Getting ready for the Great Run? We run through everything you’ll need to be prepared for on the big day.

Make sure you’ve got the right shoes

When you’re running for charity, you could be taking part in full Lycra, wearing a pink wig or even dressed as a chicken. But one thing every participant needs is a pair of good running shoes. Some sportswear shops have a free gait analysis service, where you run on a treadmill and your running style is either filmed or observed by a trained member of staff. By finding out how you run, they’ll be able to assess what footwear is right for you.

Plan your training

If you’re taking on the Great Run, chances are you might have run before. (If you haven’t, though, please check out these Getting Started tips first!) When you begin your training, you need to be honest with yourself about how much time you can spare. Set reminders in your phone or get a runner’s diary, and try to schedule three runs a week. Once you’re in a proper routine, you’ll be more likely to stick to your training, as it will soon become second nature.

Set some (realistic) goals

Not having a clear idea of your goals is the sure route to disillusionment. If you’ve heard of ‘SMART’ goals, then you’re halfway there. If not, don’t worry – S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results and Time. Break up your training into manageable and easily measured smaller goals so that you don’t feel overwhelmed, and keep your mind focused on results, rather than the contents of the fridge or Netflix. Every step counts on the road to raising money for charity and getting that well-deserved Great Run medal.

Grab yourself a running buddy

While some people enjoy the freedom of running alone with nothing but a thumping soundtrack in their headphones, it’s been proven that exercising with someone else helps you stick to your goals. When the going gets tough, a friend can give you the motivation you’re lacking – and you can do the same for them.

Invest in some essential accessories

All runners need a few extras to help them on their way. Pack these things in your bag on race day, along with your running kit, and you can’t go wrong.

• Sunscreen
• Lightweight sunglasses (even if it’s not sunny, they help to keep insects out of your face).
• Body Glide or Vaseline to help prevent chafing and blisters
• Spare safety pins for your race number
• Hair bands
• Comfortable slip-on shoes or flip flops when you’ve finished the run – your feet will thank you for it.

Eat right

Obviously a trip to McDonalds before doing an event like the Great Run is a very bad idea indeed, but it is recommended to load up on carbs three days before. Yes, you can eat bread and pasta to your heart’s content, and make sure you balance it out with protein – around a 70/30 carb/protein split.

On the day of the Great Run, eat three hours before the race. An ideal breakfast would be porridge and fruit or wholegrain toast. (If you’re too wound up to eat, try one of these smoothie recipes to keep your energy levels from dipping.) During the race, eat a snack for every hour you run, so load up on energy gels or sweets to keep you going. Afterwards, have a banana – they’re full of potassium, great for warding off muscle cramps.

Keep hydrated

How much do you drink beforehand, during and after the run? How do you even carry your water bottle when you’re running? There are so many questions about hydration, but the general rule is to make sure you start the run hydrated. This means drinking 500 ml of water, a sports drink or diluted fruit juice two hours beforehand, and another 150 ml before you run. While you’re running, drink when you feel thirsty. There’s a huge variety of water bottles out there, so it’s a matter of choosing the one that suits you best – you can opt to carry a bottle with a wrist strap or even a hydration pack strapped to your back so you can keep your hands free. There’ll also be plenty of water stations on the way.

Imagine you’re a winner

While you might have done some training for the Great Run, the real battle is in your mind. All runners experience a slump at some point, but visualisation techniques really work. As well as positive visualisation, like imagining yourself at the Great Run finish line or raising money for charity, visualise any negatives, too, like cramps, blisters or even wardrobe malfunctions! This helps your brain prepare to overcome any challenges. Keep telling yourself that you can do it – and you will be at that finish line in no time!

Test-Drive Chums is a pilot experiment being carried out at Arnold Clark's flagship Hillington branch. It is hoped that the initiative will help to ease anxiety at the wheel. Customers of a nervous disposition will be able to choose a canine companion to sit in the passenger seat alongside them while they test-drive their chosen car, to ease any jitters.

Psychologist Dr Trevor Bassett from the University of Shih Tzu in Beijing tested the reactions and responses of over 1000 drivers. According to his research, over 81% performed better at the wheel when an animal was present.

Dr Bassett said:

‘This kind of experiment is used by airlines all around the world to calm nervous flyers, and there’s no reason why it wouldn’t work in a car. Dogs are known for their ability to lower blood pressure and have a positive influence on mood, and are often used for therapeutic purposes.’

Arnold Clark took some pointers from the airline business and used these to inform its new initiative.

So what makes a great Test-Drive Chum?

Dr Bassett continued:

‘We’ve rigorously tested a variety of breeds. Our lab report showed that dogs with a tendency to drool can create health and safety concerns, not to mention prohibitive valeting bills. Great Danes should only be used to test-drive larger SUVs and MPVs with plenty of head and legroom. I personally would recommend a Pomeranian or a Chihuahua for a smaller make of car, such as a Renault Twingo.’

Richard Kennedy, General Manager at Hillington, is enthusiastic about the scheme, and is excited to have welcomed Test Drive Chum Colin to the showroom, where he is currently settling in nicely.

‘Colin is a very intelligent dog with great sales acumen and is always willing to fetch us anything we ask for. He’s an asset to the team, and we look forward to working with him in the future. It’s also pretty funny when he sits behind the wheel and it looks like he’s driving.’

This April, we’re offering you a fantastic deal – 3 years’ free servicing, with every new Kia purchased.

With the Kia Care-3 package, your first three scheduled services will be carried out by our dedicated Kia technicians.

When is this offer available?

You can claim your 3 years’ free servicing package throughout the month of April, saving yourself up to £429. It’s great news if you’re worried about budgeting for the road tax changes that will be introduced on 1st April.

Which models are included?

Every single model in the Kia range is included in this offer. The only thing you need to worry about is which one to choose.

Perhaps you’ll go for the rugged Sportage? This is a stylish and versatile SUV that’s recently had an exciting re-design. Or maybe the all-new Rio will catch your eye, with its bold new exterior and premium upholstery. Or will the Kia electric car range give you a buzz?

Whatever you choose, the highly-acclaimed Kia 7-year warranty comes as standard, on top of this great servicing deal.

What’s next?

Simply take a look at the full range of offers on brand-new Kia models and find your local branch today.

Arnold Clark’s Gear Up For Sport competition winners Jazzle Dazzle recently enjoyed a successful stint at the ‘Future Cheer Brings It On’ Paris competition, which saw them competing against dance and cheer groups from all over Europe.

Despite being up against ten other countries, the Renfrew-based dance school scooped an impressive 14 first places, a second place, a third place and a Grand Champions award for their dance routines.

Their Parisian achievements come only months after they won Arnold Clark’s Gear Up For Sport competition with their ‘I Want Candy’ dance routine, performed by their mini cheerleading squad. Out of over 200 entrants to the Skills Challenge competition, Jazzle Dazzle gained an extraordinary 1527 votes, which led to them being the proud winners of the £2000 grand prize.

The prize money contributed to their ongoing fundraising for the Paris trip, but the dancers still continued to work tirelessly, spreading cheer at gala days and hosting events and raffles in order to raise all the funds they needed for their once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Jackie Bryceland, Head Coach at Jazzle Dazzle said:

‘We were completely overwhelmed when we found out we were the Gear Up For Sport winners. The cash prize was invaluable in helping us get to the Disney competition, and we cannot thank Arnold Clark enough for all their help and support. The students had a ball and all the competition prizes are a fantastic bonus!’

Managing Director of Arnold Clark Eddie Hawthorne said:

‘Our Gear Up For Sport initiative has enjoyed another hugely successful year and we’re really proud to have supported over 100 grassroots sport teams. It’s great to see that the grand prize helped Jazzle Dazzle get to the Paris competition and win so many awards.’

Arnold Clark was delighted to help the St Patrick’s Day Charity Ball which took place at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow by donating a Fiat 500, which was used as the star prize on the night.

The St Patrick’s Day Charity Ball is an annual event that has been held in Glasgow for 15 years. The ball supports local children’s charities in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. Funds are still being added up but it looks like the ball has raised close to £60,000.

Some of the charities that benefit from the ball are: the Glasgow Gladiators Powerchair Football Club, Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation, Glasgow RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) and the West of Scotland Muscle Fund.

Karen McAllister, winner of the Fiat 500, came to collect her prize from our flagship branch at Hillington, Glasgow.

Karen was overjoyed to have won the star prize, and commented:

‘I have never won anything like this before. I am always happy to support such excellent causes and cannot thank the sponsors Arnold Clark enough.’

When collecting her new car, Karen met Eddie Hawthorne, Managing Director of Arnold Clark, and the St Patrick’s Day Charity Ball organising committee.

Kevin Maguire, Chairman of the St Patrick’s Day Charity Ball Committee, said:

‘We are delighted that Arnold Clark continues to support our work in such a magnanimous manner. Arnold Clark has helped the committee raise over £1 million in the last 15 years, which supports local charities in the West of Scotland. We could not do this without their support and for that we are extremely grateful.’

Speaking of the ball, Eddie Hawthorne added:

‘The St Patrick’s Day Charity Ball is a fantastic event that supports charities in and around Glasgow. We’re very proud to be able to offer our support to such worthwhile causes for another year.’

You might be there to cheer on a loved one, but you can still enjoy some Edinburgh history and grab a drink or quick a bite to eat on the way. You’ll also be in charge of finding a post-run fuel stop for the tired charity fundraiser in your life, so why not get in the know before you go?

Start line: Holyrood Park

On your marks… get set… and join the crowds at the Great Run start line, making sure you make lots of noise! With Arthur’s Seat on one side, and the Queen’s official Scottish residence – the Palace of Holyroodhouse– on the other, this is a beautiful spot. The park’s 640 acres of grassland also features the dramatic ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, a 15th Century medieval church, and the picturesque Duddingston Loch, where the 10-mile runners will eventually end up on their way back around to the finish line.

Edinburgh Old Town

Both the 5-mile and 10-mile participants will head into Edinburgh’s Old Town, so if you want to follow the route, you’ll see some of the city’s most famous sites, including St. Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile, where you can see the Heart of Midlothian embedded into the cobbles. Grab a caffeine hit with an excellent flat white from The Milkman on Cockburn St, a charming, tiny café which also does raspberry brownies and Cranachan cake, and think about how hard those runners are working.

The Mound

Perhaps you’d rather support the runners from the Mound, an artificial hill which was created in 1765 from 1.5 million cartloads of earth, excavated from the foundations of Edinburgh’s New Town. As they all struggle up it, you could nip into the Scottish National Gallery to get a culture fix. Here you’ll see some wonderful paintings by Titian, Poussin and Cezanne, as well doodles by some guys called Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Grassmarket

A good place to cheer on the 5-milers is the Grassmarket, a historical area which is a popular spot for pubs, bars and shops. Traditionally, public hangings took place here, and on the site where the gallows once stood there is now a pub called The Last Drop. You might even meet the resident ghost, a young girl who regularly plays tricks on staff and customers.

The Meadows

Watching the Great Run with kids? The route passes the Meadows, a large public park with a children’s playground and a giant chessboard, not far from the Royal Mile. There are also lots of street food stalls and small cafes scattered around the edges, like Susie’s Wholefood Wagon and Tupiniquim, which sells delicious Brazilian crepes.

Back to Holyrood

If you’re staying put in the Holyrood area, close to the start and finish line, you’ll see the home of the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth, an interactive museum dedicated to natural phenomenon. (Secret parenting tip: if it’s raining and you’ve got restless toddlers in tow, there’s also a great little soft play tucked away behind the gift shop.)

Post-run pick-me-up

When the Great Run is over, athletes could do worse than a healthy meal at famed Edinburgh veggie restaurant Hendersons, a stone’s throw from the Scottish Parliament. Or they may prefer to hobble back to the Royal Mile to the Burgers and Beers Grillhouse for something more substantial. Either way, you have been an excellent supporter, and you deserve a big lunch, too. Well done!

Caravanning is one of the best ways to explore the countryside, and has become a staple British pastime.

But before you start pondering the perfect car and caravan combo, there are a few things you need to get clued up on first.

Here we list some need-to-know facts about the law in the UK, pairing your car to your caravan and a selection of our favourite tow cars available to buy now.

Can I tow a caravan?

This depends on when you passed your driving test, as the laws surrounding towing have changed over the years.

If your driving licence was issued after 1 January 1997, you can:

• Drive a car or van up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM).
• Tow a trailer over 750 kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and vehicle is no more than 3,500 kg.

If your driving licence was issued before 1 January 1997, you can:

• Drive a vehicle and trailer with combined MAM of up to 8,250 kg.

If you want to tow anything heavier, you’ll need to take a car and trailer driving test.

Choosing a tow car

There’s one-size-fits-all tow car, as it’s all about matching your car to your caravan. This is called outfit matching.

As caravans come in all shapes and sizes, you’ll need to consider the weight of the caravan first, and then assess how capable the car is of pulling this weight.

You’ll want to consider the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of your caravan, also known as maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the weight of the caravan when it is fully loaded.

It is widely advised that your caravan should weigh no more than 85% of your vehicle’s kerb weight. This is to avoid a ‘tail wags the dog’ situation. Your caravan should never weigh more than 100% of your vehicle’s kerb weight.

To work out your caravan’s weight as a percentage of your car’s kerb weight, simply take your caravan’s MAM figure, divide it by 85, and then multiply by 100. In order to be safe, your tow car should have a kerb weight that is the same or bigger than this figure.

Example:

Caravan MAM = 1400 kg

(1400/85) x 100 = 1647

This means you should look for a car with a kerb weight of 1647 kg or more.

Driving tips when towing

When towing a caravan, make sure you do everything smoothly. Don’t accelerate, brake or change direction abruptly. Be decisive but don’t rush.

Remember that there are speed limits specific to towing. These are 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways, and 50 mph on other roads unless there are lower speed restrictions in operation.

Arnold Clark service centres across the UK are running an exciting competition called ‘Buy a Tyre, Win £1000’. Customers will be entered into a draw to win £1000 when they buy a Hankook tyre during March and April.

There will be four winners over the course of the promotion, amounting to a total of £4000 up for grabs.

Need more than one tyre? Don’t worry – Arnold Clark will give you an entry for every single tyre you purchase.

Winner announcements

Winners will be announced on the following dates:

• 15th March
• 29th March
• 12th April
• 1st May

Watch this space for updates from each winner as they happen.

Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited is saddened to announce the passing of its founder and Chairman, Sir Arnold Clark, DUniv FIMI. Sir Arnold passed away peacefully at home on Monday 10th April 2017 surrounded by his family.

Sir Arnold was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a great friend and employer to many. A truly inspirational business leader, Sir Arnold’s work ethic and strong family values will continue to inspire all those who work for the Group. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

If you’re about to become a new grandparent – congratulations! But as well as finding adorable onesies and accessories for the little one, there’s also the small matter of having the right car. Is your current car spacious enough to carry the latest addition to the family? Does it have the right safety features?

Whether you live just up the road from your family or can only see your grandchild occasionally, we’ve put together some things to look out for if you’re thinking of upgrading to a bigger car.

3-doors vs 5-doors

If you’ve been used to running your own small car, it’s worth considering whether you’ll need more space. 3-doors are fine when you’re putting shopping in the boot or carrying the odd extra passenger, but it’s a different matter with a baby and pram in tow. Putting the front seat forward then crawling into the back to fix a baby seat will give you a real headache - not to mention backache.

A 5-door hatchback is far more practical, but you don’t have to spend money on a huge vehicle. There are plenty of smaller, economical 5-doors out there that will work as both a runaround and a family car – a Volkswagen Golf, Renault Clio or Ford Focus would all fit the bill.

Boot space

Your grandchild might only weigh a few pounds right now, but today’s safety-conscious prams can be the size of tractors. Even when they’re folded down, they might take up more space than you’d think. That’s why you’ll need flexible boot space with enough height to accommodate a pram chassis. Cars like the Renault Captur come with a removable shelf at the bottom of the boot to add depth – perfect for prams or buggies of any size. The Kia Cee’d also has family friendly storage options like underfloor storage trays and centre console storage for all those stray dummies and toys.

Isofix points

The world of child in-car safety can sound dauntingly technical. The good news is that no matter what car seat you choose for your grandchild, there’s now a universal safety fitting built in, called Isofix. Many cars come with Isofix points as standard – they’re metal connectors in the car’s chassis that you click your car seat into.

Find out more about Isofix.

Safety technology

There’s a tonne of safety features that take the worry out of driving with your precious grandchild in the back. Front and side airbags, parking sensors, cruise control and speed limiters all help to keep things safer. New cars like the 2016 Vauxhall Corsa even come with an onboard safety and navigation system, which alerts an operator in case airbags are deployed. Look for the Euro NCAP rating when you’re buying. New cars with five-star Euro NCAP ratings include the 2016 Kia Niro, the 2015 Renault Megane and the 2015 Volkswagen Touran.

Entertainment and child-friendly extras

You might have remembered to buy the car seat, the back seat baby activity centre and the CD of nursery rhymes, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A really handy thing to have is a baby mirror, so you can check on your grandchild while they’re in the back. Also, don’t forget window blinds, to keep the sun out of their eyes. And if you’re serious about keeping the little ones entertained, modern touch screen dashboard infotainment systems can offer Bluetooth, Apple and Android connectivity, so as your grandkids grow, they’ll always have something to keep them busy on long journeys.

The Volkswagen Used Car Event takes place at all Arnold Clark Volkswagen branches from 13th – 30th April.

All used Volkswagens bought during the event come with:

• A two-year warranty

• Two years' MOT cover

• Two years’ replacement key cover

• Two years’ roadside assistance

• 10.9% APR representative

Up!

Measuring just 3.6 metres long and 1.91 metres wide, the Up! combines a compact exterior with remarkable interior space. Rather than being a scaled-down version of Volkswagen’s larger cars, the Up! takes a more intelligent approach.

Polo

A practical supermini with plenty of space, the Polo offers a high-quality interior too. There are three and five-door versions available and a wide range of petrol and diesel engines depending on your needs. Now in its fifth generation, the Polo has been a popular choice with motorists since its launch in the 1970s. Transmissions range from five- or six-speed manuals to DSG dual-clutch automatics. The choice of engines is good too, with three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines available.

Golf

The Golf comes in a range of body styles; estate, mini MPV and hatchback. There are diesel and petrol engines available, and transmission is a choice of five- or six-speed manual and six- or seven-speed DSG automatic gearboxes. The main thing that stands out, as with the majority of Volkswagen models, is the build quality. It makes an ideal small family car.

Passat

An executive saloon or estate, the Passat is designed to impress, whichever model you choose. Volkswagen’s signature high quality is evident inside and out. Available with a range of diesel engines and five trim levels, there’s certainly one to suit every family.

Visit one of our Volkswagen branches between the 13th and 30th April to find out more about these great deals.

* Terms and conditions apply. ** Excludes Helensburgh and Greenock Volkswagen branches. At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) own the vehicle: pay the optional final payment; ii) return the vehicle: subject to fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. Available on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. Used car sales between 90 days and up to five years only. Minimum balance to finance £5000. ˆService plan covers next two consecutive services limited to one minor and one major service. Terms and conditions apply. Excess mileage charges up to 7.2p per mile apply. Offer available when ordered between April 13th and 30th April, 2017. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication, 04/2017.

To celebrate the launch of our Stirling Volkswagen branch, we’re delighted to welcome you to our open weekend on the 21st–23rd April.

With 150 used cars on site and a wide selection of new and delivery mileage models, there’s plenty to choose from.

What’s more, if you like the look of a car, our helpful, expert staff will be on hand to answer any of your questions. The new branch also offers Motability vehicles and vehicles for business.

Throughout the weekend you can expect:

• Delicious food and refreshments
• A face painter
• A magician
• A balloon artist
• Goodie bags
• Prizes
• Two years’ free servicing on all vehicles purchased

What’s more, it’s also going to be our Drive the Night Away weekend so if you test-drive a used car, you can enjoy a free hotel stay!

It’s going to be a weekend to remember, so why not come along and join us at your exciting new Stirling Volkswagen?

Peugeot recently collaborated with Auto Express to run an online contest with the winner enjoying the use of a brand-new Peugeot 3008 SUV for six months.

Alex Munro from the Isle of Lewis was the lucky winner and he collected his prize from our Inverness Peugeot branch on Tuesday 11th April.

When collecting his prize, Alex said:

‘This is surreal. I cannot believe that having entered the competition late one night that we would ever win the prize. The car is stunning and is really going to stand out on the Isle of Lewis.’

The car that was handed over was a high spec 3008 GT Line BlueHdi 120 Auto in Amazonite Coupe Franche paint, with optional extras including fitted grip control, opening glass roof, motorised tailgate, heated seats and hi-fi upgrade.

Graeme Forbes, General Manager at Arnold Clark Inverness Peugeot, commented:

‘The new Peugeot 3008 SUV is a fantastic car, and I’m sure Alex will find it hard to let go in six months’ time! We’re delighted to have been involved in the handover for such a great competition, and thank Peugeot and Auto Express for choosing Arnold Clark as their trusted Peugeot retailer.’

The award-winning Peugeot 3008 SUV is now available to test-drive at all of our Peugeot branches. Visit your local branch to see this stunning SUV for yourself, and to browse an extensive range of new and used Peugeot cars.

The Pre-Reg Pledge

You may have recently learned that the government have decided to change the way in which road tax charges are calculated. Ultimately, this means that many of us may end up paying more per year for our cars if they are registered after April 1st 2017. For example, under the previous system, a 1.4 Vauxhall Corsa SRi would have cost only £30 per year. However, under the new system this would become an annual charge of £160 for the same car.

Arnold Clark Vauxhall branches have decided to roll back the road tax clock with the Pre-Reg Pledge. By registering a selection of brand-new Vauxhalls before April 1st they now have a stock of shiny 17 plates with savings ready to pass on to customers.

How much will I save?

The amount you could potentially save will depend on your new Vauxhall of choice, the road tax band it falls within and how long you keep it for. For example, if you decide to take home the 1.4 Vauxhall Corsa SRi and opt for finance over four years, you could save £460 with the Pre-Reg Pledge.

Are these savings permanent?

Unfortunately, these savings will only last as long as our limited stock of pre-registered 17 plate Vauxhalls do, so the window of opportunity is narrow.

Arnold Clark Vauxhall Franchise Manager, David Boyd, is delighted to pass these savings back to customers and said: ‘We want to make sure our new cars are as inexpensive as possible for longer. By pre-registering a quantity of our new Vauxhall stock before April 1st we are thrilled to be able to continue offering the best prices on new Vauxhalls in the UK, bar none.’

Not sure which new Vauxhall is right for you? Take a look at some of our latest offers.

With Drive the Night Away, you could get an overnight hotel stay for two at one of over 100 UK hotels simply for test-driving a used car!

What do I need to do?

It's so easy. All you have to do is test-drive a used car.

That’s it!

Where can I go?

With over 100 UK hotels to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you choose to spend your night away on a tranquil retreat to the country or get your glad rags on for a stylish city break is entirely up to you. You can view the full list of hotels here.

*Calls from BT landlines are charged at national rate. The price of calls from other telephone companies will vary. Contact your service provider for details.

Offer available from 21st–24th April 2017. Excludes brand-new 17 plate vehicles. Only one voucher per customer, offer available to retail customers only. Excludes Harry Fairbairn and Mercedes-Benz branches. Booking lines open on the 26th April 2017. Test drives must be taken between 21st–24th April 2017. Book a test drive to avoid disappointment. To make your hotel reservation, please call 01565 831816. For full terms and conditions, visit www.drivethenightaway.co.uk/arnoldclark

Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular. There are many benefits to owning a hybrid, such as reducing your carbon footprint, enjoying a government grant (in some cases) and preferential parking with free use of bus lanes in certain areas.

However, some people continue to be deterred by heftier price tags when comparing hybrid offers with petrol and diesel options.

To make things a little clearer, we’ve compiled a selection of hybrid cars and compared them with their petrol or diesel counterparts, to see how long it would take you to recoup the extra money spent going hybrid, and how long it would take for your hybrid to pay for itself.

It’s not always easy to calculate this, as you need to find a comparable petrol or diesel car.

Cars like the Kia Niro or Hyundai Ioniq only come in hybrid or electric variants, so in order to make a fair comparison, you would need to look at these cars alongside an equivalent petrol or diesel option you might be considering.

For the purposes of this article, we’ve taken three hybrid cars that have non-hybrid options in the range.

The below comparisons are meant as a guide only. There will be other factors that affect these figures, such as road tax, maintenance costs and fuel price fluctuations.

There are also certain extra savings that UK hybrid drivers can enjoy, which have not been factored into the below comparisons. A couple of these are:

• Fuel duty
• VAT (5% for plug-in vehicles compared to 20% for road fuels)

Ready for the Kiltwalk? You might be dressed in your full clan regalia, but do you know your sporran from your sgian dubh? Or your setts from your filleadh beags? Here are some things you might not know about the mighty kilt…

1. Kilts are DEFINITELY not skirts

The word ‘tartan’ was first coined in the 16th century, and kilts originated in the Highlands as a 5-metre piece of cloth that also wrapped around the top half of the body as a cloak. The Gaelic name for it was the filleadh mór (or ‘great kilt’), and the tartan pattern came from a series of interwoven stripes called a sett.

2. They were adapted by an Englishman

The kilts we wear today were actually designed in the 1720s by a Quaker from Lancashire called Thomas Rawlinson, who adapted the full garment to be wrapped around the waist so that walking was easier. It was referred to as a ‘filleadh beag’ (or small kilt). He also wrote that the original belted version was ‘cumbrous and unwieldy’. Who you callin’ cumbrous and unwieldy, pal?

3. Tartan wasn’t a badge of honour

Kilts didn’t start out as a symbol of clan identity. In fact, when they were first made by weavers in medieval times, the colours were determined by the dyes they had to hand, which were usually derived from plants, mosses and berries.

4. They’ve always been a bit chilly

Kilts were popular in the North of Scotland because they allowed for freedom of movement and they dried quickly, unlike trousers. However, there were some drawbacks – firstly, they had no pockets, so a sporran was required, and secondly, there wasn’t much insulation underneath. As a result, the lowland Scots used to called Highland warriors ‘redshanks.’

5. There’s a lot going on in a sporran

In Sir Walter Scott’s famous novel Rob Roy, our hero says: ‘I advise no man to attempt opening this sporran till he has my secret.’ (In other words – ‘hands off my purse’). That was because the sporran contained not car keys and mobile phones, but hidden weapons. Originally, sporrans were simple pouches made of deerskin and calfskin, before gradually becoming more ornate. In the 1800s the Duke of Sussex had a sporran made of leopard fur, gold, semi-precious stones and a diamond St. Andrew’s Cross. McBling!

6. Tartan is rebellious

Long before the Sex Pistols, the Bay City Rollers and Rod Stewart, tartan was always a bit rock ‘n’ roll. Kilts were banned in Britain in 1746 in an attempt to control marauding Highland clans, and Elvis has three tartans to his name, despite the fact he only visited Scotland once, when he touched down in Prestwick Airport in 1960.

7. What does a sgian dubh?

The sgian dubh (pronounced ‘ski-an-doo’) is always carried in the sock, and is now seen as a nice ornamental addition to the dress kilt. But rather than being used as a fierce weapon to ward off attackers, it was originally intended to cut bread, cheese and fruit. Sadly, the phrase ‘you can take our land, but you’ll never take our cheeseboard!’ doesn’t really have the same ring to it…

If you have £10,000 to spend on your next family car, you’ll be pleased to hear that you’ve got plenty of options.

From practical MPVs to stylish saloons, there are lots of different models to choose from.

But as most modern cars now come with a raft of safety equipment and new technologies, it can be hard to pick the right car for you.

So we’ve selected 10 cars that we think are the perfect blend of affordability, practicality, style and efficiency; perfect for the modern family.

Citroën C4 Cactus

This funky SUV proves that practical doesn’t have to be boring. The unusual design with bright paint options and signature air bumps are sure to appeal to families with a quirky side.

But this isn’t simply a car that’s turning heads for the sake of it; the C4 Cactus is spacious, economical and family friendly, too.

The engine range includes some strong HDi diesels and a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol option.

We found: 16 plate Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech Flair 5 dr – £9998

More used Citroën C4 Cactus cars.

Vauxhall Insignia

The Vauxhall Insignia is a large family car that’s also popular with fleet drivers, as a result of its excellent value for money.

There’s a huge range of engines to choose from. The diesels will be your best bet for frugality and punch, although the petrol options are satisfyingly quiet and smooth, especially at motorway speeds.

The interior is spacious and comfortable and the 530-litre boot should be more than enough for the family.

Look out for models built after the 2013 facelift, which enjoyed a neater central console, improved standard equipment and lower running costs.

We found: 63 plate Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX SE 5 dr – £9998

More used Vauxhall Insignia cars.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is small family car that’s extremely comfortable, efficient and enjoyable to drive.

You’ll easily fit a pram in the boot and ISOFIX settings in the rear create safe accommodation for two rear car seats.

Engineered to a much higher standard than its rivals, this is a reliable car that’s built to last.

In the MK7 model (2013 onwards), you’ll find cutting-edge safety tech and a five-star Euro NCAP rating that’s sure to put any parent’s mind at ease.

We found: 63 plate Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5 dr – £9498

More used Volkswagen Golf cars.

Ford B-Max

The Ford B-Max is a small MPV that combines plenty of space with hatchback-like economy. But the real selling point is the easy-access sliding rear doors, which make fitting your child safety seats an absolute breeze.

The B-Max holds a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and there are lots of handy extras that you probably didn’t even know you needed – we’re talking bottle holders, 12v power sockets, big door pockets and a wide-angle mirror for checking on your rear-seat passengers.

The broad range of versatile engines is the finishing touch on this well-rounded family MPV.

We found: 64 plate Ford B-Max 1.6 TDCi Titanium 5 dr – £9498

More used Ford B-Max cars.

ŠKODA Octavia

The Octavia is ŠKODA’s best-selling model in the UK, and is renowned for offering more space than the class norm. Despite its saloon shape, this is actually an incredibly practical hatchback, and the MK3 model, built after 2013, is the largest yet.

The 590-litre boot is cavernous, and can be expanded to 1,580 litres with the rear seats folded. The low load lip makes it easy to manoeuvre items in and out, too.

You’ll have four engines to choose from, all with decent fuel economy for keeping your on-the-road costs down. It’s in a relatively low insurance group, too, which always helps.

We found: 14 plate ŠKODA Octavia 1.6 TDI CR S 5 dr – £9998

More used ŠKODA Octavia cars.

_{These prices are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change.}

The Glasgow Kiltwalk takes place on 30th April with thousands expected to participate, and a number of Arnold Clark employees among them. We’ve been speaking to some of our staff to find out about what inspired them to participate in the Kiltwalk and the causes they’re supporting.

Tracey McCallum is the events and facilities manager at Arnold Clark’s training company, GTG. She’s taking part in the Big Stroll, which covers a challenging 15 miles.

She won’t be alone as she strides through Scotland’s biggest city on the day though. ‘Along with my colleagues, Melissa Herson, Oonagh Frew and Jane Henderson, we want to raise awareness of the fantastic work that The Beatson do and raise as much money as possible for them.’

Tracey McCallum decided to participate in the Kiltwalk after family member Wilma Bailey was supported by Beatson Cancer Charity during her illness.

Tracey said: ‘Wilma Bailey was first diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2010 just before turning 50. She was a fantastic mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, a true inspiration to us all. Treatment was prompt and Wilma attended The Beatson to see specialist doctors and nurses. Wilma showed dignity and true fighting spirit every step of the way in her battle with cancer, driven by the help and support of all staff at the centre. Our Wilma fought the fight of all fights, until with great sadness she lost her battle for life on the 8th of May 2016.

Arnold Clark is supporting employees by doubling any money raised up to £1000. Tracey’s target is £500 but she’s optimistic she might be able to even reach the £1000 mark.

As a regular walker, the 15 miles shouldn’t prove too much of a challenge for Tracey. She said: ‘I enjoy walking and always said I would complete the West Highland Way before I turned 40. So I am squeezing this in two weeks before the Kiltwalk, as my 40th birthday is the 15th of April. If that’s not training, I don’t know what is!’

Everyone at Arnold Clark wishes Tracey all the best for the big day.

Not sure what kind of tyres you need? From cross climate and budget tyres to finding the right size and fit, buying tyres can be confusing.

But it doesn’t have to be that way – we make it easy for you to get on the road with this simple guide to buying tyres.

Choose your tyre type

The type of tyre you choose depends on several factors – the kind of car you drive, the seasons, the type of roads you regularly drive on, your driving style and your budget.

For a comprehensive overview of the different kinds of tyres available, have a look at our guide to the different types of tyres and see what might suit you best.

Get the right size for your car

You can find your tyre size by looking on the sidewall of your existing tyres. It will be in raised lettering.

This is an example of what the number will look like: 195/55 R16 87V

So…

• 195 = width (mm)
• 55 = profile (mm)
• R16 = rim diameter (inches)
• 87 = maximum carrying load
• V = speed rating

To make it easier for you to find your tyre size, you can also search by car registration.

Check the tyre speed rating

That letter at the end of your tyre size number is important.

It refers to the maximum speed for which your tyre is legally approved. Buy the wrong tyre and your insurance could be invalid.

The speed rating should be matched to the official top speed your car can do. The table below can help you choose the right tyre at a glance.

Tyre speed ratings

Make sure your tyres work well together

It’s very important that any new tyres are compatible with existing tyres, and that they are all the same size, load and speed rating as each other.

Tyre labelling

When you buy a new tyre, you’ll see a label on it, a bit similar to the energy-saving advice labels you find on cookers and fridges. Since 2012, EU legislation has stated that all tyres must be labelled on an A-G scale to indicate their fuel economy, braking and external noise levels.

It might seem a bit baffling at first, but an A-rated tyre can save you £80 on fuel for the lifespan of the tyre, so it could be worth paying a bit more. For more info, visit our tyre information page.

Which brand to buy?

Not all tyres are created equal. Premium brands like Hankook and Michelin are pricier but will last you longer, while mid-range brands like Uniroyal will offer good durability, depending on your driving style.

There are also quality budget options that will do the job just as well. Arnold Clark exclusively stocks Orium tyres, which offer safe and effective all-round performance from just £28.

Have them professionally fitted

It’s not expensive to have tyres professionally fitted and it’s a lot more convenient than doing it yourself. Here’s a sample price guide so you can see what you might pay for your car’s tyres to be replaced.

Tread carefully

Tyres are usually guaranteed for around five or six years, but that can vary depending on your driving style. So it’s a good idea to check the tread depth regularly. It’s vital that your tyres have a legal tread depth above 1.6mm, as anything below that is illegal.

A simple way to check them is by inserting a 20p coin into the groove in the tyre – if you can see the outer edge of the coin, it’s time to change. However, you can also book a free tyre safety check to make sure.