A number of users here (including myself) have used eSIM data plans in the past. I had a very good experience with Airalo, as did others, but of course, it is data only, as are most other eSIM data plans.
There are other options, of course - the Orange Holiday eSIM offers a French phone number, but that can be cumbersome because the plans only last for 14 days, after which you must register to top it off. Or you can get a SIM card, but that involves switching out a physical SIM. And if you have an iPhone 14, you only have eSIM capability - there is no physical SIM card in the phone.
There is another option, though. Just a few days ago, I saw a post asking for info about cell plans overseas that bob responded to. He mentioned an app called Hushed, which gives you a phone number to use with your eSIM. I found this very interesting so I did some research on it. Hushed uses VoIP so calls are made over Wi-Fi or cellular data (provided by your eSIM plan). So if you have an eSIM plan, the phone call runs through the eSIM (Airalo, for instance). You pay a monthly fee to Hushed ($4.99/month for international calling) and you get a phone number (you can choose one with your local area code) that you can use in Europe to call anywhere. You can find more information about it here: https://hushed.com/travel-esim-phone-number/
There are other VoIP providers but most are limited to the US and Canada. Hushed allows calling in over 40 countries, which makes it ideal for travelers. Or you can use other VoIP apps like FaceTime audio, WhatsApp, etc. for voice calls, but the calls are limited to others with that app.
Some items to note:
In its tutorial, Hushed refers to aloSIM as an eSIM data plan to use with Hushed. This is a sister company of Hushed and I have no idea how their eSIM plans are. But you do not need to use aloSIM to get the Hushed phone number (although you can if you choose, of course). Any eSIM plan provider would work, like Airalo or Holafly. You just need to make sure that the plan is compatible.
Check with the eSIM provider before you install the eSIM to find out the process. For example, the Airalo app says that if you plan to use third-party apps for calling or texting over the internet, to makes sure you already have it set up before using the eSIM.
Lastly, I have not used Hushed although I'm tempted to get a plan before I leave for Scotland. I have T-Mobile now, and my plan gives me free international data, although I would have to pay for phone calls at .25/minute. If I do try it, I will report back and let you all know how it went.