How to Experience Scottish Culture Like a Local

Have you ever considered wandering a new country as a local, but not as a guest or tourist? If not, you should do it and consider Scotland as the first country to visit. Why Scotland? This country has a diverse range of landscapes and festivals that you can only enjoy if you feel yourself a permanent inhabitant. We will narrate all of this discussion in this piece of information. Before touching on this topic, let us observe Scottish culture to raise the element of fascination.

Scotland and Its Culture

Scotland is a historical country in the northern part of Great Britain and a prominent member of the United Kingdom. Nature is very kind to the country, which has almost 790 islands, more than 2000 castles, different festivals, and diverse cultures. These facets make it a popular tourist destination, attracting 3 to 4 million people annually.

When it comes to Scottish culture, Scotland is more prominent than many countries. Every aspect of its culture is exceptional, from dressing, such as wearing tartan kilts, to gaming events, traditional foods and drinks, and festivals. So, to embrace the Scottish experience, it is essential to realize yourself as a native and follow the basic etiquette in Scotland.

Basic Scottish etiquettes

The following etiquettes are essential no matter what tradition, culture, or country you live in. Doing so is morally good and lets the tourist have a trouble-free voyage. Here are some simple yet ethical rules to follow:

• Stay natural with your language. Ensure you do not copy the Scottish accent because it might not be possible, and the locals may also mind it.
• Saying “hi” in Scotland is a common practice and you will hear many Scots saying the word to every locals and outsiders. So, stay confident and answer them.
• Scots are parking-conscious; hence, ensure that you follow parking rules. Scottish villages have small roads with local car parks and small community infrastructure. So, it’s your responsibility not to leave your cars parked on road borders or inappropriately on roads.
• Scotts will not make you feel awkward if you ask them to repeat something because you didn’t understand what they said. Usually, they speak quickly, and their English is spoken in 10 dialects. So, don’t hesitate to ask them to repeat the phrase.

Experience Scottish Culture Like a Local

Here comes the moment to enlighten the most awaited part of the discussion: How can you experience Scottish culture like a local? The answer is simple: learn about their culture and festivals. Also, do not let them or yourself feel new; behave like you have spent many years with them.

Learn About Scottish Culture

You can only enjoy a festival or a tradition if you know enough about it. So, follow this rule if you desire to feel like a host in Scotland. Is this possible because Scottish culture is diverse, and you may need years to get to know them? Just kidding, you are going as a tourist, not an inhabitant (but feeling like a native); check your plan and see what you will do next. Learning about the next move is generally a good idea.

Wear Traditional Attire

Wearing traditional Scottish attire also helps you enjoy their culture. Scots are big-hearted and don’t mind if you wear their national attire. They usually wear tartan, which comes in kilts for men and women. Everyone can wear them, and most locals and outsiders are seen wearing kilts.

Participate in Festivals

The diverse traditions of Scotland indicate a large number of festivals there. Yes, it is accurate, and Scots celebrate over 200 festivals yearly. At the time of festivals, remove your name from the tourists’ list and celebrate the festivals. Some common festivals are Highland games, St Andrew’s Day Hogmanay, Christmas, etc.

Discuss Soccer with Locals

We have already mentioned that Scots admire communication and greet everyone, whether native or tourist. So, do not hesitate to communicate first. Talk about their sports, specifically soccer. Because it is their local game, soccer remains a hot topic for discussion. It will help you create a connection and feel like you are not new here.

Get Yourself Prepared for Every Weather

Scottish weather is unpredictable, and you don’t know which moment changes a sunny moment into a rainy one. Hence, you must stay prepared for this situation. Keep an umbrella with you, ensure you have water every time, and most importantly, dress according to the Scottish weather. The role of kilts against weather is quite prominent, so there is nothing to worry about, even if you are in a kilt.

Learn Scottish Phrases and Slangs

Almost 170 different languages are spoken in Scotland, from Scottish Gaelic to English. However, it’s not possible to learn all these languages. For convenience, the Scots use different phrases and slang as standard. You must know some of them so you can talk to everyone from any city or town.

Let’s provide you with some of these slang and phrases as examples. If you hear any local saying “aya,” don’t get confused because he is saying hello. Here are some more examples:

• Eejit – Idiot
• Feartie – Cow
• Gommy – Simple-looking, idiot
• Gowk – fool, simpleton
• Lavvy heid – toilet head
• Nyaff – Irritating person
• Roaster/Rocket – Idiot

Visit Every Place From well-known to Unknown.

A local person knows every street in the village, town, or city. So, consider yourself a permanent resident whenever you go out for a walk and wander every part of the town. Similarly, tourists only make the mistake of visiting prominent places like Edinburgh Castle. You must act uniquely and visit non-famous places in its surroundings as well.

Enjoy Local Dishes

Scottish dishes help you to feel like you are inhabiting one. Ask us how? Most travelers are unaware of their local dishes and only consume a few they see on menu cards or already know. You are not a traveler but a local, so you must consider trying different dishes even if they are unpopular.

Stay at a Local Bed

Move two phrases back briefly, and remember the slang and phrases we discussed. “Stay at a local bed” is a term used in English to mean “stay as a paying guest at home” instead of choosing costly hotels. Get back to the topic. Because it is a tourism-friendly country, Scotland lacks local beds.

Act like a local. Instead of staying in hotels, they become paying guests to the natives. You will get a chance to create connections with locals. Second, it will help people financially. Connecting with locals will help you learn more about them and follow their traditions well to look like you live in the same country.

Conclusion

Our entire discussion concludes that Scotland is a famous touring country, grabbing the attention of millions every year. Undoubtedly, all explorers have unique tastes, but the outcome of a local one is matchless. That’s why you must experience Scottish culture as a native person. Doing so is not so difficult; you should only be aware of their cultures. Other easy steps are wearing their traditional attire, participating in every festival, visiting every tourist point from well-known to unknown, etc.