Edinburgh Essentials

Edinburgh Essentials

Currency British Pounds (Scottish banks issue their own banknotes that are legal tender in England) Flight Time UK 1H 30 (London) Time Zone GMT +1 (Western Europe Daylight/Summer time) Language Scottish English and Gaelic, English Voltage 240 V (three-pin plugs) 


Tourist Attractions

Edinburgh Castle is open in the summer (1st Apr to 30th Sept) from 9:30am to 6pm and in the winter (1 Oct to 31 May) from 9:30am – 5:00pm. An Explorer Pass gives savings on admission to 75 historic Scotland properties, including the castle.

Opening Hours

Shops in Edinburgh open between 9am to 5.30pm, Thursday is late-night shopping till 7.00pm or 8pm, and shops open on Sundays between 12pm to 6pm. Banks open between 9.30am and 3.30pm, with some staying open till 5pm. Many tourist shops are part of the Tax-Free scheme. Keep receipts and fill out a claim form to benefit from the 17.5% VAT refund.

Food and Drink

Haggis (stuffed sheep’s stomach) is the most famous Scottish delicacy. Neeps and tatties (haggis, turnips and potatoes), stovies (meat and potatoes), hotch-potch (Scotch broth), pies or ‘bridies’ (similar to Cornish pasties) are also traditional Scottish fare to savour whilst here. Don’t forget the Whisky, known as the ‘Water of Life’ or Uisge-Beatha in Gaelic. Edinburgh used to be known as “Auld Reekie” in the days of coal fires. Auld Reekie Cock-a-Leekie – chicken soup with whisky, Steak Auld Reekie – steak with a Whisky and smoked cheese sauce and deserts such as Drunken Rhubarb Crumble are recommended local dishes. Contemporary Scottish cuisine mixes the indigenous with overseas influences, and has become more refined than the dishes of the past. New Scottish dishes are created utilising the country’s excellent produce; succulent lamb, game such as grouse, pheasant, partridge and wood pigeon; fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, Tay berries and brambles) and some of the world’s finest lobster and crabs.

Tipping And Etiquette

In some Scottish restaurants, service is included in the bill. Where it isn’t, at least 10% is the standard gratuity, unless the service was unsatisfactory.

Gaelic Phrases For Tourists

"Och aye tha noo" - a greeting that literally means, “Oh! Yes just now”.

As in; “so you’re back then?”

Scottish Phrases for Tourists

Thank you very much! Thenk ye uncoly! Happy Birthday! Canty Birthday! Happy New Year! Happy Hogmanay! I don't understand! A dinna kin! Happy New Year! Happy Hogmanay! How much is it? Tha mi duilich Don't worry! Dinna fash yersel! 


Edinburgh Useful Numbers

Public payphones take either coins, credit cards or prepaid phone cards. Phone cards can be purchased from post offices and some newsagents, and can be used in phone boxes with the green phone card symbol. The area code for Edinburgh is 0131. When calling from abroad, dial the international country code minus the first 0 for Edinburgh and then the number. When calling overseas from Edinburgh, dial 00 plus the country code, area code and number. For police, ambulance or fire call 999.

Disabled Access In Edinburgh

If you need to find an accessible pub, plan a night out or a shopping trip in Edinburgh, visit www.disabledgo.info for more details.

Scottish Embassies

Residents of England and Wales must apply for services at the Embassy in London.

Weather

Edinburgh weather is similar to that throughout the north of England, but can be very changeable, with rain likely at any time of the year. Summer sees average highs of 20C, with May and June being the sunniest months. Spring and autumn are considered good months to visit, with sunshine and pleasant temperatures, and the city centre is far less crowded. Winters are cold, with average daytime temperatures around 5C, however, the bitter winds can make the temperature feel far lower than it is.