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Tourist Information
When To Visit and Play
Most golf courses, especially the links, are open all year round. Courses are
in best condition from April to October. The climate of Scotland is temperate
so it neither gets too hot or cold. In mid summer, daylight hours extend to 10.30pm
enabling two rounds of golf to be comfortably played with plenty of time for lunch
and dinner.
Caddies, Golf Buggies and Handicap Certificates.
Golf buggies/carts are not very common and are limited in number where available.
They should be booked in advance. Preference is given where needed on medical
grounds. Caddies are widely available and it is possible at some courses to request
in advance. Some clubs require a handicap certificate so have one with you in
case you are asked.
What To Take
In addition to your clubs, pack waterproof shoes and rainsuits and two or three
pairs of all weather (rain) gloves. Pack some warm clothing even in the summer.
Bring plenty of golf balls as most likely you will lose some in the links rough.
Air and Sea Transport
Scotland's international airports, are served by daily flights (direct or by onward
connection) from cities in the USA, Ireland, England and Continental Europe and,
are strategically located so that most areas of the country are at most a two
hour drive from an airport. Scotland has several ports served by car ferry from
Ireland and Continental Europe. Golf Vacations Scotland will advise on the most
suitable options.
Ground Transport
The main choices are: Self Drive Car or Mini-Bus rental, Chauffeur-Driven car
or coach, and Helicopter. Golf Vacations Scotland can recommend and arrange suitable
transport for your holiday. Golf Vacations Scotland deals with Scottish Tourist
Board approved companies only. Remember, if you choose self drive, to drive on
the left hand side of the road and to carry a detailed road map such as Michelins
that we supply. Estimate an average travelling speed of 35-45 miles (50 - 70 km)
per hour.
Holiday Accommodation
The options range from excellent guesthouses/bed and breakfasts to luxury 5 star
hotels, manor homes and castles.
Currency
The unit of currency is the British Pound GBP £. Currency can be purchased
at banks or foreign exchange bureaus using other currencies, travellers cheques
or Eurocheques with eurocheque card. Normal banking hours in Scotland are 10.00am
to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, and banks are open at Airports for all flight arrivals.
ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines / cash dispensers) are located at banks in many
towns and some retail outlets and most accept major cards e.g. Visa, MasterCard,
Cirrus and Plus debit cards. Western Union services are available at Tourist and
Post Offices throughout the country.
Credit Cards:
Access/Eurocard/Master Card, Visa/Electron are accepted widely in Scotland. American
Express and Diners Club cards are accepted by many establishments.
Sales Tax (VAT ) Refunds
The price of most goods includes VAT which can be refunded at the end of your
trip. Obtain a tax-free shopping form with each purchase and follow the instructions
for completion.
What to buy in Scotland
Scotland offers a wide range of goods which reflect the quality and craftsmanship
of its traditional industries. Malt Whisky, hand-woven tweed, knitwear and clothing,
crystal and cut glass, pottery, silver and jewellery, hand-made chocolates and
smoked salmon are but a few of the items you can buy.
Passports and Visas
EU citizens require a passport but not a visa. For other countries check with
the British embassy or consulate in your country if a visa is required or if you
have other related questions about traveling to Scotland.
Personal Safety
Scotland has by many standards a low level of crime particularly so in the rural
regions where our holidays are based. Visitors should however be careful and
it is advised to leave expensive jewellery, excess cash, traveller's cheques,
passports and travel documents, when not needed, in your hotel safe. Carry cash,
wallets etc. in inside concealed pockets or in a tourist wallet/pouch strapped
to the front of your body. Keep a copy of passports, credit card details etc.
and relevant contact numbers in the event of loss. Label your luggage on both
the inside and outside with your name, telephone number and address.
Medical Treatment and Health Insurance
A doctor is available all day in most towns. Dial 999 in case of emergencies.
Prescribed medications are widely available through chemist stores. If on prescribed
medication it is useful to bring an adequate supply for your journey. EU citizens
should bring an E111 form and are entitled to free treatment in public hospitals.
All other nationalities should check with their insurance agent as to the validity
of their plan in Scotland.
Language.
English is the language of the majority of the population. Many tourist businesses
employ personnel with additional European languages such as French or German.
Newspapers
There are many daily papers some of which e.g. The Times and The Independent
have very comprehensive 'World News' sections. Papers from other countries are
available in larger towns and cities. National and international TV is available
in most hotels.
Internet
Most accommodations will have internet access and if bringing your own laptop
it is often possible to log on provided you have the correct telephone adapters
and an internet service provider telephone number that you can dial from the
UK. Internet cafés are located in many towns.
Telephones
GSM (triband) Mobile phones can be used throughout the country. Public phones
are common from which all calls can be dialled. Credit cards from most countries
are accepted by the international telephone exchange.
In case of emergency, Dial 999 and ask the operator for the emergency service
you require.
Electricity.
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. Plugs are flat with three pins. A transformer
is needed to convert 110v appliances (except for dual-voltage equipment which
needs only an adapter). Hotel rooms are often fitted with these.
Responsibility
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information
no responsibility is accepted for errors, omissions or any other inconsistency,
nor for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any traveller in reliance
on the above information or advice.
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