First I want to state for others reading this review that I give very honest reviews and even though we booked this campervan for our trip this is not the one we received and that my review is on. However, we did not know this until pick up where it was explained to us that this was due to the fact that the couple before us blew out the engine and it was unusable.
Russell was extremely nice and went way out of his way to ensure we had a different but similar one for our trip so that our plans were not ruined, which was greatly appreciated! We would have been devastated to arrive in Scotland have to scramble to set up other arrangements.
He picked us up at the train station and dropped us off there at the end of the trip which was greatly appreciated as well. There is a fee for it, which was ok.
The van we got he stated was newer than the one we originally booked.
The van wasn’t really cleaned when we took it over as well as we didn’t get a full propane tank as it was our understanding that it was a VERY quick turnover from the people before in order for us to have the van for our trip on time.
The only issue we really had was that it was discovered the first evening that the water pump did not work so we unfortunately did not have any water for our 8 day trip. My husband is an engineer and tried to troubleshoot with Russell via text to see if it was something simple or error user but the water was leaking out of the frame and my husband was 100% convinced that the line was ruptured. Russell said the previous ppl said the water worked fine for them and seemed to think it was a valve that opens when the temp drops below freezing even though attempts to shut the valve proved unsuccessful. Hence we used bottled water the whole of the trip. It was a big bummer as we planned this trip around having water access and shower use. And we did end up getting sick a couple days in and we really struggled to find an open campground and showers a couple times when we really needed them and just felt awful. So that was a big bummer. We know that we wouldn’t have been able to take but quick showers but when you don’t feel well, it really makes all the difference.
We did notice some other differences between the vans that we would have liked to of still had. There was no reversing camera with the one we got, only a 2 burner stovetop (could only cook one thing at a time) no microwave or oven.
We didn’t also notice that the sliding door - the window shade really rattles the entire time driving so just a heads up. It won’t be a quiet ride lol.
Overall we had a wonderful time. We are so thankful that Russell made sure our trip was able to happen. We had so many great adventures in it and saw so much. The van was great, we just planned on some things that we had to go without and adjust.
I will also add when parking anywhere but especially Portree - if the van takes up 2 spaces (bays) pay for 2 parking passes… we got a ticket bc we only paid for 1 spot though we were technically taking up 2 😒 it was a hefty 50£. And also … don’t stick Russell with the parking ticket. Apparently most people do that. We paid ours before we left the parking lot. Bc if it’s not paid in the first 14 days it doubles to 100£. Don’t be that guy.
April 2025
Response from Russell
Thanks so much for the honest feedback. Definitely not ideal when we have to rush to get one ready. The water leak turned out to be the supply to the toilet cassette which had worked loose after poor fitting when van was brand new 6 months ago . Not something that we would find over the phone but really appreciate your patience and apologies that it took a little bit if the enjoyment from your trip . Make it up to you in the future if you , friends or family come back to Scotland. Thanks for being great hirers !
Brian
Compact
Diesel
Sleeps 4
4 Seats
with seatbelts
Luke
Thomas
Robin
Paul
Richard
Johan En Judith
Tweeny
Garry
Craig
Claire
Alyson
Daniel
Thomas
Charlotte
George
Marianne
Timothy
Calum
Jaldeep
Deane
Harry
Catherine