FAQs

Question

When should I get my passport?

Answer

Currently the US Department of State is taking 9-12 weeks for processing. Please consider this when applying. Earlier is always better. Also, the airline may require your passport information for booking. To schedule a passport appointment or determine if you can renew by mail use this URL: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Question

How do I know if my passport is valid?

Answer

The passport must have been issued in the last 10 years for people > age 16 and last five years for people < age 16. The passport also must be valid for 90 days after the date of departing the US. (e.g. flying out May 1 must be valid thru 1 August)

Question

I don't know where to start...can you recommend an itinerary?

Answer

Sure. If I had to plan the things I liked best in Scotland over 7 days I would do this: Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh Edinburgh castle, Mary Kings Close (schedule first or late in day--https://www.realmarykingsclose.com), Royal Mile walk Day 2 Holyrood, Roslyn chapel Day 3 Head to inverness Optional stop in Perth to visit Scone Palace Culloden battlefield Dinner in downtown inverness Day 4 Lochness tour Cawdor Castle Eileen Donan castle Day 5 Head back to Edinburgh and stop on the north side of the Firth of forth Visit incholm Abbey Day 6 Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh Dungeon Edinburgh Ghost tour

Question

How about an Itinerary that includes England?

Answer

Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh castle, Mary Kings Close (schedule first or late in day--https://www.realmarykingsclose.com), royal mile walk Day 2 Head to inverness Optional stop in Perth to visit Scone Palace Culloden battlefield Dinner in downtown inverness Day 3 Lochness tour Cawdor Castle Eileen Donan castle Day 4 Train to London Day 5 Kensington Palace Thames Boat tour Dinner in Covent Garden Day 6 Tower of London Tower Bridge HMS Belfast West End Play Day 7 Hop on Hop Off tour London Eye Day 8 Train back to Edinburgh OR Depart England Day 9 Activities OR depart Scotland Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh Dungeon Edinburgh Ghost tour OR Holyrood Palace Roslyn Chapel Day 10 Depart Scotland

Question

Do I need a Visa to travel to Scotland?

Answer

No, US citizens do not require a Visa to travel to Scotland if their visit is < 90 days. The UK is no longer part of the EU and will not be subject to the ETIAS program. If you travel to continental Europe, you will need to register with ETIAS.

Question

I'm thinking of going to the European Continent after/before the wedding, do I need to register in ETIAS?

Answer

Currently no visa is needed to enter the EU (Continental Europe and Schengen Countries.) However, in 2024 the ETIAS program is scheduled to begin. This will require you to register for entry. The registration fee is ~$8 and will be effective for 5 years. For information on ETIAS please go to https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en The ETIAS registration page is. https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en

Question

Where should I fly into?

Answer

Edinburgh airport is the best option for those traveling for our big day, its a great jumping off point if your adding time to your itinerary. Be aware Edinburgh is a 3-4 hour drive from our venue and about 5.5 hours train ride. At both airports there is transport to the location from the airport and an extensive list of "hire cars" (rental cars) available if you chose a self-guided option and add time on to your trip. There is also trams, trains, and taxis which can take you to our venue.

Question

When should I buy my ticket?

Answer

Ticket purchases can be tricky. We recommend using one of the following apps to track price trends to let you know best times to boo. Hopper, Skiplagged. Hopper looks at trends and Skiplagged allows you to pick the number of days you want to travel and where surrounding our dates the best days to leave and return.

Question

I'm not a good planner and want to schedule some sightseeing, do you recommend anyone?

Answer

Rabbies tours is a reliable company which host small group tours. Their website is: https://www.rabbies.com/en They list tours from all major cities. They even offer overnight options to the Orkney Islands and multi-day tours across Scotland.

Question

I'm thinking of taking the train, what should I know?

Answer

The closest train station to our venue is Nairn. Once at the train station in Nairn, it's three block walk to the entry to the hotel. The drive is tree lined and transport you into a private oasis. Scot Rail is the national train company the website is: https://www.scotrail.co.uk

Question

What do I need to pay for while I'm at your wedding?

Answer

The only thing we expect you to pay for from the moment you leave your home and depart our venue is your airfare and any activities you participate in not on our itinerary. We will be providing food, entertainment, and lodging. Any time added on to your trip will be your responsibility.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

We are just excited you came to Scotland to celebrate with us. Dress as the "you" we know and love. Facinators are highly encouraged for the wedding day.

Question

What is there to do in Scotland?

Answer

Everything and Anything!!! The Scots are a gregarious and welcoming people (partly why we chose this location.) The country much like American has very distinct regions with history dating back to the Romans.

Question

What decisions do I have to make?

Answer

Chicken, beef, or fish. Champagne or whiskey Shooting or horseback riding

Question

What should I pack?

Answer

The weather will be warm for Scotland but cooler than the US. You'll want to pack lightweight layers. Also, consider a lightweight raincoat. A cross body bag will give you somewhere to store them whilst out and about. Don't forget to pack an electronics adapter; those wanting to bring a blowdryer or curling iron will want to pack a convertor.