Motorhome/campervan - Scotland - Needs some info to help with travel decisions

G'day.
Pre covid we hired a Toyota Tarago from Spaceship rentals for 6 weeks Eng, Wales, Scot, Ire.
I think the Alphard might be a similar size. There were only 2 of us.
We had zero issues accessing sights but we didn't visit Edinburgh or any major cities. Most significant sights have nearby car parking.
We regularly had to purchase parking tickets in England but don't recall doing so in Scotland on more than a few occasions. We spent most of our time up the fairly sparesly populated NW,
During the 2 weeks in Scotland we only stayed in 2 "official" caravan/camping parks (Glencoe and Shiel Bridge). The other nights were either "honesty box" type e.g farmer's fields or discreet forest camping.
That might draw some ire from the many very conservative posters on here.

Be aware that many roads are narrow single lane.

The whole trip but particularly Scotland was a wonderful experience.
Cheers.

If you intend exploring the Highlands and Islands at all you are likely to regret getting a large van, just because the roads are so narrow, and some are single track roads with passing places. On these sorts of roads you may find yourself having to reverse to the nearest passing place to let other vehicles through. You might also need to pull over frequently to let faster traffic pass. I live on the Isle of Skye and even though I am used to the roads I would not want to drive them in a large motorhome or camper van.

You need to be aware that while wild camping is legal in Scotland this does not apply to motorhomes/campervans, as the regulations specifically refer to wild camping as being camping where you arrive either on foot or other non motorised forms of transport e.g. kayak or bike. So while camping at the side of the road is tolerated in most places in the countryside it is not true 'wild camping' despite what any rental company might tell you. See here for more information on wild camping.

You would certainly not want to try to drive a motorhome in Edinburgh (or even a rental car) as the road system is confusing and parking (even for cars) is very expensive.

Some car parks have height limits which are enforced by a bar at the entrance. These are designed to keep large camper vans and motor homes out.

Thank you for the replies.

I've read a few articles and blogs regarding wild camping with campervans & motorhomes.

Regardless whether you're wildcamping on foot or wheels, you must be respectful to both the public and nature. But that philosophy should be your motto in all facets of life (but that's maybe for another forum).

Tintaldra, you did convince me to be adventurous and book a van.

Skyegirl, due to our time constrains, we sadly won't be able to even see Skye. So we'll take-on your narrow roads the next time we get a chance to see Scotland. Skyegirl, can you maybe tell me how big a problem are Midges? Only read about them last night and it seems they really are a problem during the summers. Is that the whole of Scotland, or just more north?

But I do think we will avoid larger cities like Edinburgh. So thank you both for your input regarding heigh restrictions etc.

We really are so excited. It is a dream to see Scotland, and we will make sure we treat Her right, for her to invites us back in the future.

Skyegirl will be more expert on the tiny little monsters but we did get to meet them.
They like cloudy, still conditions. Never really bothered us when out hiking etc. Sitting on the grass out of the breeze at dusk can be a bit dodgy.

Midges arrive in mid May and depart sometime in September. August is prime midge season. However, they are only a problem when it's not windy and not sunny. Typically dawn and dusk. And in the shade and near water.

We are currently on Skye, and we first encountered midges yesterday around 8 or 9 pm after we had dinner. And then again tonight after dinner around 9pm when we were leaving the restaurant. We have been in Scotland almost 2 weeks, and we have never had a problem with midges during the day time. Hope this helps.

Welcome to Skye kmkwoo. I hope you're having a great time and enjoying this exceptionally good weather!

If you are going for a motorhome, going smaller is better especially if you have not driven on the correct side, the left, before. Not only in Scotland in the Highlands and Islands will you need to deal with single track roads, some of the ordinary roads where there are two lanes of traffic separated by paint are narrow.

Skye girl, we are having a fabulous time! Skye has the most stunning and unusual scenery we have ever seen. So beautiful! We stayed 4 nights at the Viewfield Hotel. Left this morning for Glen Coe, where we are now. And the weather has been fabulous! We haven’t had any rain during our entire trip which is great for outdoor sightseeing/walks, but I understand Scotland hasn’t had any rain for 3 weeks. So we are praying for some rain for Scotland.

There have been severe thunderstorms in the Inverness area today, which knocked out the signalling systems on the Highland Main Line Railway, closing it between Perth and Inverness.
They also affected the area between Fort William and Crianlarich (causing the cancellation of the Fort William to London sleeper among other trains) and also the Beattock area on the M74 between Carlisle and Glasgow.
I would quite like it to stay fine for the next few days please, especially Saturday.