Survival Guide - Discover Scotland: Experience the Best of Scotland - page 672

ous regional bus services, on Northlink and CalMac ferries, and in SYHA hostels. The
pass can be bought in the UK by both UK and overseas citizens.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Scotland's roads are generally good and far less busy than in England, so driving's more
enjoyable. However, cars are nearly always inconvenient in city centres.
Motorways (designated ' M') are toll-free dual carriageways, limited mainly to central
Scotland. Main roads ( ' A') are dual or single carriageways and are sometimes clogged
with slow-moving trucks or caravans; the A9 from Perth to Inverness is notoriously busy.
Life on the road is more relaxed and interesting on the secondary roads (designated '
B') and minor roads (undesignated), although in the Highlands and islands there's the ad-
ded hazard of suicidal sheep wandering onto the road (be particularly wary of lambs in
spring).
At around £1.45 per litre (equivalent to around US$9 per US gallon), petrol's expensive
by American or Australian standards; diesel is about 3p per litre more expensive. Prices
tend to rise as you get further from the main centres and are over 10% higher in the Outer
Hebrides. In remote areas petrol stations are widely spaced and sometimes closed on
Sunday.
DRIVING LICENCE
A non-EU licence is valid in Britain for up to 12 months from time of entry into the coun-
try. If bringing a car from Europe, make sure you're adequately insured.
HIRE
Car hire in the UK is competitively priced by European standards, and shopping around
online can unearth some great deals, which can drop as low as £12 per day for an exten-
ded hire period. Hit comparison sites like Kayak ( www.kayak.com ) or Kelkoo
( www.kelkoo.com ) to find some of the best prices.
Single-Track Roads
In many country areas, and especially in the Highlands and islands, you will find single-track roads that are only
wide enough for one vehicle. Passing places (usually marked with a white diamond sign, or a black-and-white
striped pole) are used to allow oncoming traffic to pass. Remember that passing places are also for overtaking - pull
over to let faster vehicles pass if necessary. Be aware that it's illegal to park in passing places.