Scotland - do I have to book accommodation in advance?

Question

I'm going to Scotland in July/August for a week, and I'm planning to rent a car and see much of the country. As I'm not sure where I'll go, I don't feel like booking hostel or b&b now.

Does anyone have an idea - will I be able to find accommodation once I get there? Or maybe I should make a plan of my trip now and book everything in advance?

Thanks a lot :)

Answer 1

My husband and I went to Scotland on our honeymoon and we didn't want the trip to be constrained by where we had to stay each night.  We bought a B&B voucher book in advance of the trip, then just used a voucher coupon each night wherever we ended up (we had to pick one that was in the 'network', like a health plan, ha ha).  

It actually worked great, but I don't even think you need the vouchers if you don't want them, there were tons of B&Bs, most with vacancies.

It was September when we traveled.

You'll have an awesome time!

Answer 2

It really depends on where you go in Scotland, if for example you plan on going to Edinburgh during that time it would be best to book in advance as that is near festival season when the city is really busy.  

If you want to ensure you get good accommodation in the centre of the town or city you are visiting it is best to book in advance.  

Some hostels also allow you to book in advance and then if you give 24hrs notice you can cancel it if you wish.

Here are a couple of good accommodation sites both have hostels and B&Bs.

http://www.visitscotland.com

http://www.roomsinscotland.com