30th July 2025
Welcome to the ScotCampers fortnightly blog.
Catherine and Jean hired last Saturday following their drive from Denmark and a couple of nights in Edinburgh. Stored their car with me at no extra cost and they’re off! First night’s plan was Glencoe so managed to give them a couple of recommendations.
Busy August awaits me – only two days turnaround from Catherine/Jean’s return and then two long hires in August with very tight turnaround (24 hours). In my experience, something will need mended so all I can be is ready for the unexpected and potentially a long night in the garage. I can’t complain though, as love the variety and the challenges. The hire after Catherine/Jean is Wing-Mee, her husband and 12 year old from Holland. Wing-Mee knows Scotland fairly well having studied at Edinburgh Uni for a year and her plans this trip are the Orkneys. Fascinating place with a whole lot of history – all the way from Neolithic remains right up to Italian POWs and the Churchill barriers. The quickest way there is the ferry from Aberdeen but this comes in around four times the price of the shorter crossing off the north coast and across the Pentland Firth. Coincidentally I was planning a trip there this Autumn to brush my knowledge up for future hirers.
Orkney:
Lots of activity on socials this month. I’m learning, that’s for sure! Accessed a local social media business through the Clacks local authority and productive first meeting with them. I’ve managed to secure a couple of days of support, which will see my digital marketing plan tidied/finalised and some on location posts – watch this space. The following day I met with my friend, Tara who runs marketing for big companies and had a lot of steers for me. The reassuring conclusion from both meetings is that I appear to be on the right track, just takes time to get known out there (and I’m always in a rush!).
I read with sadness the accident in the campervan the other day where a heating fuel source was likely the cause. There’s lots of conversions out there these days and some, frankly, put the end user at risk. The use of the correct gas, with the correct isolators and ventilation are imperative. It’s just not worth the risk. This was an early investment from the business and I get an independent certification annually. An outlay but the alternative isn’t worth even considering.
Today (Tuesday) sees me on the train down to Newcastle to look at van 2. The business model seems to be proving itself and I had to turn away a couple of hires this month (double booked) so this is perhaps the time to upscale and get ready for 2026. Looking at another VW campervan – this time a two berth. Update on next week’s blog!
I have availability in September so please get in touch to discuss requirements.
Catch you next time and remember, not all those who wander are lost.
