More than 450 drivers and passengers were given face-to-face advice on safe and considerate driving during a summer road safety campaign at some of the Highlands’ most popular destinations.
Throughout August, road users at Urquhart Castle, Dunrobin Castle, and the Cairngorms were offered guidance on how to stay safe on rural roads, park responsibly, and avoid common mistakes when driving in unfamiliar areas.
The effort was led by local police working alongside Highland Council’s Behaviour Change team, a group focused on encouraging safer travel habits, particularly in areas where large numbers of visitors and local communities share narrow, winding roads.
At the heart of the campaign was a simple goal: helping people enjoy Highland roads without putting themselves or others at risk.
The advice focused on rural road etiquette, including driving on the left, using passing places correctly, and managing speed on single-track routes.
With many visitors unfamiliar with Scotland’s roads, officers said small changes in behaviour could make a big difference.
Sergeant Calum MacAulay, from the Highlands and Islands road policing unit, said the work is about protecting both people and place.
“Highland roads offer access to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and we want everyone to enjoy them safely,” he said.
“Many drivers are new to rural roads, so we’ve spent the season offering clear, friendly advice from speed limits to passing place etiquette and staying on the correct side of the road.”
He added that the partnership with Highland Council has helped reach more people in key locations where road safety and local wellbeing often overlap.
George Ewing, Behaviour Change Officer at Highland Council, said the collaboration helped bring vital messages to life in a practical way.
“By working together and providing advice in person, we’ve been able to speak directly with visitors and support safer journeys across the Highlands,” he said.
“Our ‘Drive on the Left’ campaign is a key part of this work, and having a visible presence in busy spots helps make it real.”
The campaign builds on wider efforts to reduce road collisions, ease congestion at popular sites, and ensure travel in the Highlands remains a safe and enjoyable experience, whether you’re heading out for the day or exploring on a longer trip.
