Safety On-site

Crime

Scotland, like many European countries, is generally considered safe. Visitors will only encounter police officers carrying firearms, and instances of violent crime against visitors are rare.

However, pickpocketing does occur and tourists should remain vigilant in order to prevent it. Pickpockets, who often work in teams, are skilled at their craft and can quickly steal your phone or wallet without you even noticing. To protect yourself, it's important to watch out for pickpocketing techniques. Check out this video to learn more about 7 ways you may be vulnerable to pickpockets and how to prevent them.

• Avoid sketchy areas at night. Holyrood Park, the dock area of Leith, Calton Hill, The Meadows, Lothian Road and the Red Light district between Salamander Street and Leith Links are best avoided at night.
• Be careful when drinking. Be aware of your level of inebriation, and do not let yourself become heavily intoxicated to the point of being unable to keep yourself safe. Don't leave your drinks unattended. If drinking with a group, make sure you all leave together, and do not let a drunk friend go off on their own. 
• Know the common scams. This typically involve a "friendly" stranger offering you a free gift or asking for a small favor. They can be pushy, so know that it is not rude to decline. If you accept, they will either ask you to pay for it, or another person will attempt to pick your pocket while you are distracted. 
• Keep a low profile to deter pickpockets. Don't show off expensive jewelry. Consider switching from a purse to a more secure crossbody bag. (Fanny packs are not only fashionably "in" in Europe but are also incredibly practical!) If you carry a bag or backpack, place it on your lap on public transportation. Do not carry your passport on your person unless necessary. 

Take these precautions when out:

• Leave your passport at home (make a photocopy of the front page to carry out).
• Don’t carry large sums of cash on you.
• Wear your bag and camera across your chest.
• Put your wallet and anything else of value in your front pockets.
• Keep your belongings in your lap when sitting in a cafe or at the bar/restaurant not on the floor or slung over the back of the chair.
• Be careful who you ask to take a picture with your camera (you may not see it again!).
• Use taxis to get home late at night.

Major Incidents 

In the event of a major incident happening in Edinburgh or Stirling, it is important to take the following steps to ensure your safety:

1. Stay away from the incident area and avoid any unnecessary travel in the immediate vicinity.
2. Find a safe location to take refuge, such as a friend's house, hotel, or restaurant.
3. Notify the staff immediately and contact your family and friends to inform them of your situation.
4. If you need assistance, reach out to the CIS Abroad US Emergency Phone: +1 413 210 7091 for help. It is crucial to remain calm and follow these steps to ensure your safety and well-being during a crisis.

Calling For Help

If you find yourself in need of assistance in Scotland, there are several ways to call for help. If you have a non-urgent medical emergency, dial "112". For medical emergencies that require a life-saving intervention or dealing with accident, dial '999'. If When calling for help, it's important to clearly state your location, the nature of the emergency, and any other relevant information to ensure a prompt and effective response. 

STEP Program

The US government provides a free service known as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to all US citizens. Enrolling in this program registers your trip with the U.S. Embassy. In the case of an emergency, this allows the Embassy to contact you with important safety information, and can help put you in touch with friends and family. 

US Consulate in Edinburgh