We purchased our Historic Scotland pass almost a month ago and have not received them yet. They did send an email saying we could use the email conformation letter in lieu of the cards for the first 30 days. However, 30 days will be up before we get to Scotland as we will be in England for several week prior (leaving U.S. 4/11/16). Does anyone know if we can pick up the pass at the office in Edinburgh?
I don't know if you can, but I was a member for a while and I found that they were always very responsive, so try emailing them again and explain the situation. If you go to this page there is a contact us email. Or use the email address that you unless it's outbound only email.
Thanks, I did send them a follow up email yesterday but have not received a response.
I have no direct experience, but it seems to me that you will be able to get this worked out, esp if you are able to visit their office. If the email confirmation is only good for 30 days, this must be a common problem for overseas visitors.
We never did receive our English Heritage card (we became regular members, not the overseas visitor pass). I think the reason we didn't get our card is that it was hard (for me!) to figure out how to enter a US style mailing address into a website/form designed for British addresses. Not getting the card wasn't a problem for me because we were always able to use our temporary card.
I'm not sure there is an advantage to getting these cards in advance. Again, I don't have experience with the Scottish version but for English Heritage it is very easy to purchase at English Heritage sites. I have purchased in advance and validated at the 1st site or just plain purchased at the 1st site and both worked about the same. Not sure if things work the same for Scotland.
When I signed up for my Pass I had to put in a beginning and ending day then when I printed the pass it had these on it. We got a 15 day pass. It seems your confirmation letter should do...and perhaps they can issue a card at your first stop.
Good luck.
Please note for contact they will most likely be based on Scottish office times : 0900 to 1700 Monday to Friday currently BST. Or to put it another way, leaving the office when New York stops for lunch, stopping for lunch when New York is having its breakfast.
Ah, yes, I know this time difference so well. We have 9 AM meetings Wednesdays and Thursdays which are at 2 PM in Cambridge. We essentially only have a 3 hour overlap when both offices are at their desks. And, I'm in NYC, so if you are on the west coast, you'll have to get up early. :) It gets even more interesting when we try to bring in the Singapore or Australian office to the call!
Pam