A picture of some vintage luggage

How to Pack for a Holiday in Scotland

“I remember that platform bell” by @Sage_Solar licensed under C.C. by 2.0

In a country whose rugged natural charms are as much a result of lively weather patterns as anything else, it makes sense, we feel, to put together a rough guide on how to pack for a holiday in Scotland.

If it’s not your first time on these shores, you will probably be aware that looks can be deceiving. Whilst a beautiful, sunny day from behind layers of double glazing, the sunshine can disguise a potentially biting wind and cold.  When it’s nice though, it is extremely nice. Temperatures can soar in the summer months and you will find locals and visitors alike splashing about, sailing or canoeing in the fresh mountain rivers and stunning sea-lochs.

However extended periods like this are, unfortunately, relatively rare, the weather here is, in a word, unpredictable. You’ll be pleased to discover that this in no way detracts from the general beauty of the land, but it does mean that one should probably check out this guide on how to pack for a holiday in Scotland before visiting.

For the summer months, there will almost certainly be at least a few days where the sun shines bright and warm and it will be perfectly suited to shorts and t-shirts, even swimming outdoors…although the water will definitely still be somewhat chilly. Alas, even days that start in sunshine and high temperatures can very quickly turn to rain and a severe drop in temperature.

 

Rain is pretty much guaranteed to make an appearance at some point during your holiday, unless you are very fortunate. But somehow many of the views over Scotland’s landscape are actually enhanced by sudden downpours and as everyone knows, after rain arrives a rainbow. So with this in mind, it is highly advisable to pack a good quality, lightweight rain-coat or waterproof jacket along with your camera. Water-proof trousers may seem like overkill, but when it pours, it really pours so it’s a good idea to pack some appropriate leg-wear, along with your shorts.

 

Snow is another thing to keep in mind when deciding how to pack for a holiday in Scotland, especially in the winter months (although on occasion the snow can sneak its way into spring and autumn, and even, very rarely, summer.) It is unusual to find vast snow-drifts or to be snowed in completely, as a nation they are well prepared for blizzard conditions, but it can be extremely icy underfoot. The wind in the winter is something to ward against, layers are a must (unless you are in possession of top of the range winter garments…or are travelling from North America) and sturdy, well-soled footwear is absolutely essential.

 

How to pack for a holiday in Scotland

 

As much as it depends on the season in which you are visiting Scotland, it is advisable to come prepared for weather right across the spectrum, not to the extent of packing snow-shoes next to your bikini, but it is likely that you will require warmer items even in the summer. A rain-coat or waterproof is an absolute must for all non-amphibians, and if you’re planning on staying in or visiting the countryside (you’d be mad not to) then good quality footwear is highly recommended. So when deciding how to pack for a holiday in Scotland, be prepared, and enjoy your stay in sunny, windy, rainy, snowy, beautiful Scotland.