What can I eat in Scotland?

There is a wide variety of wonderful restaurants to choose from and you can choose from a variety of international cuisine. However, please be aware although vegetarian options are readily available, few cater to halal requirements. Worldwide Golf Travel has vast local knowledge and can therefore advise you on local Halal caterers. Should you require, lunches and snacks can be arranged in advance with WWGT. Restaurants can be recommended by us and reservations can be made on your behalf.

Restaurant Reservations

We will make restaurant reservations for you on request but we will require a credit card to secure the table. In Scotland many restaurants will charge a substantial cancellation fee as a protective measure for late cancellation or no show bookings.

Are there Mosques nearby?

Yes, Mosques are found all over Scotland and Worldwide Golf Travel can advise you of all local locations.

New Smoking Policy

The Smoking, Health and Social Care Act (Scotland) came into force on March 26th 2006. From this time, there has been a restriction on smoking in public areas. This affects golf clubs, public bars and restaurants.

What are my baggage allowances / baggage restrictions?

Be aware of the changing baggage restrictions and follow the guidelines. Know your baggage allowance and understand you may be subject to additional charges if you exceed the allowance. Your flight provider will be able to provide this information.

Hand luggage when travelling?

From time to time our clients have the misfortune of arriving in Scotland before their luggage / Golf clubs. This is normally due to luggage not making connecting flights in time. Although the Airline normally will aim to deliver delayed luggage by Courier to your hotel on the same day of arrival, it is certainly worth playing safe and having a change of clothing in your hand luggage. If you are scheduled to play golf on your arrival, your Airline will normally compensate you for any cost incurred in hiring golf clubs although it is worth checking the small print.

New EU Security Regulations For Passengers

Since November 2006, only containers of 100mls or less of liquids, gels, pastes, lotions and cosmetics may be brought through the passenger security screening points at all EU airports. These items must be presented at the passenger security screening point in a transparent Ziploc bag no more than one litre capacity, 20cm x 20cm. The only exceptions to this rule are for baby food and medicines needed during the flight. Hand luggage has also been restricted at UK airports. If you are transiting through the UK, please note that hand luggage is limited. For further information, please refer to your airline's travel advice information.

Checking out of your Hotels

Official check out times at hotels vary in Scotland but it rarely stretches beyond Noon. Most Hotels will be happy to store your luggage after vacating your room until you leave the Hotel. Hotel guests are expected to settle any Room Charges you authorised at Reception prior to departure.

Can I use my electrical equipment in Scotland?

Voltage is 240v 50Hz. Most establishments in Scotland have square pin sockets for 3, 5 and 13amp fuses. Adaptors can be purchased in Kuwait and the UK however it is advisable to travel with at least one.

How much do I tip in Scotland?

There are no definite rules for tipping. If you feel that you have received good service then you may wish to leave a tip. This is most common in restaurants, where the tip can be up to 10% of the bill, but you should check to see if a service charge has already been included. Tipping in hotels is also at your discretion. It is not normal to tip bar staff, although they may be offered a drink. Taxi drivers are often given a tip, particularly on longer journeys and if they carry your luggage, with £1 (approx 500 fils) normally being sufficient. Where tipping plays an integral part of the payment process is with Caddies who will expect a tip of £10 - £15 (approx 6 - 9 KWD) in addition to their standard fee for a round of golf.

Tipping the Driver / Guide

This remains wholly at your discretion, after all you have paid in full for his services prior to arrival, however our Drivers do tend to go the 'extra mile' for our Clients and any tip is gratefully received. Receiving the equivalent of what a Caddie would receive for a round of Golf (eg £40 - £50 per person) is a common amount for a job well done.

What happens if I become ill on holiday?

Holidaymakers who become ill while in UK are eligible for free emergency treatment at National Health Service accident and emergency hospital departments. If however you are admitted to hospital as an in-patient or referred to an out-patient clinic, you will be asked to pay unless you are a citizen of a European Community country, or a national/resident of a country which has a reciprocal health-care agreement with the UK. It is very important to take out travel insurance cover before travelling (Worldwide Golf Travel can provide guidance on where to purchase insurance).

What is the weather like in Scotland?

Scotlands position on the edge of the European continent with sea on three sides means that the weather is very varied. Records show that May and June are usually drier than July and August (when the average monthly rainfall, for example, in Edinburgh is at it highest). Even so, Edinburgh's annual rainfall is only slightly greater than that of London and many of the East coasts towns have less annual rainfall than Rome. Generally speaking, the East coast tends to be cool and dry, the West coast milder and wetter. More importantly, if it rains, with Scotland's ever-changing weather patterns, it will probably not last for long. Besides, with Scotland's longer summer daylight hours - the midsummer sun sets in Shetland at 2234hrs - you have plenty of time to fit in your excursions. Average temperature in the summer is 15-22 degrees centigrade.

What side of the road do I drive on in Scotland?

Remember to drive on the left hand side of the road. Remember to give way to the right on roundabouts. Many of the roads in the Highands and Islands are single track with passing places. Driving on them demands a slow speed and awareness of cars coming the other way. By law it is compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front of any car, and in the back if you have them.

Will my mobile phone work in Scotland?

As a rule you should expect your mobile phone to work. There will be occasions that you can not get a signal due to the mountainous nature of Scotland. If you use a pay as you go service it is advisable to top up before you travel. Be aware it its against the law to use your mobile phone while driving without a hands free device and penalties are severe.

Security of your belongings?

No country is immune to the problems of theft and Scotland is no exception. Clients are advised to keep a close eye on their luggage at all times. We strongly advise that you do not leave your Golf Clubs or any other luggage overnight in your vehicle and once again would recommend that you arrange travel insurance prior to travelling to Scotland.

Spa Treatments

If you are staying in accommodation which provides spa facilities, it is advisable to pre book any treatments before arrival. WWGT can make these reservations on your behalf, however if you would like to discuss treatments in detail, we suggest you deal directly with the respective spa.

What clothing should I take?

Scottish summers can be dry and warm or wet and cold. Therefore it is beneficial to pack layers of clothing not forgetting your waterproofs. Often several weather condititions can be observed during one day so be prepared. Pack some warm clothes as summer evenings will be much cooler than the temperatures you will be used to in Kuwait.