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Scotland with a Toddler

Posted by on

Hello!

We will be traveling from the US to the UK (London, Bath, Fort William/Highlands, Edinburgh) in April. We will be bringing our 15 month old toddler. We intend to use public transportation and trains for the majority of the time we are there, but I am not sure if I should bring his car seat. He will be too big for his Doona infant car seat/stroller combo, and I would really like to avoid bringing a car seat, if possible. However, I am worried that will end up being a challenge, especially as we travel up to the Highlands area for a few days. I think we can get by in London/Bath as we can take trains or busses where we are trying to go--I am not sure, but I think taxis are also exempt from car seat requirements in the UK?

I was just curious what the best route is. We will be taking the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Fort William and likely will want to travel around the Highlands. The original plan was to do so by train from Fort William, but I am also wondering if we are better off renting a car. If so, do they have car seats available for rent? Can anyone share their experience with a trip like this?

Thank you!

Posted by
8685 posts

There is only one car hire company in Fort William called Fort William Car Hire.

Looking at their website they do indeed rent child seats for £5 a day or £25 a week.

They also charge an extra £10 a day for non UK licence holders to cover the greater risk they pose.

Posted by
20 posts

No point bringing a car seat from the US, they aren't legal in the UK. The requirements/standards are different.

You are correct that taxis are exempt.

Posted by
1562 posts

Hi, Kristen,

If Fort William is still in your plans for hiring a car, check with EasyDrive. Their website states that they do supply car seats for toddlers, which must be booked in advance (the car seat, not the toddler!). This is from their 2025 website, and they now offer one way drop offs at specific locations for around 300 pounds, in addition to the cost of the hire.

If you are planning to tour the Highlands, you'd be much better off with a car, especially if you're travelling with a bairn. From Fort William, your only ongoing choice by train would be to Mallaig. If you wanted to go farther north, you'd have to take the bus to Inverness for trains to Kyle of Lochalsh and/or Thurso/Wick.

Don't forget to make reservations for any ferry voyages which you may be considering.

Very best wishes,

Mike (Auchterless)

Posted by
34481 posts

while taxis are exempt from the carseat law, the mini munchkin will still be unsafe in the case of an incident

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