Just arrived home after a wonderful round Scotland trip following most of the NC500 Route, the only bit we missed was from Inverness across to the west coast.
We decided to travel a clockwise route, most do it the other way about. The only bonus I could see was minimal number of motor homes in front of me, all the traffic was oncoming.
All I can say about the West cost of Scotland is “WOW”, the scenery is majestic, sorry no, it’s FANTASTIC. Some of the roads were excellent, while others not so and I would dread to drive the route in summer holiday time as I expect chaos reigns. The best driving road was the “old Military Road” on the east coast, absolutely fabulous and you don’t need 400 hp to enjoy the curves, straights and great views of the Cairngorms.
Brilliant to meet so many wonderful people too, we were made to feel very welcome in “another land”, and the hospitality of the Scots is legendary.
The best little village we came across, without doubt Dornoch and its cathedral, yes it’s cathedral. It’s not a city but a Royal Burgh, something I had never heard of before. There were many other fantastic places, bur we didn’t get time to explore.
The only downside it was so so cold with the roof off, that me and my dearest now have the dreadful manflu, the worst kind of flu ever.
As for the car, “almost” spot on. Ran like a sewing machine until the penultimate day when I “think” my servo issues returned. Considering it was refurbed and re-sleeved not more than 300 miles ago it is a right royal pain, now considering if I should ditch it. (Opinions here please).
The car pulls like a train, my friend who has had Elans for +40 years was seriously impressed when driving it which made my effort feel worth it. In all 1445 miles, using 43.2 imperial gallons gave me an average of 33 and a best of 38 crushing on the motorway. Hats off to John Smirthwaite for the engine build, Mikeanics of Congleton for setting her up. The “new” 3.55:1 diff helping to keep the RPM’s down and the box rebuilt by Alister sweet as a nut.
I spotted only one other Lotus, a 430 Cup in Yellow giving it the beans coming in the opposite direction. But to be fair, not very many classics, a gaggle of Morgan’s at John O’Groats, an E Type, TR6 and a Spifire and that’s it. I ignored all the cars with the engines in the “wrong place” and their drivers in Puma Speedcats.
Would I do it again….. YES. And I have routes if anyone is interested….
I 
Scotland
Cheers
Mark