The AA do running cost tables and there aren't many new cars you can run for as little as 45p per mile. 45p is the rate at which you aren't taxed, not a reflection of running costs.

But using a ferry, you still have to pay the fixed costs of running a car, depreciation, VED, insurance, MoT test, etc - you only save the direct running costs which are much less than 80p/mile used by the RET.

RET was simply about making the ferries cheaper for residents, tourists and supplies. One can argue for ever about the sums underwriting the charge but the effect has been to lower the fares.

Difficult to tell whether changes in numbers are affected by RET or wider economic factors. HAving been on Lewis/Harris every spring bank from 2002 to 2010 we've missed out a couple because of exams and the sheer expense of what is, at the end of the day, a second holiday.

There were noticeably more large camper type vehicles last time we were there (the year RET came in). There's also a new Lewis ferry order to replace both IofL and Muirneag. I doubt investement in the Skye Harris/Uist route can be long delayed either.

The wild camp theory is plausible. I doubt however they don't eat out and replenish supplies locally at much same rate as self caterers in cottages.

The only times I've avoided refuelling on Harris/Lewis have been the two occasions on Harris where the week's weather was so good we never went north of the licenced grocer's at Aird Aseag.