To not take coats and boots to Scotland

[Floweryfandango]

We live in Cornwall and have never been to Scotland as a family.

Going up for the first two weeks in August and DH and I can't agree on whether the children (primary-aged) will need coats and wellies. We have a very limited luggage allowance.

Will be doing some city stuff and some countryside walks, though nothing too ambitious.

I think we need mid-season coats, raincoats, trainers and wellies. DH thinks we'll be fine with just raincoats and trainers.

AIBU to pack all this stuff?

I'd vote for coats and wellies (I live close to Edinburgh and I'm currently looking at the clouds and awaiting the next bout of rain at 10!). We had few warm days (20-25) with the heat wave in this part of Scotland but generally it's around 17-18 much of the time and there is a cold breeze in places so beach/hill walks even on non-rainy days can require a coat!

Wellies are no good for walking distances on trails.

The voting is confusing as your voting options make YANBU the opposite of how it’s presented in the title.

We went to Scotland at the end of August last year and we needed walking boots, raincoats and jumpers/ hoodies, as well as trainers.

Edit - please don’t try to do any walking in wellies - they are useless for support. Generally we don’t bother with wellies, preferring water proof walking boots.

Oh and we took waterproof trousers (a god send for all of our holidays in Wales and Scotland!)

Am packing for a camping holiday in Scotland just now and am taking full waterproofs (lightweight but decent quality) and if it is cold they can layer jumpers/thermal top underneath plus trainers, beach shoes and wellies but the wellies are mainly a back up as I don't have two pairs of trainers each for them and I think a spare set of footwear is essential

I live in Scotland and our weather is often unpredictable, at best. I would most definitely recommend a decent waterproof jacket. One of those ones that folds up to the size of a pound coin! You might get away with not bringing wellies but definitely x2 pairs of shoes in case the heavens open & everyone has wet feet.

Hoping you all have a wonderful time up here.

Not sure if you specified where you’re going but if it west coast, don’t forget the midge repellent!

I had a limited luggage allowance.When I went to iceland. No matter the month in iceland you need rainproof gear and heavy boots. I wore them on the plane. Carried the jacket if it was too warm. I would not go to scotland without rain gear.Just wear the boots on the plane and carry the jacket.

Haha. It’s a big place. Obviously colder and wetter in some parts than others. Would you expect the same weather in Cornwall and Manchester?!

This, plus I don't think I'd ever go to Cornwall or Scotland without a waterproof and walking boots.

I don't know about wellies, if for keeping dry on the flat that's fine but walking in them isn't good

Jackets and trainers will be fine or maybe walking shoes, wellies are just for puddle splashing really and not the most comfortable to walk around in.

I just got back from West Scotland, when we left home weather was 31 degrees, arrived in Scotland 16 degrees. Weather was dry first two days then we had showers and persistent heavy rain rest of week. Shame because we love walking and cycling and got absolutely soaked.

The crocs wellies are a good middle ground for kids as they are a bit comfier than normal wellies and not lined, so you can splash about in streams and rivers in them and just pour the water out.

I'm thinking more about kids getting in streams on purpose though (mine are wired that way). Otherwise you don't need wellies at all, just trainers.

As someone who lives in Scotland… take the raincoat and wellies. We just had days of endless heat which was brilliant and then torrential downpour all of yesterday
even the weather apps are unpredictable for how the weather actually is going to turn out

One bank holiday weekend (August in England) we pitched the tent in hailstones in Scotland..
Never the wrong weather in Scotland.
Only the wrong clothes...

I mean, I’m Scottish and always keep rain jackets and wellies in the boot because even in a single day, you can be wearing your shorts and T-shirts, need your rain coat for a few hours, then it’s splitting sun again. Like today’s forecast.

It’s also warm here in the central belt just now but up north it’s colder, and the islands are often 13 degrees when everywhere else is 22.

Take the coats and leave the wellies if space is an issue, But ideally both.

We’ve been going to Scotland in August for years. Always take waterproof coats, waterproof trousers and walking boots.

I agree with your plan, but would lose the sandals and take two pairs of proper shoes. We get the kids walking boots when they stock them at Aldi/Lidl. Sports direct have them for under £20.

I would buy the kids are pair of waterproof trainers from Mountain Warehouse or equivalent and pack their old trainers in the luggage. I would try to squeeze in a pair of crocs too for just mooching around. I realise that's 3 pairs of shoes so not exactly packing light, but wet feet are miserable.

I live in Scotland, near where you’re visiting. It rains. A lot. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. Bring as much as you can because you’re likely to need it, if you don’t, consider it a bonus!

Look at Metcheck just before you pack, always find it pretty accurate.

As somebody who lives in Scotland you are going to need coats. We get all seasons in one day here and a hoodie when the rain is pelting sideways will not be pleasant.

If you're going to Fringe venues wear layers you can take on and off. Even if it's chilly outside, most venues are really hot and stuffy.

Notwithstanding the wardrobe issues, you may want to pack some Smidge, because Scottish midges are tiny bitey thugs and you do not want your holiday ruined by the family becoming an itchy mess following a walk in the country.

Smidge is the only thing we found that kept the bastard things off us.

Walking about Edinburgh you won't be cold i usually wear a long sleeve t shirt/top and a rain jacket layers imo are a total faff to carry about and if you are in a small venue as a pp said it will be hot and stuffy.

I’m Scottish and the weather here is honestly so unpredictable. You can’t rely on it at all. How about, as a compromise, you pick up some of those mega cheap rain ponchos from Poundland? Kept in their packets, they’ll take up no space/weight at all, so nothing to lose whether it rains or not.

Oh jeez bring them. I live here and consider August as autumn as it’s normally cold and wet and starting to get dark earlier. Can you find some in a charity shop maybe and donate them back after, or buy cheap ones then donate?