Scotland Transportation
Located in the northern third of Great Britain, Scotland includes an area of almost 78,800 square kilometers. According to themotorcyclers, Scotland is in the Scottish Highlands in the north, the so-called Highlands, the densely populated heart in the middle, the Central Lowlands and divided into the mountainous region in the south, the Southern Uplands.
Seat of government, and according to the historical city Glasgow, the second largest city in Scotland, is Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of the Queen of England, are also located here.
Probably the most famous sight of Scotland is in the wild northwest in the Highlands. The second largest lake in Scotland lies between the cliffs of the fjords and the vast heathland. World-famous Loch Ness, home of Nessie, the legendary monster, draws crowds of visitors to its shores year after year.
The English of the Scots is something different than what is spoken in the rest of the UK. In addition to Scottish English (standard English), there is a dialect of its own, the so-called Lowland Scots. In addition, Scottish Gaelic is also spoken in Scotland, which is called Gaelic in English. The Scots who speak these dialects all also speak standard English. So you don’t have to be afraid of not being able to communicate. Standard English is a compulsory subject in Scottish schools.
However, the most common dialect in Scotland is Scots. About 30 percent of the population are fluent in this. Although both languages (standard English and Scots) are recognized as equivalent, Scots is declared as a regional language and a minority language. A Scottish dictionary is currently being written. This is even supported with government finances. This is how you want to capture this part of Scottish culture.
Scotland – traveling in the country
Airplane: most domestic flights in Scotland are geared towards commercial travel or serving remote island communities. Domestic flights are expensive and, due to the short distances involved, are only worthwhile when traveling to the Hebrides, Orkney and theShetlandIslands.
British Airways / Loganair is the main domestic oneairline. It has flights from Glasgow to Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Islay, Kirkwall, Sumburgh, Stornoway, and Tiree. BA / Loganair also flies fromAberdeento Kirkwall and Sumburgh and from Inverness to Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh. The company also operates Interisland flights to Orkney and the Shetland Islands and from Barra to Benbecula.
Eastern Airways flies from Aberdeen to Stornway and Wick. Highland Airways takes passengers from Inverness to Sumburgh and Stornoway and from Stornoway to Benbecula.
Ship: the main ferry companies are Caledonian MacBrayne, for connections to the west coast and the islands, and Northlink Ferries, for trips from Aberdeen and Scrabster (near Thurso) to the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Train: Scotland’s rail network extends to all major cities. If you travel to the Highlands or the Southern Highlands, you sometimes have to switch to bus or car.
Almost all rail connections are operated by First ScottRail. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig and the Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh are two of the most beautiful rail routes in the world. Timetable information is available from the National Rail Inquiry Service.
Rail travelers in Scotland can choose from a wide variety of ticket types. There are also discount options. Reservations are particularly recommended for intercity trips, especially on Fridays and public holidays. Children under five can travel for free. Between the ages of five and fifteen they pay half the regular price.
Car: Driving in Scotland is fun. The roads are usually well developed and less busy than English roads. Driving can only be strenuous in the city centers.
Motorways are marked with an M and are toll-free and restricted to central Scotland. Main roads (A) are one or two lanes. The A9 from Perth to Inverness in particular is heavily used and often congested. Side roads are marked with a B and lead from village to village. In many rural areas and especially in the Highlands and on the islands, these roads are only single-lane and have regular passing or overtaking points. Parking is not permitted in these passing points.
Gasoline prices rise with distance from larger cities. The liter is most expensive in the Outer Hebrides.
Rental car
Rental cars are quite expensive and should therefore be booked before you start your journey. Car rental companies with offices in Scotland include Arnold Clark, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty Car Rental. Lists of local providers are available from the tourist offices. If you are planning a visit to the Outer Hebrides, the Orkney or Shetland Islands, it is better to rent a car on the islands. This is cheaper than embarking on a rental car by ferry.
Bus: The Scottish national bus network is operated by Scottish Citylink and offers convenient and reliable connections between all major cities. Away from the main roads, travelers have to resort to local bus companies. Timetables for these bus operators are available from Traveline.
Many more remote places can only be reached by Royal Mail Postbuses. These minibuses or four-seaters are controlled by postal workers who deliver or collect the mail. A journey with them takes travelers through the most beautiful parts of Scotland. Since there are no official stops, passengers can stop the Postbuses anywhere on their route.
From April to September Macbackpackers operates a minibus route from Edinburgh to Inverness, Skye, Fort William, Glencoe, Oban and Stirling. A ticket is valid for up to three months. The company’s schedule also includes tours of the Highlands and combined tours of Scotland and Ireland.
Bicycle: a bike tour through Scotland is definitely worthwhile if you have a little time. Bicycles can be transported free of charge on First Scottish Rail trains. However, space is limited and reservations are necessary, especially on the most important routes (Glasgow-Oban-Fort William-Mallaig and Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh).
