Packing for your holidays? Always best to be prepared

One of the striking differences between holidays abroad and those in Scotland is of course the packing. If you’re off somewhere sunny, you pack swimwear, light clothing, flip flops, etc. You’ll probably also chuck in sunscreen and perhaps insect repellent, depending on your destination. If you’re holidaying here, your packing will take up so much room that you may have to hire a separate minivan to follow on with your luggage. Much of this is weather-related of course. Whatever the time of year, it pays to pack for extreme heat/midges or extreme cold/ horizontal rain.

The footwear required takes up much room in itself. On a recent trip up north, walking boots, wellies, trainers and flip flops (for the

beaches) were just the minimum needed for a couple of days.

Waterproof jackets, sunhats, wooly bobble hats, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, anti-midgy stuff (I know, but you feel better doing something, even if it doesn’t work), blister plasters, sting relief and then – just in case – a couple of floaty summer items.

That’s before all the outdoor stuff you’ll need. Tartan rug, thermos flask, towels in case anyone’s hardy/foolish enough to venture into the sea, chiller bags for picnics and bats and balls for beach games.

And I must stress here – the recent trip did not involve self-catering. We stayed at an inn, so didn’t have the other packing which often takes up room on a Scottish trip – the food and drink.

How do people manage when they’re not driving? All those backpackers. My admiration knows no bounds. You know how annoying it is when you’re getting ready for a holiday to somewhere sunny and you see those “how to pack” articles, where some fashion person manages to roll up billions of expensive garments into a “capsule wardrobe” to take on hols? I’d like to see them try it for a Highland trip.

Thing is, you’ll come home having worn the same ratty jumper, waterproof jacket, jeans and walking boots for the whole trip, unload all the other stuff, have a good scratch at the midgy bites and congratulate yourself on always being prepared.

You may have to hire a separate minivan to follow on with your luggage