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?

The rain is freezing year round

I still tell this story from moving to Scotland. My kids were playing out with cousins kids in the sunshine, it started to rain, then great big hailstones fell, after a thunderstorm finally the sun came back out. My kid exclaimed “There’s been like every season today!” To which my cousins said “Welcome to Scotland” still makes me chuckle, this was in April. I’d absolutely advise waterproofs and spare foot wear especially if walking is planned.

No wellies. I’ve lived in (urban) Scotland without owning a pair of wellies. Trainers and lightweight waterproof macs should be ample, with hoodies to layer up if it’s a bit chilly.

it's raining in Edinburgh, lots of tourists without coats on wandering around looking surprised!

Adding my voice to the choir saying waterproof coat (not just shower proof!) layered over jumper/hoodie is more than sufficient.

Also as a Scottish adult who spends lots of time outdoors I’ve never owned wellies since my guide camp days. Certainly not necessary for the holiday you describe. 2 pairs shoes - either trainers or walking boots - each are essential so if one is drying out they have the other. Wellies are not good for walking on usually uneven paths and end up with the kids having sore feet.

enjoy your trip!

There are plenty of brands of waterproof socks. The more expensive ones are very waterproof. They aren't a new thing, I have been using them for over 15 years.

Hmm. It could well be. We've had a fire in August more than once.

Unless you're driving I'd take layers that could be worn underneath a raincoat, such as a fleece, rather than two coats each. Personally if it's wet enough to need wellies I'd choose a different activity from walking, but that's maybe just me.

Just had to buy my son a hoodie as he came away to Devon with no jumpers or a coat thinking it was going to be hot. Now sat in a tent in 45mph wind and rain without adequate clothing.
Take the coats and wellies!

Don’t take anything, the Scottish rural economy is based on village shops selling wet weather gear.

I'm not sure what this means ?

I mean I've seen umbrellas in village shops is that what you mean?

This last week it’s been alternate heatwave and downpours.

Wellies may be overkill, especially if they have sandles/crocs, but something rainproof or umbrella would be a good idea for the almost inevitable rain.

It's incredibly interchangeable and dependent on location.
The east coast tends to be drier and less midges the west coast wetter and more midges.

Best thing is a spare set of shoes and layers so tshirt long sleeve, light weight fleece then raincoat.

Lightweight pair of waterproof trousers.

I’d take waterproof boots rather than wellies to be honest and a light waterproof jacket. August is normally nice for us with the kids going back to school but today is pouring at 17 degrees and tomorrow is set to be 23/24 with blue skies! You can never win here

Well it was tongue in cheek humour. I have a house in Scotland with a cupboard full of wet weather clothing for guests.
My little attempt at suggesting you can always buy wet weather clothing in Scotland. Sorry for my confusing sense of humour.

That's OK i was so confused most folk just go to mountain warehouse 😀

I’ve lived in Scotland for thirty years and never have I ever worn wellies!

I'm Scottish, got my first pair of wellies when i moved to the west Midlands 25 years ago.

You won’t need wellies. Rain coat yes and maybe some hoodies or jumpers. Layers plus sun hats and sun glasses. You’ll be fine.

Thanks all! So finally I think we'll go for a few jumpers, a fleece and a light raincoat. Of course will check the forecast closer to the date though!

Wellies are ideal for the kids if you & DH have got hiking boots, save on packing adult wellies.

Wellies can be useful for kids, on country walks you will probably come across burns that kids like to wade in. Ours liked to visit the beach on damp days when no one else was there, they wore wellies and cagoules.

Personally as someone who used to holiday a lot as a child in Scotland, the feeling of putting my soaking wet trainers on for another day whilst my parents put their warm, dry waterproof walking boots on will never leave me (and neither did the athletes foot)

Bring some waterproof shoes for your DC. personally I would go for waterproof walking boots or waterproof trail shoes and a pair of nicer trainers for the city. There's nothing more depressing on holiday than wet shoes, the only thing worse is the smell of your siblings wet shoes

Waterproof shoes, a raincoat and a hoody will cover you for everything

For Summer outdoor activities the key is layering - thin layers which can be removed or added as required. I angree that wellies are not good for anything other than splashing in puddles. Waterproof trainers or walking boots are more practical and could be used for other occasions, maybe school trips? A lightweight, packable kagoule is great for warm weather. All the outdoor gear could be packed into a rucksack for the journey.

Unless you’re going to be particularly rural (which I’m guessing you’re not if you’ve got fringe shows booked) then it’s really easy to buy a cheap pair of boots or spare shoes anyway. Even rural towns tend to have a mountain warehouse or factory store to buy them cheap if they’re touristy.