Scotland's school holidays kick-start the UK's summer getaway
AA warns of heavier traffic on key Scottish tourist routes
Visitors advised to prepare for midge season

Scotland's school holidays are set to mark the start of the UK's summer getaway, with families heading off weeks before many schools in England break up.

The AA expects holiday traffic to build throughout July as families head off on staycations, day trips and journeys to ferry ports and destinations across Scotland and beyond.

Alongside the school holidays, several major events are expected to increase traffic on Scotland's roads during July and August.

A recent AA survey of 922 Scottish drivers found that, despite the likelihood of limited mobile signal in parts of rural Scotland, only 15% would use an atlas to confirm their route. Instead, almost three-in-five (57%) said they would rely on a free route-planning app. The AA recommends carrying an atlas as a back-up in case mobile coverage is lost.

Routes expected to be busier include the A9 towards the Highlands, the A82 towards Loch Lomond and Fort William, the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the A90 and A96 in the north-east, and the M74/A74(M) for drivers travelling south. Additional delays are possible on the A1, A720 Edinburgh City Bypass and roads serving major event venues.

The AA is also advising motorists to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys and carry out basic vehicle checks before travelling. Drivers heading to rural and Highland destinations should also be prepared for seasonal conditions, including hot weather, busy ferry crossings and midge season across many parts of the north and west of Scotland.

The survey also highlighted a lack of preparation among EV drivers. Just 3% of Scottish respondents said they would check charging locations before travelling, while only 4% would ensure their vehicle was fully charged before setting off.

Chris McLaughlan, AA expert patrol, said: "Scotland's school holidays traditionally signal the start of the UK's summer getaway and this year coincides with a busy programme of sporting events, concerts and festivals. Drivers should expect heavier traffic on key tourist routes and around major venues, particularly at weekends and during event arrival and departure times.

"Before setting off, motorists should take a few minutes to check their tyres, oil, coolant and fuel or battery charge levels, and make sure they have enough water, snacks and any essential medications for longer journeys. For those heading to the Highlands and islands, it's also worth packing insect repellent, as midge season is well underway across many popular tourist areas.

“A little preparation before you leave home can help avoid turning the start of your holiday into an unnecessary breakdown."

Summer bh

AA advice for Scotland’s early summer getaway

The AA is encouraging drivers to use the FLOWER check before setting off:

F – Fuel

Make sure you have enough fuel or battery charge for your journey, especially if heading into rural areas where filling stations and EV chargers may be further apart.

L – Lights

Check all lights are clean and working, including headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights.

O – Oil

Check your oil level before a long journey and top up if needed.

W – Water

Top up screenwash and check coolant levels to help avoid overheating, especially if the car is heavily loaded.

E – Electrics

Make sure the battery is in good condition and check essential electrics such as wipers, windows and phone chargers.

R – Rubber

Check tyre pressures, tread depth and overall condition, including the spare if your car has one. Cars carrying extra passengers, luggage, bikes, roof boxes or camping gear may need tyre pressures adjusted for the heavier load, so check the vehicle handbook before setting off.

Yonder received 922 responses from Scotland-based AA members to its online poll between the 18th and 24th June 2026. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

A guide for safe summer driving | The AA

Traffic news for Scotland| Live reports from AA Roadwatch | AA

Events in Scotland 2026 | Traffic Scotland

School term and holiday dates - mygov.scot

AA Big Easy Read Atlas Britain 2027 Spiral Bound (AA Road Atlas): Amazon.co.uk: AA