What to expect when you visit the Highlands
Scotland has a deep and rich history. Many cultures mix in our cities and countryside coming together to create modern Scottish communities. If you are preparing for your stay at an Eagle Brae luxury cabin, and if it’s your first time in Scotland, you might wonder if there are any customs and traditions of Scotland that you should be aware of. If so – thank you! Although there are certain ways we do things, we’re a pretty relaxed place and don’t get upset if you misunderstand something or do it differently. But if you want to be prepared, here are some customs and traditions of Scotland that you might like to know.
Out & about
One of the first things you’ll notice when interacting with Scots is our friendliness. A common greeting you might hear is “Alright?”—which can confuse newcomers. This isn’t necessarily an inquiry about your well-being but simply a casual way of saying “Hello” or “How are you?” The appropriate response is to return the greeting with a smile and a quick “Alright” back at them.
Scottish hospitality is legendary, and you’ll likely find yourself welcomed with open arms wherever you go. If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift for your host. This could be something like a bottle of wine, chocolates, biscuits or flowers. Once inside, you might be offered a cup of tea or a wee dram of whisky—both staples of Scottish culture. Refusing politely is perfectly fine, but don’t be surprised if your host insists a little; sharing food and drink is often seen as a gesture of warmth and connection.
Dining & shopping
When it comes to dining out or visiting a pub, there are a few traditions to be aware of. In pubs, it’s common for groups to take turns buying rounds of drinks. If someone buys you a drink, the unspoken rule is that you’ll return the favour later. Tipping in restaurants in Scotland is appreciated but not obligatory. Around 10% of the bill is a thoughtful gesture. In smaller cafés, leaving some change on the table when you leave is usually welcomed. Similarly, a ‘keep the change’ attitude is a nice gesture but also not required when it comes to taxis, but isn’t something to do at all on busses or trains.
While exploring Scotland, you’ll come across tartan. From furniture covers to toy Highland cows with hats, it’s everywhere. We’re partial to it here at Eagle Brae. If you see a tartan whose design you fall in love with, it’s fine to buy it and enjoy it – you don’t have to be a part of any clan or seek permission. Similarly with kilts. They are mostly worn today to occasions such as weddings or ceilidhs, and if you fancy wearing one, go for it! Nobody will be offended if you want to give it a try, and kilt hire shops will be happy to help you dress appropriately. There’s a saying that true Scotsmen don’t wear underwear with kilts, but don’t take that too seriously. It can be pretty windy out there and you don’t want an errant gust to embarrass you!
Common Scots phrases
When it comes to language, English is spoken throughout Scotland. It might be difficult to believe in some places though as our accents can be heavy. However to add to that, we tend to use Scots words that may be unfamiliar with you. So in addition to “wee” for small and “aye” for yes, there’s:
- “Ken” for know (“ken what I mean?)
- “Hoose” for house
- “Nae bother” for no problem, often used instead of “you’re welcome”
- “Messages” for shopping (“I’m going to the supermarket to get the messages”)
- “Cheers pal” for thanks friend (often said when you have paid someone or done somebody a favour)
You’ll get a pass mark if you can translate this: “Ken that hoose doon the road? I did the messages for them and all I got was a ‘cheers pal’. I said nae bother!”
There are many, many more too. You’ll definitely catch a few when you stay here.
Sense of humour
Finally, you might find that Scots have a particularly cheeky sense of humour. This is probably something to help us cheer up when the cold dark nights roll in! We like a laugh, and love it when others join us. So whether you are drinking a nice dram in the local pub or whizzing round cities in a taxi, you should be well prepared for anything the Scots can throw your way! As you get ready for your stay at Eagle Brae, rest assured that if you are interested in the customs and traditions of Scotland, we’re usually happy to chat about it.
