Scottish banks open Monday to Friday between 0900/1000 hours and close 1600/1700 hours with some open later on Thursday and on Saturday mornings. All Scottish bank notes are normally accepted in the rest of Britain, and the Bank of England and Northern Ireland bank notes are legal tender in Scotland.

If you feel that you have received good service, for example at a restaurant, a tip of around 10% can be left (unless a service charge has already been included). Taxi drivers are often tipped.

Non - EU visitors to Scotland can reclaim the Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods only, by using the Foreign Exchange Tax Free Shopping arrangements, at participating shops. A Tax Free Shopping form must be obtained and completed at the shop where the goods are purchased (take your passport with you) and then presented to HM Customs and Excise as you leave the UK.

		Food & Drink A huge choice of restaurants, bars, cafes and brasseries is available offering tasty dishes created from home-grown produce. The farmers market is the ideal place to buy the best of the area's produce and try some new delicacies while you're there. On Arran, the locally produced beer and whisky are a favourite tipple of many visitors. With so much variety on offer, one taste of Ayrshire & Arran and you'll be hooked!
		view full story >

		History & Heritage Culzean Castle and Country Park, situated on a cliff-top near Maybole, is often described as the 'Jewel in the Crown' for the National Trust of Scotland. Designed by Adam in 1777, it offers history, romance and culture in a stunning package. Kelburn, Dean and Brodick are just some of the many other well-preserved castles which are certainly worth a visit. Others which, although now ruins, have their own tales and history to tell - Eglinton, Dundonald, Greenan, Dunure, Portencross, Loch Doon and many more.
		view full story >