Driving in Scotland

**Benning Boy** · 2nd July 15, 07:37 AM

We're beginning to plan a trip to Scotland in May, 2017, a special time for us. Can we just fly in and rent a car as we might here, or must we get a special license before driving there? Alternatively, how extensive is the public transportation system? I suppose we'll fly into Edinburgh and travel generally northward toward Inverness, with a mandatory stop in Culross, The Woman's ancestoral home. Nothing specific planned, and no idea how long we'll stay as of yet.

**CameronCat** · 2nd July 15, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Benning Boy

We're beginning to plan a trip to Scotland in May, 2017, a special time for us. Can we just fly in and rent a car as we might here,...

Based on our visits, yes you can do just that, although your life will be much easier if you do your research on companies and pricing in advance and make advance reservations via the Interwebs. Your US State driving license will be held valid in UK but (natch) ya' gotta have it with you. Also, check with your present insurance co. to see how your coverage works outside the US...if you're not familiar with driving on the left, you may wish to consider the additional ins. offered at the rental desk.
(As soon as they hear your US accent, the rental agent at the return desk will walk around and inspect the left side of the car VERY carefully. Do not ask me how I know this...)

Alternatively, how extensive is the public transportation system?

I can't speak to this in detail except to say that it generally puts the US system(s) to shame. We have only used the in-city systems but found them efficient and reasonably inexpensive. (The Edinburgh Trams run right from the airport to center city.) Again, the Internet is your friend in researching bus and rail links to other places. There are several train lines that provide scenic beauty through the highlands.

Enjoy your trip.

**cessna152towser** · 2nd July 15, 08:40 AM

Most car rental firms accept North American driving licences though you need to check this when you book.
Be aware we drive on the opposite side of the road here.
Whether you would be best to rent a car or use public transport depends on where you want to go and how many are in your group.
Glasgow and Edinburgh have excellent bus and local rail services and all of the larger towns and cities have good local bus services.
There are also good rail and bus services between the main centres of population. Public transport is very reasonably priced if you are travelling solo or as a couple but car hire might not cost too much more if you are travelling as a family group of four or five people. There are some really good bargains on rail travel if you can book far enough in advance and are willing to travel at off peak times. There are also some very scenic train journeys, such as Fort William to Mallaig, Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, and also Edinburgh to Tweedbank (for Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford, or for Melrose Abbey) which will be re-opened from September of this year.
Most of the Scottish population lives in the central lowlands where there are excellent transport links. Outwith the central belt though, there are vast swathes of sparsely populated country in the Southern Uplands and in the Highlands where bus and train services are very limited and you may prefer a self drive hire for those areas. Petrol can be expensive in the more remote areas and filling stations are few and far between. If you are visiting the islands, taking a car on the ferry can be expensive.
Another option is a guided tour. There are several companies who can provide bespoke guided tours by car or minibus with a knowledgeable driver/guide though this can be more expensive.

**sydnie7** · 2nd July 15, 09:01 AM

I haven't been back to the UK in 10+ years, but much of what's been said already rings true. If you're a Costco member, include their travel site in your price comparisons -- we found very good pricing there at one time.

I've heard horror stories about people trying to rely on GPS navigation in the UK, and you and I are of an age that (my assumption here) loves a good old-fashioned paper map. But don't rely on AAA maps, I highly recommend a Michelin atlas like this one. Makes it much easier to plan your trip beforehand, alter plans mid-day, look over the next day's route in advance, etc. and makes a nifty souvenir at the end!

**Benning Boy** · 2nd July 15, 09:08 AM

We're hoping to spend a week at Ardverikie Estate. From there we'd just take leisurely trips around the countryside. There's so much to see and do there, and we don't want to rush or stick to a schedule, and just take in what we can at a leisurely pace, so driving seems the best option. I suppose we might visit for two weeks or so, maybe three. I don't think I'd like driving on the wrong side of the road in a city like Edinburgh, and there public transport would be best for us, but we could handle the open road and rural areas. I have driven right-hand drive vehicles, but always on the proper side of the road. I've been driving 52 years, in all sorts of vehicles and never had an accident. I'd hate to ruin my record in Scotland.

**cessna152towser** · 2nd July 15, 09:10 AM

Be aware also some of the road traffic laws are different in Scotland than they are in England or Wales.
In Scotland the drink drive limit is lower, so depending on your physique, a lunchtime beer or glass of wine could lead to an instant driving ban.
https://www.gov.uk/drink-drive-limit

There are strict alcohol limits for drivers, but it’s impossible to say exactly how many drinks this equals - it’s different for each person.
The limits in Scotland are different to the rest of the UK.
Level of alcohol---------------------------- England, Wales and Northern Ireland --------------- Scotland
Micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath---------35 ----------------------------------------------------- 22
Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood---------80 ---------------------------------------------------- 50
Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine--------107 ---------------------------------------------------- 67

**Benning Boy** · 2nd July 15, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

. . . you and I are of an age that (my assumption here) loves a good old-fashioned paper map. But don't rely on AAA maps, I highly recommend a Michelin atlas like this one.

Definitely right, Sydnie. I'm a paper map kind of guy. In my opinion, if you can't find your way around the world with a map and compass, then you're not read to use GPS.

**Orionson** · 2nd July 15, 09:33 AM

I hope that you will be bringing your 1790 MacDuff Tartan Kilt along with you. It would be good to get together with you while you are here. If Skye is not on your itinerary, then we can come to you. Richard MacDuff would doubtless enjoy meeting you as well. It could be the first official gathering of the 1790 MacDuff Regimental Mess. I wonder how many of the others might like to attend?

**Richrail** · 2nd July 15, 09:56 AM

We are planning a trip around the same time and also staying at Ardverikie Estate. Maybe we will cross paths.

**Benning Boy** · 2nd July 15, 10:31 AM

It would be fun to gather with the regimental mess. Count me in. I suppose I ought to bring one kilt. McDuff might be it. I'd like to meet other Xmarkers, too. You can't have Gatelodge, Richrail, it's ours.

I'm waiting to hear back from Ardverikie about reservations this far out. Online they only show reserved dates into early 2016, and of course we'll be going the year after. If I can nail down a date with them, that will be as far as the planning goes for now. Everything else will revolve around that. I'll work out the details nearer to the trip, but driving is the main thing on my mind right now. Just 'cause it will be the first hurdle.