Hey, Let's Talk About Driving in Scotland

What You Need To Know

Nov 11, 2024

Driving in Scotland is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it's a journey filled with stunning vistas, charming villages, and winding roads that beckon for exploration. Every turn offers a new discovery, from the rugged Highlands to the serene lochs. Having recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Scotland, I would like to share my driving experiences through this breathtaking landscape and the challenges that visitors from North America might face.

Narrow one-lane bridges warrant extra caution.

My husband and I just spent 18 days in Scotland. We rented a car for 14 days of that time and drove around 1,200 miles from Edinburgh to Stirling, Oban, Fort William, Inverness, Dingwall, Nairn, Aviemore, Dundee, and back to Edinburgh.

If you are coming from North America, here are some tips for driving in Scotland:

Renting from the Edinburgh airport is a great option, but do not plan on driving on your first day if you arrive from North America. Trust me, you will be too tired and need to be more focused to start driving on the roads on the other side! We chose to take the tram into the city for the first night and return to the airport the following day. Having a good night's sleep will make a difference.
Most rental cars have manual shifts, and automatics come with a hefty premium. But remember, you will be shifting with your left hand, which makes for an added distraction.
Do not drive in Edinburgh city with the exception of airport pick-up and drop-off. You don't need a car there; it is just an extra expense. Plus, you will never find a place to park. Although we did not go to Glasgow, I'm confident it would have similar restrictions in the downtown core.
Get the extra insurance. Although we were confident that our credit cards carried rental car insurance, we opted for additional local coverage through the rental agency to ease our minds. We felt much less stressed and did not have to worry about coverage if we needed it.
Driving on the opposite side throws your senses off, and you tend to want to drift to the outside. But you also feel like you are driving in the middle of the road, and thus, everyone coming at you looks as if you will hit them head-on.
Review the driving rules of their roads. Watch YouTube videos or read their driving code to review the use of turn signals, right of way, crosswalks, speed signs, and passing. Otherwise, you are putting others in danger. (Did you know roundabouts require turn signals to indicate directions?) Some sections of the roads are almost terrifying with their 60 Mph speed limit and tight corners. (PS- we never got close to the speed limit)
Roundabouts - You must know everything about roundabouts, small ones, big ones, multi-lane ones, and everything you name it. We went through several roundabouts of varying types within 10 minutes of driving out of the rental place, and overall, we went through hundreds of roundabouts on our trip. In some areas, they are round but oval and figure-eight-shaped as well. Other areas, they are merely a bump in the round that you wiggle around.
Very few multi-lane highways are nationwide, so you must get used to oncoming traffic. Most of the highways are near Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, and Dundee, so if you plan to go further, you will quickly discover the challenge of Scotland driving with two- or single-lane roads.
The roads are MUCH narrower than we are used to in North America. I'm used to driving outside the cities on what I thought were narrow country roads with twists and turns. In Scotland, the roads are much narrower than ours, AND there is no shoulder. Some roads have a short, one-brick-height wall, while others have large potholes or decaying pavement. Not wanting to hit either one or the oncoming traffic, you must navigate a precarious balancing act between them. Hitting any of them at 50mph would likely cause a wreck.
Single-lane roads are everywhere. The challenge lies in navigating a blind curve on a single-lane road while staying alert for oncoming traffic. On most roads, however, you can usually see far enough ahead to spot an approaching vehicle. Although curves are typically wider, it's important to remain cautious. Exceptions could be in the Northern Highlands, the Trossachs north of Glasgow, or the Cairngorm National Park areas southeast of Inverness.
Know the rules of the passing places and use them! Only pull into passing places on your left (your side of the road). If the passing place is on the right side of the road and a car is coming, stop just at the passing place so the other car can pull into it. If you pull over in a passing place, flash your lights to signal the other car to drive on. If someone has pulled over in a passing place to let you by wave at them. Everyone waves; it's a thing: smile and wave.
Never park in passing places! They are small, one or two cars maybe, and are put there for a reason. They are needed for safety and are clearly marked with a sign. If you meet someone on a hill, and someone needs to back up because there is no passing place, the person coming down the hill usually has the right of way unless the oncoming car is on a curve.
Be aware of potholes on the sides of the roads or in the middle in more rural areas. You'll hit one and blow your tire out if you don't. Not all cars these days carry a spare, and even with your insurance, it may take several hours for help to arrive. Within the first thirty minutes of us getting our rental, we hit one of these holes that scared the crap out of us. Luckily, no damage was done due to our low speed.
Driving in the rain: Unfortunately, Scotland is known for having rain, so you always need to be prepared. When it comes to driving, we noticed that many roads don't drain efficiently, which can conceal potholes or deteriorating pavement. This adds another component when driving.
Parking is permitted on both sides of the road in any direction. It is common to be driving on the left and face a parked car facing you, also on the left. If the roads are exceptionally narrow, this can easily disorient you so you need to pay attention.
Weather can be unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared. If the light "highland mist" starts to stick on the roads or windshield, you must slow down. Remember, few rental cars are installed with winter tires. You do not want to suddenly slide off the road going around a corner through the mountains.
Sheep and cattle crossings are also possible distractions. Remember, although these narrow roads are considered highways, they also traverse rural farmland in the interior and are used to move livestock between different areas. On our trip, we did have to stop once for sheep crossings.
One-lane bridges creep up on you in the strangest places. One minute, you are driving, minding your own business, then the next, you will come face to face with a one-lane bridge. On the busier roads, they may be marked with a sign or have a traffic light, but only sometimes. Be vigilant on these winding back roads.
Like many places in North America, driving in Scotland is riddled with construction delays. Again, larger sites will be well-marked with traffic cones or temporary stop lights. Still, in rural areas, construction could be just a flag person.
Planning your fuel stops can save you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere. It's also wise to fill up on fuel when you can, as gas stations can be few and far between in remote areas.
A reliable GPS (Sat Nav) or offline maps is essential, especially in remote regions with weak mobile signals. For this trip, we brought a dash-mounted unit from home and turned the volume up high. Having "Emily" tell us where to go helped us in many locations, especially where roundabouts were numerous. It also helps if the passenger navigates while the driver concentrates on the roads. Despite what the GPS tells you, having eyes on the roads can be a lifesaver!
Leave some flexibility in your schedule to explore unexpected treasures you might stumble upon. You never know when you might discover a hidden gem that warrants a longer stop.
Finally, and not quite a driving tip, make sure to factor accommodations into your travel plans. Choosing to stay in small towns or rural areas can enhance your experience. Scotland offers a variety of options, including luxurious hotels, charming bed and breakfasts, and stunning castles, many of which are found in remote areas. Be sure to book in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Yes, this is a two-way road in rural Scotland!

To summarize, driving in Scotland, as opposed to tours or public transportation, was one of the best decisions we made for our trip. The freedom to travel at our own pace opened up countless possibilities—hidden gems, stunning views, and fascinating historical sites that I might have missed otherwise. Each turn brought something new, whether it was a quaint village, an ancient castle, or a beautiful stretch of countryside.

Yes, it had its challenges, but with a little patience, we gained confidence behind the wheel. My husband was much more comfortable driving than I was, so he took on the driving while I helped with navigation. And remember, you don't just show up and figure it out on the spot—it's not that simple. Scotland's roads can be tricky, and tourists unfamiliar with the driving conditions or rules have been involved in several accidents recently.

I also learned quickly that driving in Scotland isn't about speed. Things take longer than expected, so you have to be patient and go with the flow. If someone behind you wants to pass, let them. Don't rush—take your time, enjoy the journey, and stop often to soak in the scenery.

The beauty of driving in Scotland lies in the journey, not just the destination.

As I drove through the central parts of the country, I found incredible experiences—whether it was outdoor adventures, fascinating history, or delightful food. The rich stories woven into the landscape, the enchanting castles, and the vibrant culture gave me a new perspective on what it means to have Scottish heritage. I broadened my sense of pride as I absorbed the warmth of the Scottish people and the allure of their history.

Reflecting on this journey has inspired me to plan another trip to Scotland.

If you haven't considered Scotland for vacation, please do. But don't stress too much about the driving!