Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bers receive a 20% discount on Scottish Citylink services. Students do, too, by registering
online.
The
Scottish Citylink Explorer Pass
offers unlimited travel on Scottish Citylink (and
selected other bus routes) services within Scotland for any three days out of five (£39),
any five days out of 10 (£59) or any eight days out of 16 (£79). Also gives discounts on
various regional bus services, on Northlink and CalMac ferries, and in SYHA hostels. 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 up
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 added
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 more than 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.
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 get by. Remember that passing places are also for overtaking -
pull over to let faster vehicles pass if necessary. It's illegal to park in passing places.
