24th September 2025
Welcome to the ScotCampers fortnightly blog.
Last couple of weeks summarised by, guests, Revival, van improvements, getting ready for 2026.
It was nice to welcome Kaz and her partner from Wales for, what sounded like, a cracking adventure. They managed to get as far as Harris on the ferry off Skye. Part of the famous NC500 featured too. Once again, great to work with guests to help shape their itineraries. A first for ScotCampers with a proposal on the last day of their trip! Here’s Kaz!
So, second weekend of September usually sees me on my annual pilgrimage to the utterly brilliant, Goodwood Revival. I first went way back in 2013 (think that was the second year it actually ran. Based on the Goodwood estate near Chichester, this saw my fly into Gatwick, stay locally and attend on the Saturday.
For those of you who don’t know about the Revival, it’s a pre-1966 themed motor racing event – but so much more….. Period dress of that era is the norm, along with the food, tunes and historic aircraft. This year, I went with a few friends from the village and once again, the racing was amazing.
My usual outfit on the right and think that’s fourth year out in this one so thinking cap on for next year!
The last couple of weeks were also focused around van improvements. As well as a couple of small improvements to Bilbo (van 1), most of my time has been on the new, two berth. Lighting wasn’t up to much so four LEDs now installed. I’m not happy with the roof inside either so I have acoustic panels ready to cut and fit in the garage. I’m in two minds around refurbishing the whole interior (flooring, different kitchen, along with fridge. That’s probably the nice to have but the one I am going to tackle is the solar panel. It’s not up to the off-grid job at just 35 watts so a 200 watt one just about to be ordered. That will allow for a decent enough chunk of time for hirers in the wilds.
Having driven this van to the Cairngorms a couple of weeks back, something else came to mind in the shape of a decent earing area (given the roof doesn’t extend and the bed is bigger than my other van). So, Awning rail is fitted and it will be supplied with a small awning, together with table and chairs. I say small but this essentially doubles the floorspace available to hirers.
This goes to prove that you don’t really understand customer requirements and needs, until you walk a mile in their shoes.
2026 planning has started. As the season starts to slow (one booking in November and that will probably be it until March), my head is turning to MOTs, improvements, marketing for next season and potentially look for a third van.
When I reflect on 2025 to date and really, last 5 months, it’s all been about set up and learn lessons ahead of next year.
Until next time however, remember, not all those who wander are lost.
