As holidays abroad are still wracked with uncertainty, staycations have never been more popular.
And what better way to escape than by hiring a campervan and exploring what Scotland has to offer?
"This is the year for it,” says Alex Black, who runs Big Sky Campers with Rob Dawkins, “It’s having that sense of freedom. If you have your own vehicle you can do your own thing. You learn so much about your own country.”
Based in Edinburgh, the campervan hire company has been running for four years now and gone from two vehicles to nine. Like many businesses, lockdown has been hard for them, but they are determined to keep going and are looking forward to restrictions easing.
Alex, who has the enviable task of scouting out locations for holidaymakers, said: “I would recommend not doing the North Coast 500. It’s wonderful but it’s really busy because everybody’s doing it.”
Instead, she has suggested 11 magical locations in Scotland to have a campervan staycation extraordinare.
5. Glenmore
Glenmore Campsite can be found in the heart of the Cairngorms on the sandy beach of Loch Morlich. "It's a big, really well organised campsite," says Alex, "It's a really gorgeous place to go, under lovely trees. There's a cool bar where there's always somebody playing music in the evenings." Photo: Getty Images
6. Applecross
Applecross campsite can be found on a remote peninsula in Wester Ross. "It's fantastic," says Alex, "There's a single track road up into the mountains, it's really beautiful." The local inn serves amazing food brought in by local fishermen. Photo: Getty Images
7. Glencoe
The Red Squirrel Campsite at Glencoe also comes highly recommended. "You couldn't be in a more spectacular place really," says Alex, "It's really special in terms of the nature around you, it's extraordinary." Photo: Getty Images
8. Scourie
The picturesque village of Scourie sits on the northwest coast of Scotland. It runs a ferry to Hand Island, a wildlife reserve that is perfect for birdwatchers. Photo: Getty Images