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For any emergency, there’s just one number to dial: 999. This covers police, ambulance, fire brigade, coastguard and mountain rescue. You will receive immediate attention and be asked which service you require.

All hospitals operate an Accident and Emergency department where you can receive treatment on a priority system. You can rely on attention for accidents and emergencies at a hospital, but for any other ailment you should consult a doctor.

Doctors and dentists are listed in the Yellow Pages (phonebook), or you can consult a tourist information office. Doctors usually have certain consulting hours when people can come and wait to be seen. Dentists rarely have unfilled appointments, but will always try to fit in an emergency.

Emergency medical care is free but additional treatment may incur charges. Doctors’ consultations are free for visitors whose home country has reciprocal health arrangements with the UK, but drugs must be paid for at a standard charge. Documentation will be required. Other visitors will be charged as private patients and must pay the full cost of any medication prescribed.

Chemists (pharmacists) sell a wide range of medicines that are available without a prescription. In most cities at least one chemist stays open until midnight. If you depend on certain medication, it’s best to bring a supply with you. Ask your doctor to write out the generic name (rather than the brand name) to help locate its equivalent over here.

Tap water is safe to drink in Scotland and so, thank goodness, is the water from hill burns (streams) – useful if you’re out walking all day. It might be rash to say that there is never any danger, so if in doubt check with locals. Scotland also has plenty of fine spring and mineral water in bottles.

Scotland is not a dangerous country, but assaults and muggings do take place in the larger towns and cities. Take the same precautions that you would in any city: avoid deserted and unlit places, use your intuition about entering less salubrious areas and don’t flaunt money, jewellery or other coveted valuables.

Again, not common, but they are about. Be especially wary in crowds. Avoid keeping your wallet in a back (or any loose) pocket, and only carry about your “day money”. Keep a separate record of credit card numbers and the action to take if they go missing.

In addition to the information under Traffic Snarls (see Traffic Snarls) , the AA operates a Road Watch scheme which lists all problems on the roads (calls cost 50p per minute). Call them if you’re worried about your route; especially useful if there’s the prospect of frost or snow.

The wearing of seat belts is compulsory for all car travellers (front and back), and the police can fine anyone not doing so. It is illegal to eat, drink or use a mobile phone while in control of a moving vehicle. Do not drive after drinking alcohol. The tolerated limit is low, and the penalty for exceeding it is severe.