Vacation Rentals in Scotland

Travel destination Scotland.
You can choose from 74 vacation rentals and holiday rentals.
Search within this region with detailed search options.

Destination

Vacation Rentals in Argyll & Stirling

(58)
Ardentinny (4), Argyll (1), Aviemore (4), Axminster (6), Balquhidder (1), Croy (1), Dundee (8), Dunoon (1), Edinburgh (5), Glasgow (4), Grantown On Spey (3), Jedburgh (2), Kilmun (2), Kingussie (1), Lochawe (3), Near Hawick (1), Newtonmore (1), Peeblesshire (1), Port Appin (2), Ross Shire (1), Saint Andrews (1), Stirling (1), Stranraer (1), Sutherland (1), Turnberry (1), West Lothian (1)

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Kirkcudbright (1)

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Upper Largo (1)

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Inverness (4), Isle of Skye (1), Lairg (1)

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Overview of Scotland

Size		78,133 sq km (48,442 sq mi)

Population		5,119,200

Language		English. Gaelic is still spoken by some, mostly in the West and Highlands.

Time Zone		Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Electricity		240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are standard.

Clothing		Similar to the rest of the UK, according to season. Waterproofing advised throughout the year and warm clothing for the Highlands.

Religion		Presbyterian Church of Scotland, other Presbyterian churches, Anglicans, Catholics.

Currency		Pound Sterling (GBP) Currency Converter

Location of Scotland
Scotland consists of the southern Lowland area, a region of moorland and pastoral scenery – where most of the population is concentrated – and the northern Highlands, dominated by the Grampian Mountains and Ben Nevis (1344 m/4140 ft), the highest peak in the British Isles. The whole of the exceedingly beautiful coastline is indented with lochs (particularly in the north and west). Off the west coast there are many islands, the largest of which are Skye and Lewis, the latter being part of the Outer Hebrides. The Orkney and Shetland Islands lie to the northeast of the Scottish mainland, across the Pentland Firth from John O’Groats.

Climate in Scotland
Scotland is generally colder than the rest of the UK, especially in the more northerly regions. Although the country nudges the Arctic Circle, the Gulf Stream winds keep the temperature mild. The Highlands, however, can have extreme weather at any time. The east coast tends to be cool and dry, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing (but watch out for the bone-chilling winds off the North Sea). The west coast is milder and wetter, with average summer highs of 19°C (66°F). May and June are the driest months; July and August the warmest. In summer the sun barely sets in the north; in the winter it barely rises.

Best Time to Travel to Scotland
The best time to visit Scotland is between May and September. April and October are acceptable as far as weather goes, but a lot of places are closed in October. Aside from those interested in skiing or frostbite, the Highlands are pretty much off limits during winter, but Edinburgh and Glasgow are still worth visiting. Edinburgh becomes impossibly crowded during the festival in August, and you will have to book a very, very, very long time in advance.

Events in Scotland
The highlight of Scotland's calendar is the Edinburgh Festival, which runs during the last two weeks of August and the first week of September. This is one of the world's most important arts festivals, and its Fringe claims to be the largest in the world, with over 500 performers pushing the boundaries every year. The city's Military Tattoo is held in the same month, as is the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh Book Festival and Glasgow's World Pipe Band Championships. September's Braemar Gathering is attended by the queen in Braemar, with other games held all over the country. All Scotland hits the streets for Hogmanay, the Scottish celebration of New Year, and you can expect a better party than you've had for some time. For some truly unruly rugby, try the Ba' in Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, which has been held on Christmas Day and New Year's Day for centuries. It consists of two teams and some 400 alcohol-fuelled players, who turn the entire town into a giant rugby pitch for the day. The game starts at the cathedral and the harbour is one of the goals. Puritans should steer well clear.

Society of Scotland
Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home and a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. It is not customary to start eating until everyone is served. Use of public places: Topless sunbathing is allowed on certain beaches and tolerated in some parks. Smoking or non-smoking areas will usually be clearly marked. Cigarettes should not legally be sold to children under 16 years of age. Tipping: is expected in hotels, restaurants, taxis and hairdressers. The going rate is 10-15%. Some restaurants add this automatically to your bill, so check to see if it's included in the total.

Food in Scotland
In the main cities and towns, a wide variety of British and continental food is available. A traditional Scottish breakfast is porridge made from locally grown oats and either milk or water. Other local dishes include haggis (chopped oatmeal and offal cooked in the stomach of a sheep), cullen skink (fish soup), smoked haddock and salmon and partan bree (crab with rice and cream). Baked foods such as cakes and biscuits are exceedingly popular and some of the more famous are flat pancake-type scones, oatcakes and black bun, a fruit cake on a pastry base. Scotch whisky is the national drink, and is famous the world over. There are also many local beers as well as lager.

Visa for Scotland
EU citizens may live and work free of any immigration controls. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are generally allowed to stay six months without a visa.