Granted, if you're travelling to Scotland, you've already invested quite a bit of money to get there. But there are a few ways to save money here and there, and if you can save a few pounds, you can splash out on a special meal, or maybe that item that you've seen in a shop that you wouldn't otherwise have considered.
In Inverness, if you're only going to be in town for less than two hours, you can park for those two hours at the Tesco on Tomnahurich Street, which is less than a five minute walk from Bridge Street. The Tesco car park is about a two minute walk from the New City Laundrette on Young Street (four pounds for a wash; one pound for every seven minutes in the dryer), so you'd have plenty of time to get the wash done within the two hour time limit.
The Fat Buddah takeout, at the corner of Tomnahurich Street and Alexander Place, is one of the best budget restaurants in Inverness. Although they don't have table service due to Covid and staffing, there are several tables where you can sit to enjoy your meal. Just be sure to clean up after yourselves! Most of the mains - Chinese and standard chippy fare - are in the eight to ten pound region, and are definitely enough for two people. Best white pudding supper I've ever had!
In Kyle of Lochalsh, the parking by the public conveniences is no longer free, and it costs 50 pence to enter the ladies' or the gents'. However, you can park at the Co-op up the hill, and there is a (free) toilet at the back of the store. The Co-op in Broadford has very clean public toilets, although the public conveniences there are still free.
We've found that the "meal deals" offered by the supermarkets are an inexpensive way to survive, and as long as you don't mind eating in the car, they save time and money. You can get a sandwich or wrap, a drink (soda, water, or juice), and a snack (fresh fruit, crisps, pastry, or a chocolate bar) for three pounds at Tesco or three pounds fifty pence at the Co-op, if you have a loyalty card. If you purchase the items individually, you'd pay close to six pounds. Our favorite at the Co-op is a sandwich, apple juice, and millionaire's shortbread. Our favorite at Tesco is the British breakfast sandwich (sausage, bacon, and egg) with Tropicana orange juice and a container of fresh fruit. These meal deals have saved us a lot of money on our several trips to Scotland - we've had them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Not all on the same day!) If you don't want to eat in the car, you can take your meal to a scenic location, and enjoy good food while you commune with nature.
The Tesco card is free - you can pick one up at any branch. If you have to fill out a form to get the card, use the address of a friend or your lodging. The Co-op temporary card costs one pound, but it's good for 12 weeks, and pays for itself in one visit to the shop.
Petrol is generally cheaper (but not always) at the supermarkets which have a forecourt.
Fish and chips is still the best bargain for an evening meal, and is usually enough for two people. However, there was a news item this week that said that due to increased supply prices and scarcity of supplies, it's possible that 50% of the chippies in Britain could go out of business. I really hope that that is never the case, as fish and chips are "the nation's most treasured dish".
I hope that information is of use to travelers on a budget. It's possible to visit Scotland without breaking the bank.
My very best wishes to all visitors to Scotland. It's an amazingly beautiful country.
Mike (Auchterless)