It’s a common enough question on forums and social media: many countries drive on the right hand side of the road and walk on the right, since Britain drives on the left does it walk on the left? The answer is very basic – no. At the very least in Edinburgh there is no set side to walk on, with a few exceptions. Why isn’t there a set side to walk on in Edinburgh?
Let’s explore together.
Because this is Scotland and we invented freedom
Dating back into Scottish history, we’ve been a people who have guarded our rights and privileges. The War of Independence (1295) was such a significant event because it’s where Mel Gibson shouted “Freedom!” as he died. The more Game of Thrones sort of reading is that the war was fought because many of the landowning types liked being able to run our affairs in our own way.
At the very least this led to a great quotation which stills reverberates through the country:
“for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom — for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself”
– Declaration of Arbroath, 1320
This extends in the present day and though we are not geopolitically independent, we’re independent in our hearts. And also independent minded in what side of the street we walk on: any, unless you’re going to inconvenience others.
The common weal
One thing fascinating about the Scottish personality, which I think criminally under appreciated, is our desire to help each other out. Common weal is a Scots term which describes this. It’s basically the kind of about the common good but it’s a notion which I believe permeates our society, though we often fall short.
So on the street, we try to keep out of each other’s way. If someone’s carrying something heavy, you get out their way. If they’re walking with the assistance of a cane, give them space. And so on. This is a reflection of Scottish attitude and why we don’t have a set side.
To many of us, it comes across very obvious. But some visitors who are not used to being around others and walking places need help understanding and that’s who this is for. It’s a way to understand that Scotland is a nation which has existed for about a thousand years and there’s subtle cultural impacts which have made it into our manner.
Situations where there is a set side
Driving is the most significant time that the side you’re on matters. We always drive on the left, unless it is impossible and this should be very clear. In general, I don’t recommend tourists drive as the roads can be complex, particularly if you go to the Highlands. But if you do need to drive, give a quick skim of the Highway Code as this gives you a full appreciation for how different our rules might be from your own.
Additionally, there are some situations where the path has a bike lane. You can generally tell these by a solid line drawn on the ground. Oddly enough, there doesn’t seem to be a set side for every bike lane so the trick is to stay out of the one that has a picture of a bike drawn on it. It seems basic, but you’d be amazed at the number of people I’ve seen almost get hit by a bike here.
Also, some public buildings will have indications on what side they’d prefer you to walk on, such as at Waverley Train Station, but it’s not like they won’t let you get on the train if you forget. Though they should.
Why the left instead of the right for driving?
The left was the more common side for walking and driving before Napoleon came along. So I’d put it down to the whole ancient culture conception we have of ourselves. It’s also safer if you are driving a car with gears (or “driving stick” in the charming American dialect) since it means your right hand remains on the wheel while your left hand changes the gear. Also it makes it easier to fend of highwaymen.
So that’s it for this week, let me know if you have any questions!
The writer of this piece got a question and thought it deserved a fuller response.
Leave a Reply