kept breaking down, in the end thought i had dead battery as wasnt holding charge. replaced battery and new battery was definitely taking up charge. went on hols all over scotland no probs. then started feeling sluggish yesterday. died just as i got home now wont start. is this the altenator or could i have electrical fault? the electrics are a bit dodgy (eg ariel works one day not the next, seatbelt warning light flash all the time)

 

As it made it all over Scotland unlikely to be the alternator, but by no means impossible.
Charge the battery fully, but measure the voltage before you do so, then after charging see what effect it has and when running after about 10 minutes measure the voltage again, with all lecky off(engine apart) and will lights etc on, do this at 2000rpm, and make sur eit is holding a minimum of 12.8V with lights etc on.
tabetha