What do Scottish Phone Numbers Look Like?

Scottish phone numbers, like all telephone numbers in the UK, typically begin with a '0' when dialed domestically and are usually 9 or 10 digits long after this initial zero, structured with an area code followed by the local subscriber number.

General Format of Scottish Phone Numbers

When making a call within the UK, including Scotland, all telephone numbers start with a '0'. This leading zero indicates that the call is a national dial. The number structure then includes an area code, which identifies a specific geographic region, followed by the individual subscriber number. The total length of landline numbers, including the leading '0', is commonly 10 or 11 digits.

Area Codes in Scotland

Scotland uses various geographic area codes, which are integral to the numbering plan. These codes vary in length, influencing the length of the local number that follows. For example, major cities have shorter area codes, allowing for longer local numbers, while smaller towns might have longer area codes.

Here are some examples of common Scottish area codes and how they are typically formatted:

For more details on the UK's numbering plan, refer to information provided by the telecommunications regulator, Ofcom.

Calling Scottish Numbers from Abroad

When dialing a Scottish number from outside the UK, the leading '0' is dropped, and the UK's country code (44) is used.

Here's how a Scottish number transforms for international dialing:

• Original Domestic Number: 0141 123 4567 (or any other Scottish number starting with 0)
• International Format: +44 141 123 4567 or 00 44 141 123 4567

To call a Scottish number from overseas, follow these steps:

1. Dial your international access code: This is typically 00 for most countries, or you can use the + symbol on mobile phones.
2. Enter the UK country code: This is 44.
3. Drop the leading '0': Remove the '0' from the start of the Scottish area code (e.g., 0141 becomes 141).
4. Dial the remaining digits: Enter the rest of the phone number.

Mobile Phone Numbers in Scotland

Mobile phone numbers in Scotland, like all UK mobile numbers, do not have geographic area codes. They typically begin with '07' followed by nine more digits, making them 11 digits long in total (e.g., 07XXX XXXXXX). These numbers are assigned to a mobile network provider and remain the same regardless of where the user is located in the UK.

Non-Geographic Numbers

Beyond landlines and mobile numbers, Scotland also uses other non-geographic UK number types. These include:

• 03 numbers: Often used by businesses and public sector organisations as an alternative to 08 numbers, charged at standard landline rates.
• 0800 and 0808 numbers: Freephone numbers, free to call from UK landlines and mobiles.
• 084, 087, 09, and 118 numbers: Premium rate or service numbers, which may incur higher charges.