Be a Temporary Local
Make a connection with Scotland's communitiesTake time to slow down and get to know the locals and appreciate what matters most to them.
Top tips on how to delve deeper
Love to chat?
Carron in Callander"If you scout about you’ll find local coffee mornings, charity events and bottle stalls – do get involved and you’ll get to meet some local characters with lots of tips on the best walks, places to eat and other things on today."
Keep your daily routine!
Di in ForresLook out for local Facebook groups you could join to find out when people meet to go walking, running, cycling or wild swimming.
Offer your time
Catriona on UnstIf you have some time to spare and would like to lend a helping hand ask if there are any litter picks planned or a community garden you can help at.
Support local
Russell in DrumnadrochitDo what you can to buy local and support independent shops and family businesses. Most have a great story to tell if you chat when paying at the counter.
Spend a penny
David in CullenHere in Cullen, our community run the public toilets recognising they are a basic human need and at the heart of a genuine welcome! Do keep your eye out for community run loos as you travel around and need a pee - we'd all really appreciate any donation you can offer.
Be considerate
Emma in Tweed ValleyA big tip for visitors to get on side with locals is to park in designated car parks - mainly because although there may be the odd free space elsewhere these are invariably outside someone's house, where the postie stops, delivery vans do drop offs, or where folk need to turn.
Give back
Mel at NithbankDo take time to find out what local causes your hotel or B&B are supporting. Many businesses go out their way to support their local community by sponsoring annual events or fundraising for local charities, and you can often add your support - which will always be much appreciated.
Happy places
Natasha in Wester RossTake time out to find out what really matters to local people. Here in Wester Ross, which is a UNESCO biosphere, we actively work with our people and nature in this world-class environment. A happy place to live is a happy place to visit.
Treasure Troves
Sylvia in MorayLocal museums are perfect stops to find out information about an area's historical, natural and cultural aspects. By visiting a community-run museum, you'll support the community to hold on to its local artefacts, history and pride.
Food, Glorious Food
Norma in AngusFor a taste of local food, check out community hubs, museums and centres with cafés and restaurants. There you'll find local people making local food with local produce!
"I love to wild swim and before I go anywhere now, I find the local wild swimming Facebook page and ask for tips. This has had me swimming in Loch Ken in Galloway and found the best spots on Arran and Jura. People with shared interests want to help so wither its cycling or walking or foodie tips I get initial information from social media. I also talk to locals when I am there which is why in 2021 a local took us over to Scarp from Harris as I said I’d always wanted to visit. As a member of team #scotlandhour on Twitter I also get lots of information from the monthly chats and have made some great friends who also give great tips some of whom I have now met on my visits across Scotland."
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