Driving on Skye and Raasay
Always drive on the LEFT – Keep LEFT
Whether driving your own vehicle or a rental vehcile, if you’re used to driving on the other side of the road, it’s a challenge to remember to KEEP LEFT. It’s probably most difficult when you’re making a turn on to another road or when you’re approaching a traffic roundabout (always go clockwise around a roundabout!).
It’s a good time for the driver to encourage some ‘back seat driving’ and get everyone to remind the driver, whenever they’re turning, to repeat something like:
* We’re turning left and we need to KEEP LEFT or
* We’re turning right and we need to KEEP LEFT
Please take the time to rest. Do not drive when you’re tired – the driver needs to be especially alert. Stay safe.
Pull in to let traffic pass you
Hopefully you’re enjoying your visit. You may not be travelling as fast as you might at home. The scenery and the fresh air can do that to you!
Whether you’re driving a car, camper van or motorhome – if you’ve got traffic behind you, pull over in a lay-by or passing place and let the traffic pass. This could be local people going to work, going to an important appointment or taking the children to school.
Because the roads are busy and often narrow, winding, and mountainous it can be difficult to overtake. Those you let pass you will be very appreciative and give you a wave or a bip of their horn. By letting vehicles pass you’ll be reducing frustration and helping everyone stay safe. Thank you.
Beware of people, livestock and wildlife
Please be alert – especially on single track roads people may be walking on that narrow strip of road that you’re sharing with the traffic coming the other way. Pedestrians may not hear you – especially if you’re driving an electric vehicle or if the wind is blowing.
Wildlife – deer or smaller animals may dart into the road at any time.
Livestock – sheep, and sometimes cows, will be loose and walking on the road. Please take care when passing them.
Spare wheel and rental vehicles
Whether you’re driving your own car, or renting one, we highly recommend that you have a spare wheel on board. Our roads aren’t the best and flat tyres are a frequent occurrence. If you’re waiting for road rescue, this can sometimes take many hours – so please be prepared.
If you are renting a vehicle, when you are collecting it, make sure you know what roadside assistance you should expect if there’s a problem. We recommend taking out maximum cover – especially for roadside assistance and replacement wheels.
The emergency repair kits supplied by most rental companies aren’t able to repair a damaged tyre.
If you do have a breakdown or tyre issue on the side of the road please ensure you and your passengers are safely away from the vehicle, use hazard warning lights to show there is a problem and wait for recovery vehicles or the policy. Do not put yourselves or others in danger by staying in the vehicle.
Scotland’s lower alcohol limits
We encourage you to try Skye and Raasay’s spirits – but not when you’re driving! Scotland’s alcohol limits are lower than the rest of the UK and much of Europe.
There are many taxis on Skye – but please book ahead to avoid disappointment. Don’t count on Uber!
“Carry the lad that’s born to be king”