Bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels catering to gays are confined almost exclusively to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. Contact the Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (tel. 0141/847-0447) for information on events.

Scotland doesn't boast much of a gay scene. Gay-bashing happens, especially in the grimy industrial sections of Glasgow, where neo-Nazi skinheads hang out. Although it's a crime, it's rarely punished. Open displays of affection between same-sex couples usually invite scorn in rural Scotland.

The best guide is Spartacus Britain and Ireland. For up-to-the-minute activities in Britain, we recommend Gay Times (London).

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; tel. 800/448-8550 or 954/630-1637; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses; go to their website and click on "Members."

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.