Language & Communication

English — with Character

In Edinburgh, English is spoken — but with a Scottish accent, which can range from mild to incomprehensible. In the city center and tourist areas, you'll be easily understood and understand everything. In Leith or with locals after the third pint, it can be more challenging. Don't worry — the Scots are warm-hearted and patient with visitors.

Scots

Scots is not a dialect but a distinct Germanic language — closely related to English but with its own vocabulary. You'll hear and read some words:

• Aye — Yes
• Wee — Small (ubiquitous! "A wee dram" = a small whisky)
• Braw — Great, beautiful
• Loch — Lake (not pronounced "Lock"!)
• Ken — Know (you know = ye ken)
• Canny — Clever, cautious
• Bonnie — Beautiful (bonnie Scotland!)
• Cheers — Cheers / Thanks / Bye (the most versatile word in Scotland)
• Auld Reekie — "The Old Smoky" — Edinburgh's nickname