United Kingdom : Safety by City
- Aberdeen
- Bath
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Bradford
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Canterbury
- Cardiff
- Coventry
- Dundee
- Edinburgh
- Exeter
- Glasgow
- Inverness
- Leeds
- Leicester
- Liverpool
- London
- Manchester
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Northern Ireland
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Peterborough
- Salford
- Scotland
- Sheffield
- Southampton
- Surrey
- York
Scotland is a country located in north-western Europe, boasting a sixty-mile land border with England to the south.
It is also separated from Northern Ireland by the North Channel of the Irish Sea.
The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh and its largest city is Glasgow.
Tourists rush every year to Scotland, yearning to see its gorgeous scenery of mountains and valleys, rolling hills, green fields and forests, and the coastline.
And although the Highlands are known for this natural beauty, Scotland is also wonderful in the Lowlands, islands and the flatlands of the North-East.
Warnings & Dangers in Scotland
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Scotland is very safe to travel to. You should remain vigilant for any suspicious activities since Scotland is a part of the country that has been targeted by terrorists many times. However, if you apply basic precaution rules, that should minimize the risk of something going wrong.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transportation and taxis are generally safe and reliable in Scotland, though there can be some pickpockets on the subway, stations and other forms of public transport. Taxis are usually your safest bet.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Even the petty crime in this country is of a lower level. That still doesn't mean that you shouldn't take precautions when in public places and take care of your belongings. If you do, the chances of someone stealing your valuables will be minimized.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Flooding is the most prominent natural disaster in this country. It can happen at any time of the year. As much as 1 in 22 homes and 1 in 13 non-residential premises in Scotland are at risk of flooding. Besides, generally speaking, flooding is the most common natural disaster in the UK.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
There are low chances of getting mugged or kidnapped in this country, although it is advised to remain cautious and avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and areas. If you find yourself in such a situation, hand over your belongings immediately.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Since the UK has been targeted by terrorists numerous times, there is a reason to believe that this country can be targeted again. This is why it is important to remain aware of your surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
As in any country, especially a top tourist destination, there is a risk of getting scammed. Be wary of people trying to distract you or offering you unwanted help, check your change twice and always negotiate every service beforehand.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Scotland is very safe to travel to if you are a female traveling solo. Apart from a few general precaution rules, you should apply, such as not walking alone in poorly lit and deserted areas, not finding yourself in the strange company at night, etc, you can relax because Scotland is very safe in this respect.
So... How Safe Is Scotland Really?
Scotland is, generally, a very safe country, especially for foreigners.
The precaution measures you will have to take are on par with those you would have to take in any other popular tourist destination, so the mild risk of something bad happening to you shouldn’t stop you from traveling to this gorgeous country.
For the most part, violent crime doesn’t even exist, but when it does, it’s mostly in the inner areas, and usually between hooligan-like, typically unarmed groups that don’t affect tourists in any way.
Even petty crimes are less often than in most other cities in Europe, but it’s still advisable that you take care of your belongings and always exercise precautions.
You are, however, strongly advised to avoid clubs and bars at night, around closing time, when drunk people have been known to roam around and cause trouble.
The only, let’s say, the more danger is the fact that Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom, and as such – a target for terrorist attacks that have been happening often in the last couple of years.
Since there’s not much you can do about this, just avoid the crowded areas and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
How Does Scotland Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Scotland | 71 |
| London | 68 |
| Northern Ireland | 56 |
| Belfast | 56 |
| Edinburgh | 70 |
| Glasgow | 55 |
| Liverpool | 56 |
| Melbourne (Australia) | 80 |
| Montreal (Canada) | 81 |
| Sydney (Australia) | 80 |
| Santiago de Chile (Chile) | 71 |
| Vienna (Austria) | 88 |
| Hong Kong (China) | 70 |
Useful Information
Visas
If you're from one of the EU countries, you don't need a visa. All you need is a passport valid for at least three months from the date of your departure. If you're not from the EU, you might need a visa. It depends on how long you are planning to stay and why you are visiting.
Currency
The British pound is the official currency in Scotland. You can find ATMs at every airport, most train stations and on every other street corner in all towns and cities. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.
Weather
Scotland's weather belongs to a temperate and oceanic climate, but it isn't extreme. The weather has been known to change quickly in the mountainous regions of the north and west of the country and frequently even in summer. A bright morning can have a cold, wet and windy ending. Pack extra warm and rainproof clothing, regardless of the time of year.
Airports
Glasgow Airport often referred to as Glasgow International Airport is the busiest international airport in Scotland. Located in Paisley, Renfrewshire, it is situated around 1 km from Glasgow city center.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Scotland, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Scotland Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 6 |
| Low °C | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| High °F | 43 | 45 | 46 | 50 | 55 | 61 | 64 | 64 | 61 | 54 | 48 | 43 |
| Low °F | 34 | 34 | 36 | 36 | 41 | 48 | 50 | 48 | 46 | 41 | 36 | 34 |
United Kingdom - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 63 |
| Bath | 81 |
| Belfast | 56 |
| Birmingham | 44 |
| Bradford | 42 |
| Brighton | 67 |
| Bristol | 58 |
| Cambridge | 78 |
| Canterbury | 79 |
| Cardiff | 64 |
| Coventry | 41 |
| Dundee | 60 |
| Edinburgh | 70 |
| Exeter | 77 |
| Glasgow | 55 |
| Inverness | 73 |
| Leeds | 56 |
| Leicester | 43 |
| Liverpool | 56 |
| London | 68 |
| Manchester | 44 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 72 |
| Northern Ireland | 56 |
| Nottingham | 56 |
| Oxford | 66 |
| Peterborough | 70 |
| Salford | 43 |
| Scotland | 71 |
| Sheffield | 74 |
| Southampton | 65 |
| Surrey | 77 |
| York | 83 |
what terrorist threat ????
i will agree with most of what has been said above but will strongly disagree with the terrorist threat, there has only been one terrorist attack in scotland in recent years, and those involved were very quickly dragged from their car and dealt with in good old glasgow fashion, the risk of terrorist attack in scotland is very low ,
I have walked and camped all over scotland , never had any trouble anywhere i go, the locals are friendly and helpful , food is great, but come prepared for rain lol
I agree.
I also agree. I have been to Scotland and there is absolutely no terrorist attack. But I agree with rain part since there was a lot of rain in autumn. I have traveled all around Scotland and had no problems.
Terrorist treat
OK
Barcelona with style
Don’t agree about the clubs and bars. Scotland has many excellent bars, particularly Glasgow and Edinburgh. People will talk to strangers quite happily so a visit to a pub is a must. Clubs are worth a visit if you are young enough. I have been going to pubs in Glasgow for over 40 years and have hardly seen any trouble. Well Policed so you can feel safe.
Lastly, Joseph Conrad described Glasgow as Barcelona with Style.
Safest
Safest place in the world. Unless you’re English. Lol.
Joking
Amen to that, from an old exiled Scot, cheers from Argentina.👍👍
Scots what had.
I’m an old exiled Scot, I live in Argentina with my Argentinian Wife.
Scotland and its people are very dear to me. I advise tourists not to ” stick” to cities. Get up to the highlands and islands, you’ll find warm helpful people wherever you go. The scenery is second to none, sure there’s rain, if there wasn’t, it wouldn’t be so green. You’ll find restaurants with international cuisine, or basic meals if that’s your choice, nice hotels, or comfortable B&B.
I like what I hear
It’s great that people are being positive!
Get yersel tae Scotland! Its weirdly spiritual!
There is no terrorist threat in Scotland!
We had 2 would be terrorists in 2005 trying to commit a terrorist attack, in the process of doing so, they were quickly dragged out their vehicles and given a good seeing to by members of the public. You see, in Glasgow, ppl are not right in the head. They would give you their last pound but if you tried to steal it? Well! Have a look at what happen to the terrorists who tried to kill ppl! They have never came back!
Scottish ppl are kind, brave and very funny!
major cities like other major cities
never had any problems anywhere in the UK, hearing a lot lately with regards stabbings in Glasgow, but believe they are inter gang related. The prisons seem to be as full as elsewhere in the UK, according to data, so not all angels!
Bloody Gazza
Please beware of Glasgow it is the stabbing and slashing centre in Scotland. The Glasgowiens can be funny although a fair percentage of the older ones ( over30) are toothless zombies,and that’s the women. If you want to experience Scottish city life,a better choice would be Thurso, Oban or Aberdeen. Sadly though, if you are a person of English heritage best not to visit as you will not be made welcome as Gazza scored a wonder goal agains the boys a few years ago. 😁😁
Bonnie place
Have been at least a dozen times from the States and there’s no place I’d rather be.
Gorgeous scenery.
Wonderful people.
Im Paranoid so Help Me Out
never been want to go
stuff on line scares me
where the best places
to go and things to
see pictures ive seen
are breathtaking