The first time I was in Scotland (from the US), the folks I was there to visit though it would be amusing to send me down to the pub below their flat to order dinner for us all. Off I went. But after accusing each other of not speaking English, I realized there was no way I was going to be able to communicate with the guy behind the bar. My friends laughed uproariously when I tucked tail and came back unsuccessful.

I used to live at the other end of Aberdeenshire, right out in the countryside. I never get up there now. Not even Aberdeen although I plan to visit some time. Haven't been in years.