Is Scotland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Scotland is generally a very safe country for solo female travelers. Crimes rates are relatively low and the locals are friendly and on hand to offer help if necessary. There are also great transport links, so you shouldn't have any issues getting around. Of course, as with any travel, it's important to use common sense and take basic safety precautions- but overall Scotland is a safe destination!

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on 5 experiences

4.7 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Scotland is generally considered a safe country for travel. Cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow have well-lit, busy streets even after sundown, with plenty of shops and restaurants that stay open late. Nevertheless, similar to any busy city, it is advised to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone. Occasional instances of petty crime like bag-snatching or pickpocketing can take place, predominantly in crowded areas. It's also advisable to stay clear of certain parks and quieter areas late at night. Rural areas are typically safe but remote, so plan accordingly if intending to spend time in these places after dark. Overall, Scotland offers a secure environment, but maintaining common-sense safety measures is always recommended, like in any travel destination.

Public transportation: Very safe

Public transportation in Scotland is generally safe and reliable. It includes buses, trains, and trams that are comfortably equipped and well-maintained. Timetables are adhered to diligently and there is vigilant security protocol in place. However, late-night services may have few passengers, leading to a slightly unease environment. As in any country, it is recommended to stay vigilant about your personal belongings and surroundings.

Street harassment: Low

Scotland is generally a very safe place for solo female travelers. While there can be incidents of street harassment, as with any place in the world, they are usually quite rare. The locals are typically friendly and respectful. However, remember that safety can vary depending on the city and time of day. It is always advisable to stay in crowded places, avoid deserted areas at night and maintain general caution at all times.

Petty crimes:Low

Scotland is generally a safe country to visit, with most travelers experiencing no issues. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing or bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. However, it is less common relative to other global destinations. Always remain vigilant, keep your belongings close, and be aware of your surroundings.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Scotland is perfectly safe to drink and is often praised for its clean and refreshing taste. Many locals prefer tap water over bottled water. It is comprehensively tested and strictly regulated to meet high standards. Besides, Scotland has some of the purest sources of water globally, such as lochs and reservoirs.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 5 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Solo travel experience

Itinerary: Day 1: Glasgow Day 2: Glasgow Day 3: Oban Day 4: Oban Day 5: Fort William/Glencoe Day 6: Fort William/Glencoe Day 7: Inverness Day 8: Inverness Day 9: Edinburgh Day 10: Edinburgh Day 11: Edinburgh Safety: Scotland is a safe and welcoming nation. Recommendations: Scotland is probably the most beautiful place I've ever been to.

Posted: September 25, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Itinerary: Day 1 - Glasgow Day 2 - Glasgow Day 3 - Loch Ness Day 4 - Isle of Skye Day 5 - Edinburgh Day 6 – Edinburgh Safety: I've never felt more safe in my life than in northern Scotland and in the highlands. Recommendations: Scotland is absolutely stunning. The food is great, the architecture is amazing and the people are very friendly.

Posted: September 25, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Itinerary: Day 1 Glasgow Day 2 Edinburg Day 3 Sterling Day 4 Fort Williams Day 5 Isle of Sky Day 6 Isle of Sky Day 7 Glasgow Safety: Scotland was gorgeous, safe, and easy for me. Recommendations: Scotland is incredible beautiful

Posted: September 25, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Itinerary: 2 days in Edinburgh 1 day in Loch Ness 1 day in Inverness 2 days in Skye 1 day in Oban 2 days in Glasgow Safety: I felt more safe backpacking in Scotland than I do back home. Recommendations: Scotland is magical and unreal.

Posted: September 25, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Local experiences

I'm from Scotland, it's a great place to visit! Happy to give some tips and advice. Firstly, its pretty cold, all the time, even in summer, so make sure to bring plenty jumpers. Depending if you're mainly interested in seeing the cities, but if you want to go to the countryside , its best to rent a car, everything is really far apart and public transport is super expensive. A really beautiful place to visit is Isle of skye, caithness, (the train from Inverness to Thurso is the most scenic train ride in the UK, takes 4 hours and cost's roughly £30) Orkney (you need to take a ferry but can take your car if you use one) Kilmartin and the cairngorms are beautiful, as well as fort Williams (home to ben nevis) which is very close to the famous (whiskey and harbour) town Oban Also moray is the whiskey county of Scotland, theres over 20 distilleries within 20miles. Of course in Edinburgh and Glasgow its really easy to get around and there's a lot to see too if you aren't able to get out to the countryside.

Posted: July 23, 2022
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Safety in United Kingdom