FAQs

Question

Castle Transportation

Answer

Buses will be provided to and from the Castle on both Tuesday and Wednesday by Edinburgh Coach Lines. Edinburgh City Center Pick up and Drop off will be at Charlotte Square. Charlotte Square should pull up on your GPS but as a point of reference the Kimpton Hotel is located in the square. Tuesday August 1st - Pick up Edinburgh Charlotte Square - 5:00pm Stop and Pick up at the Dakota - 5:30pm Drop off at Dundas Castle - 5:45pm - Pick up at Dundas Castle - 10:00 pm Stop and Drop off at the Dakota Drop off at Edinburgh Charlotte Square Wednesday August 2nd - Pick up Edinburgh Charlotte Square - 12:45pm Stop and Pick up at the Dakota - 1:15pm Drop off at Dundas Castle - 1:30pm - Pick up at Dundas Castle - 11:45 pm Stop and Drop off at the Dakota Drop off at Edinburgh Charlotte Square Updates will be provided on the What'sApp Group and Rachel Ferraguto (+1.203.470.5809) will be the contact for the bus pick up at Charlotte Square. If you happen to miss the bus Taxis and Ubers should be readily available!

Question

When should we arrive/How to combat jet lag?

Answer

We recommend arriving at least two days before the first event you would like to attend if possible. The best way to combat Jet-lag: you will likely fly from the US on an overnight flight. We recommend trying your best to stay awake your full first day in Europe to adjust! This way Day 2 you will be on European time. We hope everyone will use this time to travel and see the UK. If you would like suggestions please let us know.

Question

What do I need to get to Scotland?

Answer

If you are coming from the US, it is currently required to have a passport that is valid for the length of your stay in Scotland as well as a return ticket home.

Question

When will Ian & Maggie arrive?

Answer

We will arrive on the 22nd of July and leave on August 6th!

Question

Where are Ian and Maggie Staying?

Answer

For the wedding week we have the following accommodation: Friday 7/28 - Tuesday 8/1 - The Caledonian in Edinburgh Tuesday 8/1 - Thursday 8/3 - Dundas Castle Thursday 8/3 - Sunday 8/6 - The Rusacks in St. Andrews

Question

When should we book travel?

Answer

As soon as you know you are coming! The weekend after the wedding is the start of Edinburgh festival so catch hotels at good prices while available!

Question

Can I wear a Kilt/Where can I get one?

Answer

Yes anyone can wear a kilt (Ian will )! There are plenty of options for kilt rentals in Scotland so you do not have to purchase. https://www.kiltpin.com/ https://macgregorandmacduff.co.uk/ You are also welcome to wear non-kilt wedding attire 😀

Question

If men wear kilts, what do women wear?

Answer

Women don't typically wear kilts but if you have a tartan you would like to wear feel free to incorporate it into your outfit! Women do typically wear fascinators, or hats, to weddings and we welcome you to do so! Check out any of the royal weddings for inspiration.

Question

Are there any specific Scottish wedding traditions to be aware of?

Answer

Scottish weddings are very similar to American weddings - the main differences are some events may be in a different order than you are used to, and it is a longer event than the typical American wedding. It is a marathon not a sprint! We will be having a traditional Scottish Cèilidh as part of our reception. This incorporates traditional dances that will be done, but there will be instructions so no need to learn anything in advance! To get an idea of what it will be like I've linked a YouTube video below. We hope everyone will participate! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62sim5knB-s

Question

What is the weather in Scotland in August?

Answer

August is usually Scotland's warmest month. During August, temperatures average at around 19°C (or 66°F), though you can get lucky with a random heatwave. Overall, you can expect mild temperatures during Scotland's summer months. Scotland's weather is 100% unpredictable, except for one general rule: it will rain. As far as rain goes, you should always be prepared. It might rain a little or it might rain a lot. But you can but that it will rain. Scotland in August can be anything from clear skies and sunshine, to grey, cloudy days. However, August usually sees less rain that other months. Most of our wedding activities will be inside but for those that are outside we are prepared for weather contingencies.

Question

How Do I Get To the Castle?

Answer

We will be providing transportation from Edinburgh City Center and the Dakotah Hotel to the Castle on both Tuesday and Wednesday. A Map and schedule will be uploaded closer to the date. Uber and Taxis are also an option if you prefer to schedule your own transportation.

Question

Should we rent a car?

Answer

We highly recommend renting a car especially if you intend to explore Scotland outside of the major cities! The landscape is beautiful and worth exploring. Driving on the left hand side of the road is only difficult for the first hour or so 🙃 Car rentals can easily be arranged online and while most cars are manual you can rent an automatic car for a little bit extra.

Question

Should we play golf while we are there? Where should we play?

Answer

Absolutely! Please refer to the travel page for Ian's recommendations.

Question

How can we play the Old Course?

Answer

The Old Course has open tee times available Tuesday and Thursday as well as a lottery system. If staying in Saint Andrews for 2-3 days and entering the lottery you are very likely to be able to play the course. You need a documented 15 handicap or better to play the old course.

Question

Where can I access real time updates , for example during the pub crawl?

Answer

We have a public What's App Group we would love you to join! This is a simple was for us to provide updates to the whole group. There is a QR code pictures uploaded to the gallery on this website that you can scan to join or you can copy and paste this link - https://chat.whatsapp.com/LCXkcNmGw28CihskzPiPTG

Question

What are the Pubs like?

Answer

Pub culture is prominent in Scotland. It is very common to pop into one of the many pubs you will come across after seeing a few of the sites or doing some shopping. One very important point - most, if not all, pubs have bar service only. What this means is no one will come to the table to take your order. You must order at the bar. If you wait to be served at the table you will be waiting a very long time!

Question

Do I tip in Scotland?

Answer

It can be customary to leave change for bar service but a tip is not expected. It is customary to tip 10% of the bill when receiving table service in Scotland. . For excellent service, 15-20% is common. Small tips to luggage porters, cleaning staff etc. are common.

Question

What is the Currency/How do I pay for things?

Answer

Scotland operates on the Great British Pound (GBP/£), the same as the rest of the United Kingdom. The current exchange rate is about £1 = $1.25. Nearly all bars, restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards with chip (Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, Diners Club). American Express is increasingly widely accepted, but is not always. We recommend having cash on hand for tips and the rare location that does not accept card (extremely rare and only in the most rural parts of the country). You might wish to inform your bank and credit card companies that you will be out of the country. We highly recommend adding your credit card to your apple wallet as most, if not all, establishments will have a touchless payment option!

Question

How do I plug things in?

Answer

Scotland uses a different plug (3 prong straight plug, same as the rest of the UK) and a different voltage (220V) than the US. It is important to note that this plug is different from the rest of Europe. To use anything with a US plug, you will need both a plug adapter - Amazon Travel Adapter Worldwide All in One ~$15 works perfectly - AND to ensure that your device is dual voltage. Most modern day computers, phones and other electronics support dual voltage, but check on either the plug or your device to ensure it indicates both 110V/220V. Some hairdryers, curling irons, etc. do NOT support dual voltage. If you use a 110V device without a voltage converter in addition to a plug converter, you will either permanently ruin your device - or worse, fry your hair. Most hotels provide hairdryers (and they are decent) and curling/straightening irons can be purchased relatively affordably in-country. If you search "dual voltage straightener", etc on Amazon you will see many options, and many newer devices have this capability.

Question

Is Scotland Safe?

Answer

Scotland is one of the safest countries you can travel to. People are exceptionally friendly and helpful, and crime is extremely low. It is considered one of the best countries for single and female travelers.

Question

What if I have an emergency while in Scotland?

Answer

The US embassy in Edinburgh is located at 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW, United Kingdom and can be reached at +44 131 556 8315. If you have a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital. Scotland has an extensive socialized healthcare system and for the most part, emergency care is free for visitors.