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13 March 2023
Driving on Scotland's islands
When driving on Scotland’s islands you are very likely to encounter the single-track road. Many visitors discover these roads without having the requisite experience to navigate them properly. A single-track road is a road that permits two-way travel but is not wide enough in most places to allow vehicles to pass one another. To overcome this problem, single-track roads are provided with passing places.
Passing places are there to facilitate just that, the passing of vehicles from opposite directions along a narrow track of road. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place to let them past. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.
Many passing places are marked by either black and white poles at the roadsides or square passing place signs, others are not marked but still easily identifiable. Remember to give your fellow driver a wee wave to show your appreciation for allowing you to pass, it’s a Scottish tradition!
Parking
Another factor to consider when driving on an island is watching where you park. A passing place may be the perfect little bay to pull up and appreciate the scenery or drop the car while you explore the local area, but blocking a passing place stops other vehicles from safely passing or overtaking and can create dangerous situations. Similarly, parking in farm tracks, field gateways or cattle grids could cause disruption for farmers and local residents. It may look like a safe place to park but these entrances could be in regular use.
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Finally, just a reminder to take extra care when driving on Scotland’s islands. There are many dangers – sharp turns, hidden entrances, unexpected hazards – that are much safer to deal with if your speed is reduced. A steady approach is best when driving on country roads where walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wild animals may be sharing the space with you. Keep others at the forefront of your mind, take your time and you’ll find island driving to be a pleasant experience all round.
