Travel Tips & Questions

We recommend bringing some UK currency with you. Most banks are able to supply you with small amounts of UK currency once you put an order or request in. Most banks also take 3-5 business days to secure the currency. Some bathrooms are paid (30 pence), so you'll want to be prepared with some UK cash. Your bank will supply you with the best exchange rate.

Once you arrive, if you want more UK currency visit the Post Office kitty corner from Gilfillan Memorial Church. The Post Office—like American post offices of yore—is embedded in a drugstore and offers a trustworthy exchange rate. 

Directions: Cross Whitehall Crescent and walk past two businesses (Plant Shop and the Korean BBQ) to the Post Office. Look for its red and white sign. Head to the back of the store where you’ll also see the Post Office and exchange counter.

Credit and debit cards work well, too, if you alert your home bank or credit card company that you’ll be traveling internationally. Also check your credit card's international policy. Does it add fees for international use? Some do and some don't. 

1. Bring a waterproof hooded raincoat. The Scottish word hoolie names well the blustery-rainy days. While Dundee is considered the sunniest Scottish city, please be prepared. We will be doing a fair amount of walking.

2. Pack layers. Scottish summers can be cool with average temps around 74 degrees Fahrenheit and stone buildings can be chilly. So, bring layers that include one light fleece jacket. It’s likely that one pair of shorts will serve you fine.

3.  Mind your socks. For the older crowd, wear compression socks for the long flight. It’s good for the heart.

4. Dress comfortably. Make yourself comfy in jeans or other casual apparel. For church, slacks will do. Again, have layers that include a sweater or light jacket.

5. Have good walking shoes or hiking boots. We will be walking daily—and sometimes over very uneven surfaces like cobblestone streets. 

6. Make use of backpacks. Backpacks ensure that you have what you want when you want. 

UK electrical outlets and voltage levels (230 volts) differ from electrical systems in North America. So, you’ll need one or two inexpensive electrical adaptors for your power cords. Check your computer’s power supply for your appliance. (Macs and Dells need different adaptors.) You can also purchase adaptors for 3 pounds at Home Choice near Gilfillan. 

Note: Appliances with heating elements like hair dryers won’t work well—even with adaptors. Hotels often supply such items.

Check, too, how your phone plan handles international calls and texts. The app WhatsApp can serve travelers well.

While Scriptoria registration includes five lunches, participants will be on their own for dinner. The Inn of John O'Groats offers four different food venues. 

Those who stay in the larger city of Wick will find many options for dinner.

Note: The typical American pace is much faster than Scotland’s. Know that food service for a sit-down meal will be slower than what some Americans expect. 

Scriptoria offers mid-morning and afternoon coffee, tea, and snacks. However, you may want to try coffee at John O'Groats food venues.

Two words: Less sugar. This can affect the taste of everything from pizza (tomato sauce) to, dare we say, chocolate. The upside? Your pants may loosen a wee bit.

Know that Scotland is famous for its pastries, which, yes, may tighten your pants once more. They are delicious. Let us recommend a few: Eclairs, Million Dollar Shortcake Bars, Coffee Towers, or Fudge Donuts from Fisher & Donaldson. (This bakery has sit-in space and the iconic Dundee cakes.) Other nummies include raspberry-white chocalate muffins from Henry’s or cannoli from Empire State Coffee.

Freswick Castle has very limited handicap accessibility. Only its ground floor is accessible. We will be taking the narrow spiral staircase daily.

Travel can remind us of this important fact: Our world is large and varied. For example, here in Scotland, you’ll see the grey heron, not the great blue—or the cheerful-looking European robin (a.k.a., robin redbreast), not North America’s robin. 

When you cross the road, you’ll look the opposite way you’ve been taught. (Rather important!) To tell time, you’ll use what North Americans call Military Time. At night, you’ll turn off most of your room’s electrical outlets.

And although English is a shared language, you’ll hear the endearing Scottish accent and words. For example, bonnet means hat whereas boot is your car trunk. This means you may only really understand every third word. Don’t worry. The Scots are a kind and generous people. You may even hear thunder plump. Just head indoors if you do.