Business Details
17 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Car Hire in Stornoway
Established in 2009, Car Hire Hebrides is a family-run business founded by John and Alison Cunningham. Drawing on their experience from operating a successful 5-star guest house, we prioritise high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Starting with six new vehicles, we have grown to operate over 100 cars, vans, and 4x4s, all maintained under strict three-year replacement policies to ensure safety and reliability. Our commitment to quality is reinforced by manufacturer warranties and 24/7 breakdown recovery coverage. Based in the Outer Hebrides, we serve locations including Stornoway Airport, Benbecula Airport, and Barra Airport, offering flexible one-way hire and delivery services across the region.Our team, though expanded, maintains a close-knit, family-oriented approach to uphold our standards. Customer feedback highlights our efficient, friendly service, with many return clients and corporate partnerships attesting to our reputation. We provide online booking convenience, transparent terms, and tailored protection packages to enhance the rental experience. Our focus remains on delivering dependable vehicles and exceptional service to both local and visiting customers.
Services
Car Hire
Van Hire
24/7 Breakdown Recovery
One Way Hire
Vehicle Delivery
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Family-owned and operated since 2009 with hospitality-rooted service standards
- All vehicles are new or nearly new, replaced every three years
- 24/7 breakdown recovery and support during rentals
- Flexible delivery/collection service across Outer Hebrides
- High return customer rate from individuals and corporate clients
Associations and certifications
- BVRLA Approved
What people say
24/7 breakdown support
New vehicle fleet
Flexible one-way options
Family-run service
Reliable corporate partner
Services
Car Hire
We offer a comprehensive car hire service across the Outer Hebrides with brand-new vehicles maintained under strict three-year replacement policies. Our fleet includes compact cars and 4x4s, all covered by manufacturer warranties and 24/7 breakdown recovery. Ideal for tourists and locals needing reliable transport for short-term requirements.
Van Hire
Our van hire service provides new and nearly new commercial vehicles suitable for business operations or personal cargo needs. Available at multiple island locations, vans come with 24/7 support and flexible rental terms. Designed for tradespeople, delivery services, or those transporting larger loads across Western Isles.
24/7 Breakdown Recovery
All rentals include 24/7 breakdown recovery coverage for complete peace of mind. Our support team responds promptly to mechanical issues or accidents where you're not at fault. This service ensures minimal disruption to your travel plans while maintaining safety standards throughout your rental period.
One Way Hire
We provide one-way hire options allowing vehicle return at different locations across the Western Isles. This service accommodates changing travel plans with transparent pricing and convenient drop-off points at major airports and ferry terminals. Ideal for multi-destination journeys requiring transport flexibility.
Vehicle Delivery
Our delivery and collection service extends vehicle access to any location within the Outer Hebrides. Available for both short-term rentals and special requirements, this service eliminates transport barriers while maintaining our quality standards. Particularly beneficial for remote locations or large group travel arrangements.
People
John Cunningham
Co-Founder
Co-founded Car Hire Hebrides in 2009 after operating a 5-star guest house. Brings hospitality expertise to vehicle rental services, focusing on customer satisfaction and quality standards.
Alison Cunningham
Co-Founder
Co-established the company with John, applying hospitality industry experience to create a customer-centric rental business. Oversees operational standards and service quality across all locations.
Questions
What identification do I need to rent a vehicle?
A valid driving licence and photographic ID are required. International visitors must provide appropriate documentation as specified during booking.
Can I modify my existing booking?
Yes, contact our team directly to amend reservation details. Changes are subject to availability and may affect pricing or terms.
What is your cancellation policy?
Free cancellation available with full refund up to 48 hours before pickup. Terms vary for special periods and delivery services – see website for full details.
Are child seats available for hire?
Yes, we provide appropriate child restraint systems for an additional fee. Please specify requirements during booking to ensure availability.
Do you offer long-term rental agreements?
We provide tailored solutions for extended hire periods. Contact our team to discuss business contracts or personal requirements exceeding 28 days.
What fuel policy applies to rentals?
Vehicles are supplied with a full tank. We offer a pre-paid refuelling option at competitive rates, or customers may return with a full tank to avoid charges.
Reviews (6)
Alex
Oct 23, 2021
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Great service (everything done by the book, perhaps unlike other car hire operators on the island), reasonably priced and a nice car to explore Lewis and Harris. Would recommend and will return to these guys.
Neil Menzies
May 04, 2021
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Car picked up from and returned to the ferry terminal, great service, simple and worked well - specially when getting the early ferry.
Tori Rowden
Dec 26, 2019
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Great service, competitive prices (given the geography), and a low-mileage car. Plus the staff was an absolute joy to work with! By far the easiest and least-stressful car renting experience I've ever had. Cannot recommend them enough!
Graham Ventham
Dec 09, 2019
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If you are on a cruise ship and want to hire a car they insist on a two day minimum hire - basically they double the price!! Either side of a cruise ship visit you can hire for one day at half the cost. This is taking the mick - I understand that they can charge more but double is ridiculous. We used Mackinnons car hire. Very friendly and didn't increase the price. Be warned!!
Jane Barnett
Dec 03, 2019
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You might think that all you need from a car hire company is a clean, new car full of fuel and waiting for you when you arrive. That's the basics. What separates this company out from all the others is how they look after you if things don't go according to plan. We scratched their car, but they've treated us with the utmost respect and courtesy despite that. There are plenty of stories out there about unscrupulous hire companies exploiting weary travellers. Car Hire Hebrides are not one of those. Hire from them every time.
Michael Konieczny
Nov 19, 2019
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Good new car. Friendly service. Pricing is ok. No problems at all. By coming back we will rent the next car