Current Time in Scotland
Scotland uses the same time as the rest of the UK: GMT in winter and BST in summer. There is no Scottish time zone, although the north is far enough from the equator that daylight changes sharply through the year.
Time in Scotland
In Shetland, at about 60 degrees north, the sun sets after 22:30 in June and rises after 09:00 in December. Scottish winter mornings are the darkest in the UK, which is a recurring point in debates about permanent summer time.
Scotland's clock changes happen at the same moment as in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, set by the UK Government rather than the Scottish Parliament.
Cities in Scotland
Clock change guides
- What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)? A Plain-English GuideWhat daylight saving time is, how it works in the UK, Europe and the US, why it exists, its history, who uses it and the argument over scrapping it.
- Why Do the Clocks Go Back in October? The Real ReasonThe clocks go back in autumn to return the UK to GMT, so winter mornings are lighter. The history, the rule, what time it happens and what changes for you.
- When Do the Clocks Go Forward Again After Going Back?When the UK clocks go forward again after the autumn change, how long the UK stays on GMT, when evenings get lighter and how to remember to reset your clocks.
Frequently asked questions
What time is it in Scotland?
Scotland uses UK time: GMT in winter and BST in summer. The live clock on this page shows the current time.
Does Scotland change its clocks?
Yes, together with the rest of the UK. In 2026 the clocks go forward on Sunday, 29 March 2026 and back on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
Is Scotland in a different time zone from London?
No. Scotland is in the same time zone as London, Europe/London.