Social leper, *ring* *ring*

I've been trying to hire a car for my trip to Scotland next week.

And guess what - I can't!

I own a house and a car, have been driving 15 years with no accidents or penalties, and have had steady employment with the civil service for nearly 7 years.

And I have access to several thousand ready cash, in a pinch.

But no, what I really need and absolutely have to have is a credit card. Which I've always refused on principle.