Korg

Hey,

This is a little something for all Americans who plan on talking about visiting Scotland ever ever.

If you’re talking to a Scot, please please don’t say “I have roots in Scotland” or “I’m part of the [whatever] clan”.

It drives us nuts.

Also, try to avoid the words “kilts”, “haggis”, “bagpipes”..and just avoid the word “clan” altogether, in fact.

I know, I know. This may seem impossible. Every American does it. But give it a shot. You might manage to avoid patronising someone.

This is seriously good, local advice.

On a brighter note, if you’re visiting Scotland, I’d advise you check out the west coast over anywhere else. This is the Scotland you see in pictures: mountains, sheep, that kind of thing.

Edinburgh is a great looking city with plenty of things to visit and good food.

Aberdeen is grey, grey, grey, grey, grey, grey. There is next to nothing to do here and the food is hard to find. All the buildings in the centre of the city are made of granite. That’s about it.

Glasgow is busy. But is has character.

Hope this helps someone.

My dad lives here, and I’ve driven around here and the surrounding towns. It’s a nice place, I prefer it to Austin.
If you don’t have a car, you’ll probably be dead by morning.

My sister lives here, and I’ve stayed for a coupla weeks or so.
I wouldn’t mind if I didn’t go again. I didn’t love it.