Scotland is hosting the Commonwealth Games this year. Which, given that the original host pulled out with 13 months to go, is either a miracle of logistics or exactly what you'd expect from a city that hosted in 2014 and knew what it was getting into. Add a Genesis Scottish Open at one of the world's great links courses and you've got the most compelling sporting fortnight on the planet, in a country that absolutely deserves it.
Your Scottish pound should be the easiest part of the whole thing.
The Genesis Scottish Open runs 9–12 July at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick — a links venue on the East Lothian coast where the North Sea has strong opinions about your approach shot. The field is always serious here; it's the last major tune-up before The Open at Royal Birkdale the following week, and the golf reflects it.
Then Glasgow takes over. The Commonwealth Games opens 23 July across four venues in an 8km corridor. You’ll have athletics, swimming, boxing, 3x3 basketball, and 6 fully integrated para sports in a compact, electric live sporting experience that’s genuinely great value.
And in between? Scotland fills the gaps effortlessly. The Highlands. St Andrews. Gleneagles. A coastal road you didn't plan to take that quietly becomes the best afternoon of the trip, and in July, there's enough light to enjoy every bit of it ‘til nearly 11pm.
This is a trip that rewards slow travel. Street food vendors, golf caddies, village pubs, boat trips, market stalls: Scotland runs on it. A card gets you through the hotel lobby, but cash will get you everywhere else.
Here's something that catches more travellers than it should. Scotland uses the British pound sterling which is the same currency and same exchange rate as England. But Scottish banknotes are issued by Scottish banks and, while legal tender, can be refused by businesses in England. If your trip is Scotland-only, it's not an issue. If you're routing through London before or after (which plenty of people do) it's worth knowing before you arrive at a Tube station with a Bank of Scotland twenty. Check out our UK Holiday guide if you’re looking for some more inspo.
Getting your Scottish pounds ready doesn't require a miracle of logistics. Crown Currency Exchange has 65+ stores across Australia stocking the largest range of currencies in the country — always in stock, no wait, no commission, no fees. Our team will talk you through the right denomination split for your specific trip: the Scottish pound question, which notes work where, and the right mix for a golf week through East Lothian versus a Glasgow Games itinerary versus a slow Highland drive with no fixed plan.
Transiting through another country? We can factor that in too! With over 20 years of experience, we've helped sort currency for every kind of trip. A Scotland sporting double-header in July might be a unique experience, but the expertise behind it isn't.
Call us on 1300 392 426 or get a quote online and get your currency needs sorted in a single, simple visit.