When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Scotland is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws in Scotland regarding LGBTQ+ people are very progressive, and in both 2015 and 2016 the country was recognized as the best country in Europe for equality for our community. Same sex sexual activity has been legal in Scotland since 1981, and marriage equality was passed in 2014 after civil union had been legal since 2005. There is discrimination protection in place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as hate crime laws prohibiting crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. Scotland continues to be a leader in anti-discrimination, and this year they launched a campaign calling out homophobes and transphobes, telling them that “love lives in this country, not hate”.

Social Climate

Scotland has a complicated history with our community, and prior to 2000 there was quite a bit of hostility toward LGBTQ+ people. In the past two decades, so much progress has been made with public opinion turning in favour of the LGBTQ+ community, and attitudes changing to accept the idea of equality. Polls through the SSA (Scottish Social Attitudes) show a large increase in support of same sex marriage, especially among young people and those who are non-religious. In the past several years there have been multiple LGBTQ+ politicians serving openly, and there are active LGBTQ+ scenes in all of Scotland’s major cities. The largest Pride celebration is held annually in Glasgow, with additional celebrations including a march in Edinburgh. Scotland is widely considered to be a very LGBTQ+ friendly country and travel destination. The Scotland tourism website even includes an LGBT section with resources about events and venues.

Gaybourhoods

There are prominent LGBTQ+ scenes in several of the major cities in Scotland, with the biggest being in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The capital city of Glasgow boasts a large gay scene with several regular events, as well as many gay bars and establishments. The second largest Scottish city, Edinburgh, also has many LGBTQ+ establishments as well as special LGBTQ+ nights and events. Smaller, but still wonderful gaybourhoods can be found in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Stirling.

Our Experience

We fell in love with Scotland and can’t wait to return. It’s a country that truly stole our hearts, and one of the reasons we loved visiting was because of how open and accepting it is. We spent our time in Edinburgh and Glasgow and had a wonderful experience. We felt completely at ease while in public, and held hands and showed affection without any worry. We were out and open as a married lesbian couple with everyone we met, and we received nothing but kindness and enthusiastic acceptance. We would love to return and continue to explore the country, including the highlands. We highly recommend Scotland to other lesbian couples and lesbian travellers! It is an amazing country with so much to offer, and it is so wonderfully accepting of our community. We really love to travel to countries that genuinely believe in LGBTQ+ equality, and Scotland certainly does.

Have you been to Scotland? Share your experience in the comments below!

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