Getting to Scotland from London - Don't immediately assume that it will be cheaper to get to Scotland by train. There are many cheap flights available from the London Airports and you should check the prices availabe at Easyjet and Ryanair.
Saving money on attractions - Historic Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland are 2 organisations that maintain most castles, gardens and estates in the country. Included amongst these sites are Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Crathes Castle, Inverewe Gardens and many more that will most certainly feature on your list of "Must Sees". You can save money on entry prices by either becoming a member, or buying Explorer Passes from Historic Scotland. Please check out their websites for full details:
Historic Scotland Explorer Passes
The National Trust For Scotland
The Great British Heritage Pass is an all-rounder that includes both Historic Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland properties plus more, and is a great buy if you're also visiting other parts of the UK during your trip.
Leaving a Tip - Tipping is not such a big thing in Scotland as it seems to be in North America. In a restaurant, it is customary to leave a 10% tip. Bar staff in Pubs will not expect a tip, but won't refuse it either. If you want to show thanks to barstaff you can offer to buy them a drink instead.
Currency - In theory, you can use Euros in Scotland. However, they aren't readily accepted and won't be welcomed in B&Bs, pubs or restaurants. You can use your Credit / Debit card in almost every shop / restaurant and our Accommodation Guides tell you which B&Bs will accept Credit Cards.
Refuelling your car - Fuel becomes increasingly expensive in the more rural areas of Scotland so always try to refuel in the larger towns, and at supermarkets. The 4 main supermarket chains in Scotland are Morrisons, Asda, Tesco and The Coop.
Pubs - In the vast majority of Scottish pubs there is no table service and you are expected to buy your drinks at the bar. Bar staff will not expect to be tipped, but they will certainly welcome it. Smoking in Scottish public places is now banned so smokers are expected to go outdoors.
Restaurants - As a crude rule of thumb, if you see a menu featuring lasagne, curry and fish & chips you are not going to get the best Scottish culinary experience. There are exceptions, but not many.
UK Plugs - The UK has 3-pin plugs as shown in the pictures below, so you will need 1 or 2 adaptors which you can get at most, if not all, airports.
Breakdown Cover - Have a look at PetrolPrices.com to compare the leading breakdown cover providers. This website helps drivers to find the most suitable breakdown cover – from basic roadside assistance to comprehensive cover including car hire, overnight accommodation costs, and European breakdown cover.
