[Caroline J.]

I am English by birth to Scottish parents and was raised from the age of three in the United States. I have been in Edinburgh the past eight months or so and have learned a few things about Scots and how to behave here. First, turn down the volume on your voice. It’s considered shouting to talk at what Americans consider regular volume, and if people can clearly overhear your conversation, they will be annoyed. Obviously, don’t joke around about men in skirts and such. It’s insulting, not funny. The kilt is held in high regard here as a very sexy and masculine garment. As for things to look out for, try to bear in mind that Scotland is a still somewhat violent country, despite the gun ban over all of the United Kingdom. Muggings and bar fights are not uncommon, and although Edinburgh is beautiful, it has a high concentration of heroin addicts, particularly at the foot of the mound in the city centre. If you visit Edinburgh, don’t go wandering into secluded park areas or closes (narrow alleys) unless you are with someone who knows what they’re doing. Some of the closes are hidden trasures, but their seclusion makes them likely places for addicts to shoot up. Bear in mind that Scotland has a very high rate of poverty and most of the crime comes from that. Many more people live in public housing here than in the United States, and there is no stigma attached to doing so, although some Edinburgh housing projects would put Chicago’s Cabrini Green to shame (have you seen Trainspotting?). After saying all these bad things, I still think Edinburgh is a gem of a city. Just stick to well-traveled areas and don’t go too far outside the city centre.

User Detail :  

Name : Caroline J., Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 24, City : Edinburgh, State : NA, Country : Scotland, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class,