United Kingdom - Scotland
About United Kingdom - Scotland
| Currency | Pounds sterling (GBP) |
| Language | English and scots |
| Capital | Edinburgh |
Scotland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom (UK) located north of England. The United Kingdom is part of Europe but is separated from Europe by the North Sea and the English Channel.
The government of the UK is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a queen as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government. The parliament consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Scotland is divided into the Highlands, the Midland Valley, and the Southern Uplands. In the first century AD, Romans invaded and occupied areas of southern Britain. Their expansion was stopped by the fierce fighting tribes in the northern area that is now Scotland. Celtic people from Ireland, the Scots, settled Scotland about the 5th century. Anglo Saxons settled the Lowlands, and for centuries, there was continual conflict between the groups.
From about 1296, battles for independence from England began led by William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Wallace was captured and executed. Robert the Bruce won a major battle at Bannockburn in 1314 against Edward II. Finally in 1328, Scotland’s independence was formally recognized by Edward III. Conflict between England did not formally end until 1707 with the Act of Union, which merged Scotland and England and established the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Banking and business services make up a large part of employment in Scotland. Tourism has grown and is becoming another important sector of the economy. Tourists can enjoy the many castles, museums and the culture of Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyrood house, as well as watching for the Loch Ness monster in the Highlands.
Recommended Vaccinations For United Kingdom - Scotland
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.
Polio Vaccine
NathNAC recommends that all travellers complete a polio vaccination course according to the UK schedule or their national programme.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with wild animals or bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine is often recommended for travellers to this country.
Recommended Medications For United Kingdom - Scotland
There are no recommendations for United Kingdom - Scotland at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for United Kingdom - Scotland
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B occurs in this country.
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Polio
The United Kingdom reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) detected in environmental (sewage) samples in London in May 2022. All travellers should take care with personal and food hygeine.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in the United Kingdom and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Safety & Security in United Kingdom - Scotland
Personal Safety
Most visitors to the United Kingdom do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns, however, maintain an appropriate level of personal safety awareness at all times. Petty crime does occur, especially in tourist areas. Regular strikes can occur across several industries, including ambulance services, hospitals and public transport. Check National Rail or the Transport for London websites for the latest service updates. Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. They include imprisonment and fines.
Extreme Violence
There has been an increase in terrorist attacks in the UK, causing injury and death. Since March 2017, four attacks have occurred in London and one in Manchester. The UK Government’s national terrorism threat level is ‘substantial’, meaning it assesses an attack is likely. On 28 March 2023, the terrorism threat level for Northern Ireland was raised from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
