Episode 169 – Scotland Travel Tips: 15 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
In episode 169 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug share fifteen of the most frequent pitfalls travellers face when exploring Scotland, from underestimating distances and misjudging the weather to focusing only on Edinburgh and Skye while missing other incredible regions.
They also highlight cultural slip-ups, such as mispronouncing place names, overlooking local traditions, or referring to Scots as “English,” as well as practical challenges like encountering midges in summer, booking accommodation too late, and trying to cram too much into a short itinerary.
With plenty of insider tips and real-world examples, Tracy and Doug explain how to avoid these mistakes and instead make the most of your Scottish adventure.
Whether you’re planning your very first visit or returning for another trip, this episode will help you prepare with confidence, slow down and savour the journey, and discover the rich culture, history and breathtaking scenery that make Scotland such a special place to explore.
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Episode 169 – What you’ll learn in this episode
🏴☠️ Discover the 15 most common mistakes travellers make when planning a trip to Scotland – and get practical advice to avoid each of them
🗓️ Learn how choosing the right season and understanding Scotland’s unique events (like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Hogmanay) can make or break your trip
🦟 Find out everything you need to know about Scotland’s notorious midges: when they appear, where to expect them, and tips for staying bite-free
🌨️ Get real about Scottish weather! Doug and Tracy share their own run-ins with storms, fog, and snow and explain the importance of flexible plans, especially in winter
🚗 Don’t fall for itinerary traps: why trying to see too much, too fast (like a whirlwind North Coast 500 trip or only visiting Edinburgh & Skye) could lead to frustration
🚂 Explore alternative ways to travel around Scotland – from scenic train journeys to ferry adventures and coach links to Ireland and Northern Ireland
🏞️ Discover why Scotland is so much more than just Edinburgh, Skye, and Loch Ness, with recommendations for other magical destinations: Glasgow, the Highlands, Orkney, and the Western Isles
🏠 Essential accommodation advice: why booking ahead (especially for islands or during peak festival times) is a must, and why “winging it” may leave you stranded
👚 Packing secrets for Scotland revealed: why layers and a good waterproof jacket are non-negotiable, even in June!
💂♂️ Navigating Scottish culture: how to avoid faux pas (never call a Scot “English!”), understand currency quirks, and pronounce place names like a local
🥃 Whisky or whiskey? Learn about the spelling (and tasting!) differences and Doug’s take on Scotland’s national drink
🍽️ Make the most of Scottish cuisine – a full Scottish breakfast, haggis, neeps and tatties, and even the infamous deep-fried Mars bar and iconic Irn-Bru
🕰️ Why slowing down is key to enjoying Scotland: embrace atmospheric pubs, chats with locals, and savouring the breathtaking scenery
💡 Plus: Links to useful guides, itineraries, YouTube videos, and practical trip planning resources Doug and Tracy recommend for Scotland trips of all lengths and styles
UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Calendar – town referenced as ancestral home
- Glencoe – a scenic valley in the Highlands, known for its beautiful landscapes
- Isle of Skye – a popular island off Scotland’s west coast, known for its dramatic scenery
- Orkney – a group of islands to the north of mainland Scotland
- Mull – an island in the Inner Hebrides
- Iona – a small island near Mull
- Lewis and Harris – an island in the Outer Hebrides, mentioned as a future visit
- Aberdeen – a city in northeast Scotland
- Perth – a city in central Scotland
- Stirling – a city rich in Scottish history
- Inverness – a city in the Highlands
- Borders/Borders region – the region bordering England, known as the Scottish Borders
- Northumberland – a region in northern England close to the Scottish border
- Belfast – capital of Northern Ireland
- Dublin – capital of the Republic of Ireland
- Cornwall – a region in southwest England
- Wales – a country in the UK, referenced for comparison
- Loch Ness – famous loch, home of the Loch Ness Monster
- Northern Ireland – a region of the UK, mentioned for travel connections
Foods
- Haggis – traditional Scottish dish made from sheep innards, onions, oats, and spices
- Neeps and tatties – Scottish for turnips (swedes) and potatoes, served with haggis
- Full Scottish breakfast – includes potato cake (tattie scone), haggis, black pudding, flat/lawn sausage, mushrooms, toast, etc.
- Black pudding – blood sausage, commonly part of a Scottish breakfast
- Potato cake/Tattie scone – part of Scottish breakfast
- Lawn sausage/Flat sausage – square sausage unique to Scotland
- Deep-fried Mars bar – infamous Scottish treat
- Oats – served as part of breakfast in Scotland
Words / Concepts
- Fringe Festival – Edinburgh’s internationally renowned performing arts festival (in August)
- Tattoo – Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual event at Edinburgh Castle
- Hogmanay – Scottish New Year’s celebration
- Midges – small biting flies, common in Scotland in summer
- North Coast 500 – a popular scenic driving route in northern Scotland
- Caledonian Sleeper – overnight train service between London and Scotland
- B&B – Bed and Breakfast, an accommodation offering breakfast
- Contactless – card/tap payment method, common in the UK
- Scottish banknotes – Scottish pound notes, legal tender in Scotland
- Pound sterling – currency used in Scotland and the UK
- Iron Brew (Irn-Bru) – iconic Scottish soft drink
- Whisky (no “e”) – Scottish spelling for whisky
- Whiskey (with “e”) – generally refers to Irish whiskey
- English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish – referencing the four nations of the UK
- Layering/layers – recommended clothing approach for unpredictable Scottish weather
Related content on UK Travel Planning
Podcasts
- Episode #145 – Exploring Scotland by Rail: Edinburgh to Inverness Train Travel Tips
- Episode #140 Navigating the North Coast 500: Essential Tips for Your Scottish Adventure
- Episode #58 Edinburgh Travel 101: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
Articles
- Scotland Travel Planning
- Best places to stay in Edinburgh
- Guide to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh
- Guide to Scottish Islands
