Business of the Month: Arnold Clark
Our partner, Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental, is business of the month. They have been renting vehicles to locals and visitors since 1963, and they’re experts when it comes to the local area. We caught up with Laura MacKay, the manager at their Inverness branch, to find out what they can offer visitors doing the North Coast 500.
1. Hello Laura, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and your position at Arnold Clark?
I’ve been with Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental for 16 years now, and I’m currently the manager at the Inverness branch. Arnold Clark’s rental service began in 1963 with just 12 cars available to hire. We now have 55,000 vehicles available to hire from 40 branches across the UK. But, even though we’re such a large organisation, it’s still a family-owned business, and the original family values of the business are still at the heart of everything we do.
2. Tell us… Why choose Arnold Clark Car & Van rental to travel the North Coast 500?
There would be nothing worse than coming back from a lovely holiday with lots of hidden charges and fees from your car rental company. With us, the price you see is the price you pay and includes insurance, VAT, roadside assistance and unlimited mileage when you hire for more than four days.
As well as saving money, there are lots of other reasons why people would want to choose us. We’ve got a huge range of vehicles to choose from, including people carriers, estates and automatics. We even provide airport transfers and transfers into the city centre, train station and local hotels.
More importantly, our customers appreciate and benefit from the fact that our staff really do have expert local knowledge. Most of us have actually completed the NC500, which means we can give genuine advice and tips to our customers.
3. What added extras can you offer visitors doing the route?
We offer lots of additional extras to help make driving one of our cars as easy as possible. Customers can hire sat navs, dash cams and child seats for a small additional cost. We also offer one-way drop offs, airport collection and pick-up as well as additional driver insurance.
4. What advice can you offer visitors driving the North Coast 500?
My advice to anyone touring the NC500 would be to carry out your own research before you travel. Have a think about what you want to do and where you want to go. There are lots of attractions and activities along the way, so choose what interests you the most and plan your journey from there.
When deciding on the type of vehicle you need to complete the NC500, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. Think about the number of people travelling with you and the luggage space you’ll need. If you’re travelling in a group, it might be worthwhile hiring one of our people carriers so there’s enough space for everyone to be comfortable.
I’d also suggest that drivers practice driving on single track roads. Many of the roads along the NC500 route are very narrow and can be tricky to navigate. It’s really important to approach these roads with caution and always drive at a sensible speed.
Finally, I’d say it’s really worth familiarising yourself with the driving etiquette of the NC500. You should always acknowledge drivers who have stopped to let you pass with a wave and remember that these roads are used by locals every day.
5. If you were to do the NC500, what vehicle would you choose and why?
I would choose the Peugeot 3008 with the 2.0 litre engine. This car has a raised driving position and increased ground clearance, which gives the driver a clear view of the road ahead. It also offers passengers great visibility , which means everybody in the car can fully enjoy the stunning scenery. When I travel with my partner and my two young boys, we more or less pack everything other than the kitchen sink! The 3008’s large boot has plenty of space for all of our bikes, wetsuits, walking clothes and all the essential beach toys.
6. For families or friends doing the North Coast 500, which vehicle would you recommend?
For family and friends who are travelling in a large group I would recommend one of our people carriers. We offer both seven and nine seaters.
7. What is new for 2019?
2019 has been a very exciting year for us so far. We can now offer dash cams, which has already proven to be a real hit with customers who have enjoyed filming their journey around the NC500. It only costs £5 to hire one, and you’ve got those memories to keep forever.
8. What routes would you recommend to go off the beaten path and visit?
I love being in the mountains and Scotland offers some of the best in the world. If you’re looking to go off the beaten track, I’d recommend just getting out there and exploring! Some of my favourite walks are Meall a’ Bhuachaille (near Aviemore), the Quiraing (Isle of Skye) and Ben Wyvis (near Inverness).
Remember that the NC500 isn’t about just getting to your final destination. I always suggest that our customers take regular stops to really take in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
9. And finally… we promise! What is your favourite activity or attraction to visit in the north Highlands?
My favorite place to visit on the NC500 is Torridon. The drive to Torridon alone is truly spectacular. I don’t think I can put it into words that will justify just how truly breathtaking this place is. It really is a must-see if you’re doing the NC500!
