Working Holidays in Scotland

Scotland– the land of haggis, whisky, bagpipes and the famous Loch Ness Monster.

The Scots have good reason to be so proud of their beautiful country. Draped in a medieval history with castles, lakes (or Lochs as they call them) and the highlands to discover. Is there a monster lurking in Loch Ness? You’ll have to tell us!

Scotland is famed for its Whisky distilleries, with 109 scattered across the country there’s no better place for a Whisky tour. If it’s history that you’re after then a trip to the Edinburgh Castle or Dungeon will make you feel like you’re on a medieval movie set.

Full of friendly locals there are many bars, pubs and restaurants throughout Edinburgh, Glasgow, and all that’s in between, that are looking for staff. With UK Hospo Co your job and accommodation will be sorted before you arrive so you can start planning all the exciting things to see in Scotland.

There is so much to see and explore in Scotland. Luckily, taking a Working Holiday with UK Hospo Co provides you with the opportunity to discover all that Scotland has to offer during the course of your job placement - which can be up to two years!

Scottish Coastline

You will love exploring Scotland

Head to the Highlands – this stunning mountainous region encompasses northwest Scotland where you’ll find picture perfect mountain views, medieval castles and even mountain goats.

Shred the slopes – there’s actually five ski resorts to choose from in Scotland and Glenshee Ski Centre is the largest ski resort in Britain.

Cruise around the Lochs – Loch Ness might be the most famous of Scotland’s lakes but there’s actually over 30,000 beautiful, freshwater lochs to discover.

Edinburgh Christmas Market  –One of the most famous Christmas Markets in the world you can enjoy a mulled wine or cider and wander through the stalls, all with the picturesque castle in the background.

Whisky tasting – after a short stint in Scotland you’ll not only know your Scotch’s from your Bourbons but able to identify regions and blends.

Places in Scotland we think are worth a visit

There’s so much to see and do in this wonderful country – here are just a few of our favourite places.

Glasgow

Scotland’s second largest city, Glasgow is full of green parks, museums, art galleries as well as great restaurants and bars.

Inverness

This gorgeous Highland town boast architecture dating to the 18th century with museums, markets and cathedrals.

Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is filled with history. Time your visit during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival

Aberdeen

This port city is in northeast Scotland where the rivers meet the sea. If you’re game to get in the water you can go for a surf.

Why we love Scotland

We’re so passionate about telling you all the great things about Scotland because we’ve lived and worked there ourselves. A Working Holiday to Scotland is the best way to see all this amazing country has to offer. You’ll spend less money on rent and fees and more on travel and fun times.

  • Picturesque scenery - rolling green fields, crystal blue lakes, beaches and mountains; the Scottish landscape is stunning and you'll be taking pictures on every corner!
  • Easy to access transport - major cities like Edinburgh have trams, trains and busses however the whole country is easily accessible by train for weekend adventures.
  • Scottish Unicorn - The official animal of Scotland is the Unicorn.
  • Vibrant nightlife - there's plenty of bars and clubs to explore and you can find something on every night of the week.
  • Medieval castles - There's 65 castles in Scotland to discover. Some are on cliffs, mountains or in the middle of the city.
  • Hearty meals - cooler weather just calls for a hearty, warm pub meal. Think bangers and mash, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), fish and chips, pies and even deep fried Mars Bar.
  • Scottish Tartan - Visit Scotland in the North and shop for a clan tartan kilt or blanket to treasure forever.

    Cool or unusual things to do when in Scotland

    Scotland is filled with something for everyone with plenty of fun and quirky activities to make your Working Holiday very memorable.

    Edinburgh Castle

    Perched on top of the city of Edinburgh, you can’t miss this historic castle.

    Local Food

    Try a Scottish fry-up, some Haggis, whisky and other foods to brag to your friends about.

    Highland Cows

    A trip to the Highlands to see the cows are a must! How cute are they?

    Loch Ness

    Hunt for Nessie and walk amongst spectacular castle ruins at Loch Ness.

    Isle of Skye

    Stunning mountain scenery with caves, beaches, valleys and waterfalls.

    Tour

    Explore supernatural locations in the old quarter of St Andrews – plus Cathedral ruins.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Scotland offers a range of job opportunities for working holidaymakers, particularly in the hospitality and tourism industries. Popular roles include bartenders, baristas, hotel receptionists, housekeeping staff, tour guides, and event staff. In more rural areas, farm work and seasonal positions are available, especially in the Scottish Highlands. If you have office experience, temporary administrative roles in larger cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow can also be an option.

    Yes, if you are not a UK or Irish citizen, you will need a UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Visa) to work in Scotland legally. This visa allows young people from eligible countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. If you are planning to work in Scotland, it’s essential to check visa eligibility and apply in advance to ensure you meet all requirements.

    The best cities for hospitality jobs in Scotland include Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen. Edinburgh, in particular, has a booming tourism industry, with year-round demand for hotel and restaurant staff. Glasgow has a thriving nightlife and events scene, making it a great location for pub and bar jobs. For those looking for a more rural experience, working in hotels, lodges, or resorts in the Scottish Highlands or islands can be an incredible way to live in a scenic setting while earning money.

    Yes, many hospitality employers in Scotland provide live-in accommodation, especially in rural areas and tourist hotspots like the Highlands, Isle of Skye, and Loch Lomond. This is particularly common for pubs, hotels, and seasonal tourism roles. In larger cities, live-in roles are less common, but shared accommodation options are often provided for workers in hostels or staff houses.

    Scotland is generally more affordable than London, with lower rent and living costs, particularly in smaller towns and cities. Edinburgh and Glasgow are the most expensive areas, but they are still cheaper than London. In more rural areas, accommodation costs are lower, and many jobs provide housing, which helps reduce expenses. Public transport is also affordable, and in some cities, students and young workers can benefit from transport discounts.

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