Broken down in Galloway
 

Or possibly Dumfries. (Gatehouse of Fleet). On holiday in this beautiful part of the world - car just about turns over - no tools or voltmeter with me - RAC on its way. Presume either poor connection or battery phut: but it's never failed before: can batteries fail overnight just like that? And if so do the RAC vans carry new batteries on the van?

check battery connections, but from your description sounds like battery failure they should have one on the van, An 096 battery is quite common

Batteries can and do fail instantly. I remember having a service and when I picked the car up, they said they had replaced the battery. It had driven on to the ramp, but failed to drive off - as quick as that!

As for the RAC carrying batteries, yes they do, but they are about 50% more expensive! Eek!

Castle Douglas is not too far from you, have you tried this place:smilie_re:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...Z9LRtLdRih_QNk

No idea what they are like but I would expect they will carry batteries

Yep. New Varta battery fitted by most helpful RAC man Craig. While chatting he said the most troublesome callouts are for punctures on new cars, 99% of which don't have spare wheels. They carry adaptors for 4 or 5 stud wheels plus spare but often gives problems. They've tried sealant but doesn't work and it will ruin the tyre if it's repairable.

How much was the cost if you don't mind me asking, no offence taken if you prefer not to answer ;)

Good news that they have got you back on the road.
Have you kept the old battery to get it tested? If now dud there is a possible few pounds of scrap if you find a suitable place.

When I got the 260 it only came with a can of shaving foam, V8s didn't have a spare wheel, no space for one. I was going to get a spare but got a puncture before I did, about 1am roughly 40 miles from home. Tried the sealant foam, came out the hole just as quick as it went in the valve, something had cut the tyre rather than a puncture. Ended up waiting two hours for a flatbed, finally got home about 3am, sourced a spare wheel as soon as I got up.

£158 for the Varta, 5 year gtee. I rang nearest tyre/battery centre at castle Douglas which would have been £90 but guess would have been an unbranded one with more limited g'tee - and I had to get there.

The Battery Guys on line sell Bosch 5 year guarantee ones for our 75s at £85.00 for future reference. Delivery is free. Arrives in 3-4 days.