Hi Celia, you didn't mention that you are accustomed to driving on the left in New Zealand, unlike Diana, who hails from Canada. We, as North Americans, found driving on the left in New Zealand a little bit of a challenge, but for some reason South Africa's left hand driving seemed a little less challenging. Nevertheless, I certainly agree with you that driving on Islay is certainly very easy. We always chose to take a coach from Glasgow to the ferry, then rent a car on Islay. Cheerio Helen ----- Original Message ----- From: "celiageary" <celia_geary@infogen.net.nz> To: <SCT-ISLAY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2006 5:40 PM Subject: Re: [SCT-ISLAY] I'll Be Visiting Islay & Need Driving Tips > There is no need to be apprehensive about driving in Islay, Scotland or > anywhere in England either. In 2002 I rented cars and drove around Islay, > parts of Argyle, and from Oxford to Romsey, to Ilminster to Mevagissy in > Cornwall, to Gloucsester and back to Leamington Spa and Stratford. I found > all the UK drivers very courteous, polite and helpful. I was told about the > dangers of the motorway but really as long as you keep left you should be > fine. The only thing that did bother me was the very narrow little lanes and > streets in some villages when confronted by a 4x wheel-drive vehicle coming > the other way. Sometimes you had to back a bit to get past. There aren't > many cars on Islay unless they've increased 10 fold in the last 4 years. > Have a happy time- I envy you. Celia. > > > ==== SCT-ISLAY Mailing List ==== > Here are some links related to the Isle of Islay: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~steve/islay/links.htm > >

Yes, I agree you do have to have your wits about you in NZ. I have been driving for 54 years, since I was 15 and I still drive to Wellington and back in a day sometimes-about 2 hours each way. The trouble here is too many young men with high testosterone and attitude. Sorry about the spelling errors in the last letter-typo errors in a hurry. I wish I could return to Islay, it is so evocative and peaceful. My time there was a very wonderful experience. I went to Canada in 2004 and that was great too but didn't do any driving. Celia.