Local Transport

Rental Cars

For the Highlands and islands, a rental car is the best choice — many places are hardly accessible without a car. Important: In the UK, you drive on the left! This requires concentration but becomes second nature after a few hours. Automatic vehicles are recommended if you've never driven on the left before.

Prices: from £35/day (small car) to £65/day (SUV). Providers: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Arnold Clark (local Scottish provider, often cheaper). Petrol: about £1.45–1.60/liter. In the Highlands and on the islands, petrol stations are rare — always fill up when you have the chance!

Single Track Roads

In the Highlands and on the islands, many roads are single track with Passing Places (passing bays). The rules:

• If a vehicle approaches: Whoever is closer to a Passing Place stops.
• Passing Places are always on the left side — never drive into the Passing Place on the right side (oncoming traffic!).
• Faster vehicles behind you? Stop at the next Passing Place and let them pass.
• A wave to oncoming drivers is Highland etiquette.

Buses

• Citylink: Main connections between cities. Edinburgh–Glasgow from £7, Edinburgh–Inverness from £12.
• Megabus: Cheapest option, from £5 between cities.
• Stagecoach: Local and regional buses in the Highlands. Fewer connections, but the only option in some rural areas.

Ferries

CalMac (Caledonian MacBrayne) operates all West Island ferries, NorthLink Ferries the Orkney and Shetland connections. In summer, book in advance, especially for cars!