police, fire or ambulance, generally respond quickly to appropriate emergency calls.
Ambulance: 999
Police: 999 Business needs: Scotland is well geared towards visitors with business needs as modern conveniences and technologies are widely available. The country’s biggest mobile phone service providers maintain agreements with a large number of international providers, allowing visitors with appropriate handsets to take advantage of the local mobile networks. Internet access meanwhile, is widely available with many hotels offering standard or Wi-Fi connection capabilities in their rooms. Visitors wanting to do business legally in the UK, require the relevant visa which can be applied for at a British Embassies in a large number of foreign countries. | 
