Scotrail   Tel: 08457 48 49 50

The train journey from London takes about 4 hours to Edinburgh and 5 hours to Glasgow. They offer comfortable, air-conditioned First Class and Standard carriages and a full meal or buffet service. There are also direct services from London Kings Cross to Aberdeen and Inverness.

Scotrail operates a half-hourly service between Edinburgh and Glasgow with a journey time of 50 mins. Other express services link Edinburgh and Glasgow with Sterling, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Rail Cards and passes are obtainable. They come under the headings of  Young Person's Railcard (ages 16-25). Senior Citizens Railcard.   ScotRail Rovers.  Highland Rovers.   Festival Cities' Rover.  Contact Scotrail

National Public Transport Timetable for bus, rail and coach enquiries call 0870 6082608  www.traveline.org.uk

FERRIES                                                        Back to top

Ferries within Scotland

Islands off the West Coast

Caledonian MacBrayne ferries sail to 23 islands off the West Coast and in the Firth of Clyde; most of them carry vehicles as well as passengers. Vehicle reservations are advised, particularly at peak times. Ask about their Island Hopscotch deals. Gives you a choice of pre-planned, island hopping itineraries; tickets valid for one month from date of the first journey. Ask also for details of the Island Rover.

Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd     Gourock - Dunoon
Western Ferries operate services between McInroy's Point (nr Gourock) and Hunters Quay (nr Dunoon) in the Firth of Clyde.

Islay - Jura
Serco Denholm operate between Islay and Jura. For further information contact Argyll & Bute District Council on 01496 840 681

Corran ferry runs between Ardgour and Nether Lochaber. Operates daily and takes car and foot passengers (foot free of charge!). Takes about ten minutes with frequent sailings. Just turn up and wait. For information contact Highland Council on 01397 703 701

Glenelg - Kylerhea  (Skye)
This is the shorter of the Skye ferry crossings (about 5 minutes). Opens between Easter to October. Starts at 9am until around 6pm. Runs as and when required. The Road from Shiel Bridge on the mainland to the ferry is a mountain pass - not really recommended for caravans! For Mallaig to Skye ferry see Caledonian MacBrayne

Orkney and Shetland:

Northlink Ferries:
Scrabster - Stromness with connecting bus to Kirkwall.
Aberdeen - Kirkwall, Orkney
Aberdeen - Lerwick. Shetland
Advance booking necessary on all sailings between Aberdeen, Kirkwall  and Lerwick

Orkney

John O'Groats Ferries
Operate a daily foot-passenger service. May-Sept from John O'Groats to Burwick on Orkney. Crossing time is 45 mins. The company also runs summer day tours from John 'O Groats and Inverness.

Pentland Ferries operate a passenger and vehicle crossing between Gills Bay near John O' Groats and St Margaret's Hope, Orkney. Three sailings a day which takes around 1 hour.

Orkney Ferries Ltd
Operate inter-island services between the various Orkney islands.

For hotels in the Orkneys click here

Shetland Islands Council operate ferry services between the islands Tel 01595 693 434 Fax: 01595 695 807

Inter-island services are frequent and comparatively cheap but advance booking for cars at peak time is advisable.

Ferries from Northern Ireland

Ferries  -   Ireland -   Larne to Troon or Cairnryan. Scotland is only one hour away on board the record breaking P&O Express fast craft or 105 minutes on board the European Causeway and European Highlander superferries. Troon is just a 10 minute drive from Ayr and 35 minutes to the city of Glasgow.

Coming from Ireland there are 20 ferry crossings a day from or Belfast to Stranraer. Contact: Seacat OR Stena Line

Argyll and Antrim Steam Packet Co
Ballycastle, Northern Ireland - Campbeltown,    Argyll (daily, May-Oct)

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BUS & COACH

By Bus

-  run from England up into Edinburgh. Find coach times and book on-line -

Scottish Citylink run equivalent coaches to National Express throughout Scotland.

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CAR TRAVEL

Hertz Car Rental

As with the rest of the UK driving is on the left side of the road. There are toll-free motorways in central Scotland and good dual-carriageway roads to main towns. In more remote areas there are single track roads with plenty of passing places, this means that you have to pull in to let others pass or overtake (and stop to shoo the sheep off  the road!)

Speed limits

Dual carriageways                         70mph/112kph
Single carriageways                       60mph/96kph
Built-up areas                               30mph/48kph
unless otherwise signposted
Unmarked police cars and cameras are positioned on many roads.

Fuel

Many fuel stations throughout Scotland are open 24 hours a day. However, in remote areas, especially in the Highlands, distances between stations are greater and opening hours will be shorter so do not allow yourself  to get too short of  fuel before topping up. Most stations are self-service.

How far by road?

Edinburgh to: (in hours)

CASTLES AND ABBEYS

Historic Scotland, which owns Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, as well as many  other historic castles and abbeys have a special Scottish Explorer Ticket. For information Tel: 0131 668 8800

The National Trust for Scotland has many beautiful castles and historic houses in its care. They have a Trust Touring Pass and is excellent value. Also allows entry to Trust properties in England. Tel: 0131 2262 5922

Facilities for people with disabilities

Scotland has a wide range of visitor facilities suitable for people with disabilities. For further specialist information contact: Tel: 0845 2255121
Capability Scotland is on 0131 313 5510

Ancient sites in Scotland

General

If you are looking for a meal in one of the smaller towns or villages you will often find last orders are around 7/8/9pm. Ask for the Taste of Scotland brochure from the local Tourist Information Centre for something really special.

Smaller towns and villages often observe 'half-day' closing . Each town is different. In the winter it is common for  village shops to close say for the first Monday of each month (some Banks close for lunch in smaller places). Check with each relevant Tourist Information Centre. Petrol stations can be rare in places and don't stay open all night.

What's more Scottish than the Highlands Games - Tug-o-War, Highland Dancing, Pipe Bands, Tossing the Caber. Loads o' fun! They generally start around mid June to mid September, mostly on Saturdays. Check with the local Tourist Information Centres when you're there.

Thoughtful site with lots of different towns and related info'   http://www.scottish-towns.co.uk/

When looking for accommodation in the high season do not leave booking too late in the day - otherwise you'll find yourself sleeping in the car!

If you're staying in Edinburgh and then take a look at our Edinburgh information page

Useful site for Scotland with lots of links. www.qwscotland.com

The Booth Want to know what's happening at theatres in the north of Scotland - buy tickets on-line, save queuing.

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Travel Information specific for the Highlands & Islands

Walking in the Highlands of Scotland

To find hotels in Scotland