RV rental in Scotland

Campervan Rental Scotland

A perfect destination for a road trip, Scotland’s unique geography of lochs (lakes) and mountains was carved out during the last ice age. When the ice retreated, it revealed landscapes that have inspired everyone from British royalty to JK Rowling. A long list of delights includes Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain, Loch Ness and Cairngorms National Park. Beyond the mainland, there are close to 800 islands boasting unique cultures, all easily accessible by ferry. Then there’s the North Coast 500, a circular route starting at Inverness and sometimes described as Scotland’s Route 66. If you rent a RV in Scotland, there are few more varied destinations.

Fun facts

• The village of Fortingall in Perthshire is believed to be home to the oldest living tree in Europe. Located in the churchyard, it’s thought to be 3,000 years old.
• The waterproof raincoat was invented by a man from Glasgow named Charles Macintosh. The garment is still locally referred to as a Macintosh.
• The national animal of Scotland is the unicorn, the only creature believed to be able to defeat a lion, the symbol of England.

Camping in Scotland

Except for Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park north of Glasgow, wild camping in your RV rental in Scotland is allowed on any public land. RVs should be parked in a designated space off the road. When wild camping near people’s homes, it’s polite to speak to householders first. It’s also important to leave the site as you found it. Take precautions to prevent uncontrolled fires and check out the outdoor code beforehand. Scotland also has a network of bothies – or mountain huts – in some of the most scenic locations, including the Queen’s Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire. There are also plenty of more formal RVs and caravan sites. Those around popular attractions such as the shores of Loch Ness get booked up quickly during the summer months. Prices start at £25 per night.

Driving in Scotland

As with all the UK, Scotland drives on the left-hand side of the road. Road standards are generally excellent. However, lesser visited islands and rural locations can be limited to gravel roads. They also often have just single lane roads with passing places every few hundred meters for meeting oncoming traffic. But don’t worry, this rarely causes a problem. Freeways and roads connect most towns and cities. There are no toll roads or toll bridges.

Annual events in Scotland

• Hogmanay, New Year’s Eve: Towns and cities across the country welcome in the new year with midnight firework displays. The biggest takes place in Edinburgh, with tickets starting at £31.50.
  
• Burns Night, January: This celebration of Scotland’s national poet is marked by a traditional meal of haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes). Restaurants book up quickly.
  
• St Andrew’s Day, November: The patron saint of Scotland is honored with a public holiday, and a week of free events in the city that bears his name.