Visit the local pubs. The Scots are very social and you’re guaranteed some interesting conversations. Your chats won’t be about the weather (After all, what’s there to talk about — it sucks, plain and simple.) or other inane topics. The Scots have very strong opinions and a lot to say, and that’s to anyone. Once they identify you as an American, they will want to share their thoughts about how we do things.
Since you’re there, you might as well go all the way and try their cuisine. Mince and tatties, basically minced beef and mashed potatoes and vegetables, is safe enough. And so is Scotch pie (a double crusted meat pie) and Rumbledethumps (potato, cabbage, and onion) as a side dish. After you get your feet wet (sorry), you can move on to Haggis, an animal’s stomach filled with minced sheep’s pluck (better than saying heart, liver, and lungs), onions, oatmeal and spices. I personally had to draw the line at Crappit Heid, which is fish head stuffed with oats, suet, and liver. Maybe a fish head or liver is okay on their own, but together? I’d love to meet the genius who came up with this idea — he is one helluva salesman.
Haggis
Crappit Heid
