Scotland with a motorhome

[ThroughGraceAlone]

Hi, my DH has always dreamt of visiting the highlands. We're relocating abroad, but I would love to surprise DH with a Scotland trip (Edinburgh and the Highlands) before we go.

I'm thinking of hiring a camper van/motor home and travel up to scotland.
But where do I start?
Any good recommendations on where to rent one?
We are based in Winchester, but can also pick up a van in Manchester if we sleep over at my parents (and leave our car there)

We have a 2 littlies. A 1 year old and a 3 year old? Would it be feasible with them?

Any any scotland and or motorhome reccomendations and do's and don't will be highly appreciated. Pitfalls to look out for? I don't want to mess this up as it will be our one and only uk holiday.
How long is a good time to go for?

Lastly, would you reccomend the Caledonian express from London to Edinburgh and maybe a motorhome from there or a waste of money.

Thank you so very much

Just be also aware if you visit in busy periods that parking a motorhome can also be a nightmare if you want to visit anywhere. We have just got back from the highlands and most car parks were jam packed with motorhomes with already limited car parks, also some of the roads can be scary if you are not used to driving something that big. With little ones I would maybe suggest flying up and renting a car so you are not as limited

Lots of places close after the Scottish half term. We went to Mull (which is lovely) and some of the cafes/restaurants (and there aren't many to start with) were closed for the rest of the year.

Avoid Applecross in a motor home, My husband did the driving but I was praying the whole way up and back down again.

October is a great time to go in my opinion- no midges and much less traffic. Be prepared for rain or sunshine, its a very mixed bag weather-wise.

As some one else has said up thread, please please please pull over to let traffic pass, but otherwise I think it'll be a lovely trip.

We will definately pull over! I just think a motorhome is easier for kids than a car? Because in a car, if it rains you're stuck. Whereas in a motor home, you can park somewhere, take them out of their seats and they can move, even if the weather is bad.