Preparing for Scotland

Travel Essentials

A thoughtful guide to everything you will need before crossing the Atlantic and joining us at Glenapp Castle.

I

Essential Travel Documents

Before Anything Else

International travel requires preparation. Every guest should confirm that they have both a valid passport and the appropriate authorization to enter the United Kingdom well before October 2027.

A passport and UK Electronic Travel Authorisation are not the same document. A passport verifies your identity and citizenship. An ETA grants eligible travelers permission to travel to the United Kingdom. Most American guests will need both.

Required

United States Passport

Every guest traveling internationally must carry a valid passport. Guests applying for their first passport and guests renewing an existing passport will follow different application processes.

Please do not wait until the wedding approaches. Processing times, appointment availability, corrections and mailing delays can affect when your passport arrives.

Check now: Locate your passport, confirm the name matches your flight reservation and review its expiration date.
Apply for a U.S. Passport Renew a Passport

Required for Eligible Travelers

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation

An Electronic Travel Authorisation, commonly called an ETA, is a digital authorization connected to your passport. It is separate from your passport and must be obtained before traveling when required.

Apply only through the official United Kingdom government website or official UK ETA app. An ETA is connected to the passport used in the application, so a new passport may require a new ETA.

Do not forget: Having a valid passport does not automatically mean you have an ETA. These are two separate travel requirements.
Apply for a UK ETA

Entry rules and government fees may change before the wedding. Each guest is responsible for verifying and completing the requirements applicable to their own travel.

II

Crossing the Atlantic

Flights to Glasgow

Guests should fly into Glasgow International Airport (GLA). Private transportation to Glenapp Castle will depart from the airport on Thursday, October 21, 2027.

Arrival Deadline 2:00 PM on October 21
Coach Departure 3:00 PM on October 21
Return Coach Midday on October 25

Guests should schedule an evening departure from Glasgow on October 25 to allow adequate time for the coach journey and airport check-in.

Search Google Flights

III

Optional, but Worth Considering

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required for the wedding weekend. However, international travel can involve unexpected delays, cancellations, medical needs or lost luggage.

A Little Extra Peace of Mind

Policies vary significantly. Depending on the plan, coverage may include trip cancellation, delayed travel, emergency medical care, evacuation or baggage protection.

Review policy terms carefully and determine whether coverage is appropriate for your circumstances.

Read the U.S. State Department’s travel insurance guidance

IV

Pounds, Pence & Castle Shops

Currency in Scotland

Scotland uses the British Pound Sterling. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it can be helpful to carry a small amount of cash for incidental purchases.

Before leaving home, notify your bank of international travel when required and confirm whether your cards charge foreign transaction fees.

View the GBP to USD Exchange Rate

V

A Note from the Scottish Skies

Expect a Little Weather

Mist on the hills.
Rain in the gardens.
Candlelight waiting inside.

Late October in coastal Scotland can be crisp, changeable and wonderfully atmospheric. Guests should be prepared for cool temperatures, rain, wind and the occasional glimpse of autumn sun.

Bring Layers

Temperatures may feel different throughout the day.

Expect Rain

A waterproof coat is much more useful than an umbrella.

Choose Good Shoes

Pack comfortable footwear suitable for damp castle grounds.

View the Ballantrae Forecast

VI

Keeping Everything Charged

Plugs & Electrical Outlets

Scotland uses Type G electrical outlets, which are different from the outlets used in the United States.

You will need a UK-compatible plug adapter for phones, tablets, laptops and other electronics. The United Kingdom operates on approximately 230 volts, so a plug adapter alone may not make every American appliance safe to use.

Hair Tools Require Extra Attention

Check the voltage printed on hair dryers, curling irons, heated brushes and straighteners. Devices that are not dual voltage may require a voltage converter, not simply a plug adapter.

Find a Type G Travel Adapter

VII

Staying Connected

Phone & International Service

Contact your mobile provider before leaving the United States. Using your phone abroad without an international plan can result in unexpected roaming charges.

01

Review Your Current Plan

Some plans already include international data or texting. Others require a daily travel pass or temporary international add-on.

02

Consider an eSIM

An eSIM can provide travel data without replacing a physical SIM card. Confirm that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before purchasing one.

03

Download Before Departure

Download offline maps, airline apps, WhatsApp and important travel confirmations before leaving home.

Check options through your provider:

VIII

The Final Once-Over

Before You Leave Home

A simple checklist for the final days before your journey.

Once the documents are ready, the flights are booked and the bags are packed, all that remains is the journey.