If you are planning to visit or move to Scotland then you should ask yourself this question – Do I know the things not to do in Scotland? Scottish people take their culture and traditions seriously and it would be great if you acquaint yourself well with the basic Scottish mannerisms before you travel to this country. Don’t fret! We have a list of basic things that will help you in getting familiar with the way things are done in Scotland and the things that should be avoided.
In this blog, we are going to cover 7 things that one shouldn’t be doing in this beautiful country. So, let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Things Not to Do in Scotland While Travelling
Travelling and transport are some of the most important things that you’ll be doing in Scotland. So, it’s naturally important to know about things that you shouldn’t be doing in Scotland while travelling around the country. Here are some of the things you should avoid doing!
Not Thanking the Bus Driver
No matter which part of the world you are travelling in, you should always thank the bus driver while getting off the bus. It is a good idea to greet the bus driver and fellow passengers, especially the ones sitting next to you.
Pronouncing the Names of the Places Incorrectly
It is common for people to pronounce certain words incorrectly, especially a few proper nouns. For example, Edinburgh is pronounced incorrectly by almost everyone who is from somewhere else. It should actually be pronounced as ‘Ed-in-bruh’. On the same lines, Glasgow is pronounced as ‘Glazz-go’.
Also Read: Are you looking for some beautiful places to visit in Glasgow, then you must check out this blog- Places To Visit in Glasgow
Things Not to Do in Scotland While Buying Food
It is always better to do your homework, right? Well, whether you are just visiting Scotland for a few days or planning to live here for some time, it is for the best that you know the ins and outs of the country. One way to do that is to know about things not to do in Scotland, especially if it’s about food and drink.
Buying Bottled Water
The first thing not to do in Scotland is buy bottled water. Believe it or not, people generally don’t buy bottled water in Scotland. The water in Scotland is of excellent quality, and you can refill your bottle from a tap or a nearby fresh stream. Just carry a refillable bottle with you and fill it when it’s empty.
Accepting a Drink Without Buying One in Return
How would you feel when you offer someone a drink and they accept it without asking you anything in return? You are bound to feel bad, right? It is a common gesture in Scotland to also buy a drink for a person who offers you one. Better known as the round system, this system dictates that everyone in the group buys everyone else a drink, no matter the number of people. So, if you hang out with a group of people in Scotland, prepare yourself for a morning hangover!
Other Things to Avoid in Scotland
There are a few other things as well that you should avoid doing in Scotland, like:
Don’t Compare One City With Another
You must keep in mind that you should not compare one city to another. Be careful not to tell people that you liked Glasgow better than Edinburgh or vice versa. Let’s be honest here, Scotland is an amazing country, you may like one place more than the other. However, this is a result of your own liking and tastes that may differ from someone else’s.
Don’t Claim to be Scottish
Some way or the other, you must have a friend or family member living in Scotland, but that doesn’t mean you are Scottish. We are not trying to be rude here, but let’s face it, there are certain things that one should not be doing in Scotland. Incorrectly claiming to be Scottish is one of them. Unless you are actually Scottish, you should just refrain from telling people that you are.
Also Read: If you are planning a weekend getaway from Glasgow then you must read this blog- Weekend Getaways From Glasgow
FAQs
Some of the things that you should avoid while travelling to Scotland are:
– Forgetting to thank the bus driver.
– Mispronouncing the names of the places.
– Trying to fake a Scottish accent.
You must know a few basic things about Scottish culture and history, and the correct pronunciation of some of the famous places in Scotland.
You can be polite in Scotland by using some common expressions like ‘Sorry’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Please’, etc. Saying ‘Sorry’ is considered polite, even when it’s not your fault.
Yes, it can be. While Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, many Scots strongly identify as Scottish rather than British or English. It’s best to refer to people by their national identity—Scottish.
Yes, you can—but wear it respectfully. Avoid treating traditional clothing as a costume or making jokes about it. If you’re attending a wedding or formal event, it’s a great way to participate.
It’s generally not appreciated, especially by locals. It can come off as mocking or cringeworthy. Instead, ask about local slang or dialects if you’re interested.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is standard if the service is good. In pubs, tipping is not expected, but you can offer to “buy the bartender a drink” by adding a small tip.
It changes quickly—even in summer. Always pack a waterproof jacket, layers, and sturdy shoes. Don’t assume a forecast of “sunny” will stay that way all day.
Scotland has a “Right to Roam” law, but you must follow guidelines: close gates, avoid disturbing livestock, and respect “no entry” signs around private homes or farmland.
Most locals are used to Nessie jokes, but it’s best not to overdo it. Some see it as part of cultural heritage and legend, not just a tourist gimmick.
This blog was all about things not to do in Scotland. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
| Recommended Reads: |
| 5 Must-Visit Bookshops in Glasgow |
| Exploring Scotland: Exciting Weekend Getaways From Aberdeen For Students |
| 5 Interesting Facts About Edinburgh That You Might Not Know |
Follow Us on Social Media
