Expert: Willie Wallace - 7/21/2006

Question
My sister and I will be arriving in Scotland in late September, staying in North Berwick, leaving late October.

We want to visit the northern islands first hoping the weather will cooperate...but find many of the ferrys do not run after September...have web site of the Royal Postal Mail buses, which really sounds like a great way to meet the local people...what other type of public transportation do you suggest...we won't be renting a car.

Answer
All the islands which are served by ferries are served all year round.  There may be less sailings, but they don't stop operating, or the people who live there would starve.  Who told you they stopped sailing, Marilyn?

http://www.calmac.co.uk

http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/

Are the two main operators, although there are one or two smaller operators.

Most of the bigger islands have a bus service, but it tends to operate at ferry arrival times, when schools start and finish and at few other times.  The smaller islands may have mailbusses and you can always hitchhike.  People on the islands are very good at giving lifts.  Much better than the mainland for lifts.  

Ultimately, if you are really gong to see the islands properly, you need a car.  Honestly!!  If you can't get off the main roads without walking everywhere, you are going to miss so much of our beautiful islands.  All those empty remote beaches? Missed!

http://www.rental-cars-scotland.com

are the best value anywhere.

I hope that helps,

Willie Wallace
http://wwww.celticlegend.co.uk