In order to travel to Scotland (United Kingdom), all travelers are required to present a passport, valid for at least six (6) months after your intended return date to your home city (January 16, 2027). If you do not have a valid U.S. passport, go to the Bureau of Consular Affairs website and refer to the Passport section, which will explain everything you need to know about obtaining a passport. You should apply for one TODAY as it can take up to 6 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. Expedited service (for an additional $60) can take up to 3 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. These door-to-door timeframes include both processing times and mailing times on the front and back end.

DO NOT wait to receive your passport before completing your registration. You may send your passport information to Current Lighting Guest Services when you receive your passport.

When traveling keep your passport in your carry-on bag with your airline ticket and/or e-ticket receipt. We also recommend photographing the picture and signature pages of your passport; print a copy to pack in your luggage, and keep the images of your passport pages on your phone(s). If your passport does get lost while you are in Scotland, it is a lot easier to get an emergency replacement if you have the photos.

Electronic Travel Authorization
All U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, for 6 months or less must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel. You can apply for an ETA and find information on new requirements on the UK Government website.

Scotland in July offers long, light-filled days and comfortably mild temperatures, with average daytime highs ranging from 60–68°F and evenings cooling to 50–55°F. It’s the perfect setting to explore stunning landscapes, historic castles, and world-class golf courses.

While summer brings some of the best weather of the year, conditions can be variable, with a mix of sunshine, clouds, and occasional light rain. We recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day. A light jacket or sweater, comfortable walking shoes, and a waterproof layer are ideal. Evenings can be cool, so a wrap or blazer is suggested.

Travel Attire:

Comfort is the key when traveling. Plan to wear casual, loose-fitting clothing for your travels to and from Scotland. Also, bring a light jacket or sweater with you on the plane as cabin temperatures tend to fluctuate and you may get chilly during the flight.

Daytime Attire:

Casual slacks or jeans paired with comfortable shirts or tops are ideal for Scotland’s mild daytime temperatures. Athletic wear is also a great option for more active excursions and provides both comfort and flexibility throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes, sneakers, or waterproof boots will be your best companions as we explore the sights. A hat or visor, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.

While sunny days are certainly possible, Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, with occasional light rain. We suggest packing a rain jacket and a small folding umbrella to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Evening Attire:

Evening attire throughout the program will range from smart casual to elevated cocktail, depending on the evening’s activities.

For the Welcome Reception and Dine Around evening at the hotel, smart casual attire is recommended. Ladies may opt for dresses, skirts, or dressy separates, while gentlemen may choose slacks with a collared shirt or sport coat.

Our Gala evening at Stirling Castle will be a highlight of the program. Ladies are encouraged to wear a solid color evening gown, paired with flats or wedges, as heels are not recommended due to the historic venue’s surfaces. Gentlemen will be sporting traditional kilts for the occasion, creating a truly memorable and authentic Scottish experience.

For one special surprise evening, we invite guests to dress up in elevated cocktail attire. While not black tie, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a more polished, stylish look.

Button [See full Attire Guide]

Here is a list of fundamental items to pack when traveling:

• Passport
• All medications
• $20-$50 in small bills as well as Pounds (if you’re about to get them in advance)
• Credit card(s) and ATM card(s)
• Cell phone and charging cord
• House keys
• Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses
• Daily Itinerary booklet
• One-day change of clothes and mini-toiletries (in case of delayed luggage)
• Anything else you may need immediately upon arrival

Please note: We recommend keeping a list of credit cards, credit card phone numbers and passport numbers with you. Leave a copy of the list at home in case a card is misplaced.

Electronics at Gleneagles and The Caledonian:

The voltage in Scotland is 230/240 volts; North America operates at 110-120 volts. Most modern appliances have been designed for use from 110-240 volts; however, you will need a three-point round-pin adaptor for the plug for all electronics.

Valuables:
Traveling with valuables is always risky. We strongly recommend that you leave your valuable jewelry at home.  In our hotel, you can keep your travel documents and extra cash in your in-room safe.  As always, when moving through a crowded public area, keep your wallets, purses, money and cameras secure.

Luggage Tags
Before leaving home, please attach one of the President's Club luggage tags (which will arrive in a pre-trip mailing) to every bag that you plan to check. These tags identify you as a Current Lighting guest to the Travel Staff. It’s also a good idea to photograph the luggage you check; if a bag gets lost, the photo on your phone will make it easier to locate. We recommend you also place complete identification inside each piece of luggage.

Carry-Ons

Most airlines allow each passenger a carry-on bag whose dimensions (height + width + depth) does not exceed 45 inches. Depending on the airline, your carry-on’s weight limit may range from 16 to 22 pounds. Be aware that if your carry-on seems oversized or overweight, personnel at the gate may insist on tagging it and checking it. Most airlines allow passengers to carry an additional “personal item” like a purse, but it must fit easily under the seat in front of you. The best plan is to quickly check your airline’s regulations online before you begin packing.

Checked Bags

Luggage regulations have become very strict. Each passenger may check two pieces of luggage. Each suitcase that you check must not exceed a combined size (length + width + height) of 62 inches and must not weigh more than 50 pounds. If your checked bag exceeds the given size or weight, the airline will likely charge you a hefty fee.

Please note: Some airlines charge passengers for all the bags they check. Please check your airline’s website for luggage fees.

When you check your bags at your home airport, be sure that an airline representative attaches a tag marked “EDI” (the airport code for Edinburgh Airport) to each piece. (If your bags do not have an “EDI” tag, they will be vacationing elsewhere.) If any of your bags are missing when we arrive in Edinburgh, file a Missing Baggage Report with your airline before you leave the baggage area. Then inform your Current Lighting travel staff so that they can expedite the process of returning your bag.

Security

After checking your bags at your home airport, you’ll take your carry-on bag and pass through TSA security screening. At this time, TSA regulations allow passengers to bring only travel-size containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less of cosmetics (in liquid, aerosol, paste, gel, or cream form). All of these containers must fit into a single quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag which you’ll temporarily take out of your carry-on so it can be screened.

At the security conveyor belt, place your bag of cosmetics and the shoes you are wearing into one of the trays provided.  Also place in it your cell phone, and laptop or iPad if you are bringing them, along with any other electronic devices. All your belongings will move along the conveyor belt to be x-rayed. After you yourself are scanned, you can pick up your items and stow them back in your carry-on before heading to your gate.

Airport Check-in

You can check in for your flight(s) online with the airline’s app within 24 hours of your flight’s departure time.  We urge you to download the app, since you will get live updates from the airline regarding any schedule changes.

If you check in at an airport kiosk, you’ll need to scan your passport and then type in your record locator, name, or final destination in order to pull up your record. You may also tag your bags at the kiosk.

If you check in at the airline’s ticket counter, you will need to present your passport.

To avoid delays, it’s important that you arrive at the airport three (3) hours prior to your international flight’s departure time.  Flight schedules are constantly changing, so please confirm your flight's status 24 hours in advance and then again before you leave for the airport.

We highly recommend using your mobile phone when calling home. Check with your mobile phone provider regarding international rates. If you plan to use your cellular phone while in Scotland, be sure to confirm with your wireless provider that you have an international calling service. Also, depending on your service plan, you could be charged roaming rates.

Please note: Data and roaming charges may apply.

App Alternative
An inexpensive option is to use the app WhatsApp or Viber; both are smartphone applications that allow fast, simple and secure messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world. Voice and video calls made through these apps use your phone's internet connection, instead of your plan's voice minutes, so you don't have to worry about expensive calling charges.

Internet Access
Complimentary wireless, high-speed internet access is available in your rooms at both Gleneagles and The Caledonian Hotel. You can also access the Internet in the public areas of both hotels.

Time Zone
Scotland will be five hours ahead of Atlanta during your stay in July, so if it is 12:00 (noon) in Scotland, it is:

Atlanta (EDT)                  7:00 AM
Chicago (CDT)                6:00 AM
Denver (MDT)                 5:00 AM
Los Angeles (PDT)         4:00 AM

Current Lighting Guest Services can be reached from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday at 866-535-8600 toll-free from the U.S. and Canada, or 978-792-5150.

If Current Lighting Guest Services booked your airline reservations and you have a travel day emergency which occurs after hours or on a weekend, please call our 24-hour emergency hotline at 800-860-9558 from the U.S. and Canada; or from any country by calling collect to 001-303-801-2163. You will need to mention code AT9C.

The currency in Scotland is British Pounds (£), although Scottish banks print their own versions of "Scottish notes." One pound is comprised of 100 pence and coins can be obtained in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 denominations. Bank notes are commonly divided into £5, £10, £20 and £50 amounts. 

Scottish Notes can be exchanged at the airport, major banks, foreign exchange bureaus, and all international credit cards are widely accepted as well. You will be able to access currency from ATM machines as long as you have a four-digit pin-code. As of March 18^th, the exchange rate is $1.33USD = £1.00 GBP.

Banking Hours

The majority of banks are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some city offices open Saturday morning.

Credit Cards

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted throughout Scotland. Discover, Diner’s Club and AMEX are not as widely accepted but most major shops accept them. It is important to note that not all places accept debit cards. Some of the smaller establishments do not accept American Express or any credit cards, so it is always good to ask if you do not see a sign in the window or at a register.

Gratuities
Your Current Lighting hosts will be taking care of all the usual gratuities (airport porters, hotel housekeeping staff, waiters, and so on) in Scotland so you won’t have to.  If someone goes out of their way for you, you may want to include a small tip (British Pounds are best) as a gesture of thanks. When you are out and about on your own, just use your own discretion in tipping.

 Once you've seen the beautiful views, you'll understand why hundreds of artists, designers and craftspeople are inspired to make so many wonderful products. Think unique jewelry, knitwear from the Harris Tweed Company, pottery and even tasty food and drink. Look out for little shops everywhere you go - they're not just on the main streets, but will often be down by the harbor, in art galleries or even on countryside farms. Whether you are searching for a stunning painting, a beautiful piece of clothing, or bottle of Whiskey - It's about capturing your very own piece of Scotland.  

When traveling to and from Scotland, standard UK customs regulations apply. Personal items for your own use may be brought in and out of the country without issue.

If you are planning to bring to Scotland a new or expensive watch, camera, or piece of jewelry, consider filling out a Certificate of Registration before leaving the U.S.  The form will be proof of your ownership so you don’t get stuck paying duties when you re-enter the U.S.

When you disembark in the U.S., you will need to “declare” everything you bought in Scotland—which means you should keep all your sales receipts (in an accessible place, like your wallet) in case a Customs official questions you.  Citizens of the United States may bring back up to $800 worth of items duty-free in a carry-on or checked luggage.

Value Added Tax

In Scotland, a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 20% is applied to most goods and services, including accommodations, dining, transportation, and activities. Unlike in the United States, this tax is typically already included in the prices quoted, providing a more seamless and transparent experience when traveling. Please note that some restaurants and venues may also include a discretionary service charge, which is separate from VAT.