Happy campers in motorhomes
Tam Cowan’s top tips for amazing holidays
DAILY Record columnist and football pundit Tam Cowan is also a keen motorhome enthusiast who regularly holidays in Scotland with his wife, Liz, daughter, Sophie, and wee dog, Casper.
Here are his tips on how to enjoy
Scotland while looking after our beautiful countryside.
If you’re a motorhome novice, spend the first night outside your house (or at a local campsite) to see how everything works.
You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere – 200 miles from home – when you realise you don’t know how to switch on the heating or empty the toilet.
Remember, it’s not a car you’re driving – it’s a small house on wheels.
Allowing for the odd pothole you may encounter, don’t pack the good bone china left to you by granny. Go for the paper plate option (saves washing-up, too!) and melamine mugs for tea and coffee.
Tea towels will be your best friend in a motorhome. Wrap them around anything that might rattle. This will give you peace while driving and may even prevent a divorce (trust me).
A lot of Scotland’s stunning campsites are in remote locations, so fill up the tank whenever you spot a garage.
Take the stress out of your trip by booking well ahead. Many sites offer a good, short-notice cancellation policy, so don’t get in a tizzy about losing money.
A lot of countryside pub/restaurants will allow you to stay overnight in their car park if you book a meal or have a few drinks – but always check in advance.
Do your homework and check out which campsites have play-parks or entertainment at night for kids – it’s holiday time for mum and dad, too.
If you snore (like me), make sure the rest of the family fall asleep first – or your otherwise excellent trip may be spoiled by the notorious Scottish aff liction called crabbitness…
And fellas, while sharing the same, small living space with your family, lay off the curries and Guinness. And mushy peas are not essential with a fish supper…
Dogs also need the loo. Take plenty of poo bags and ALWAYS pick up after your pooch.
In general terms, keep the campsites and our beautiful country tidy by carefully disposing of ALL your rubbish.
Make good use of the (usually excellent) on-site showers – this will save on hot water and your motorhome’s shower unit can then be used for extra storage.
Remember what famous tenor Kenneth McKellar said about the midges: “With teeth like piranhas they’ll drive you bananas…”
Don’t fret about our sometimes dreich Scottish weather – when the rain is stoating off the roof of the motorhome, I promise you’ll feel really cosy and get a great night’s sleep.
Make sure you’re part of the gang by waving to all other motorhome drivers on the road.
Finally… enjoy!