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About Our Hotels 
About Scotland 
Great Deals 
Great Deals
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FAQ'sHere is some useful, information to help you plan your stay in Scotland. HealthHolidaymakers who become ill while in Scotland are eligible for free emergency treatment at National Health Service Accident and Emergency hospital departments. As with all travel it is advised to take out insurance cover before travelling. This applies for European Community and other travellers. Your travel agent can give advice. You do not need any vaccinations before you come to Scotland. Money
Bank Opening TimesBanks usually open Monday to Friday between 0900-1600/1700hrs (some open until later on Thursdays and a few open on Saturday mornings). CurrencyScottish banks issue their own bank notes in all denominations. These differ in design from English notes, but are of the same value and are accepted elsewhere in the UK (although you are best to change £1 notes for £1 coins before you leave Scotland). English notes are accepted in Scotland. In Scotland, banks usually give the best exchange rate for foreign currency, and many offer this service. It is also possible to change money in airports, larger rail stations, travel agents and some of the larger hotels (if you are a resident); there is usually a handling fee and commission. Most towns and cities have cash machines where you can obtain British Currency using your cashcard or credit card. Some establishments may accept Euro traveller cheques. Credit CardsMain stores, hotels and restaurants in Scotland will accept the majority of credit cards. It is advisable to carry some £ Sterling; for example, many smaller accommodation establishments such as B&Bs are unlikely to accept credit cards; this also applies to other small businesses. Tax RefundsValue Added Tax (VAT) at 17.5% is applied to goods and services. Non-EU visitors to Scotland can reclaim it on goods only, by using the Foreign Exchange Tax Free Shopping arrangements. You can reclaim VAT at participating stores. A Tax Free Shopping form is obtained and completed at the shop where you must also show your passport. The form has to be presented to HM Customs and Excise, as you leave the UK. SmokingSmoking is restricted in most public buildings in Scotland, within airports and on most forms of public transport. It is important that you only use the designated smoking areas. Smoking is also restricted or banned in some restaurants and bars. From 1 April 2006, smoking in bars, restaurants and hotels will not be permitted, except in designated guest bedrooms and outdoor and patio areas. Language
As in the rest of the UK, English is the official language of Scotland.
There are marked regional accents but all are distinctively Scottish.
Emergency ServicesIn an emergency for: Police Call 999
Communication
Post OfficesThe network of post offices throughout Scotland offer a variety of products and services. Main post offices in cities and towns offer more than dispatch of mail and parcels or purchase of stamps such as international money transfer, postal orders and bureau de change. In rural areas they are often dedicated to serving the local community and can be part of a general store in which it may be possible to buy a wide range of items including food and souvenirs. Post offices generally open Monday-Friday 0900- 1730hrs, Saturdays 0900-1230hrs. Smaller offices often close in the middle of the day. Look out for the Post Office sign, yellow lettering on a red background. Posting postcards or letters is easy from any red post box. TelephonesRemember that hotels charge high rates so you are best to use public telephones. Phone cards can be bought at post offices, newsagents and Tourist Information Centres. Personal ComputersIf you are planning to take a lap top computer with you, please ensure you take the correct adapter suitable for use in the UK. Some hotels provide computer and office facilities in bedrooms. Internet CafesThere are internet cafes in most of the major cities and towns of Scotland allowing you to pick up emails and access the internet. The local Tourist Information Centre will be able to advise on where to find the nearest internet café. WorshipIn Scotland, people of many different religions, denominations and beliefs co-exist. The most widely practised faith in Scotland is Christianity, of which the most common denomination is Presbyterianism (represented by the Church of Scotland). Your nearest place of worship can be obtained from the appropriate contact point listed below:
DisabilityScotland welcomes visitors with disabilities - and VisitScotland operates an inspection scheme to assess accommodation offering disabled provision using the UK-wide National Accessible Standards. These form three categories of accessibility: Unassisted wheelchair accessAssisted wheelchair access Access for visitors with mobility difficulties Establishments are recognised in this way by the appropriate access symbol in brochures. Many establishments will be able to cater for those with a sensory impairment but please do check with the proprietor before booking. Capability Scotland is Scotland's largest disability organisation and provides a national advice and information service. For further information on their services, please contact: Advice Service Capability Scotland (ASCS) 11 Ellersly Road, Edinburgh EH12 6HY Tel: +44 131 313 5510 Fax: +44 131 346 1681 Textphone: +44 131 346 2529 e-mail: ascs@capability-scotland.org.uk www.capability-scotland.org.uk Holiday Care is a national charity and the UK's central source of holiday and travel information and support for disabled people and their carers. For further information on their services please contact:Holiday
Care, 7th Floor, Sunley House, 4 Bedford Park, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2AP
Tel: 0845 124 9971(UK) +44 208 760 0072 (outside UK) Fax: 0845 124 9972,
Minicom: 0845 124 9976. e-mail: info@holidaycare.org
HolidaysStatutory Bank holidays for 2005: 30 George Square Glasgow G2 1EQ |
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