Tourists urged to avoid Scottish hotspot as locals feel 'forced to leave'

A well-loved tourist destination in Scotland is causing debate, as locals say the rise in visitors is having a negative effect on their lives.

The famous Scottish attraction has been included on a global list of places struggling with 'over-tourism,' highlighting the challenges it faces.

Scotland is known for its breathtaking landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world.

One of the most iconic is the North Coast 500, a scenic driving route showcasing some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.

Every year, the North Coast 500 draws in large numbers of bikers, caravanners, drivers, cyclists, and other travellers.

The route was originally created and managed by the North Highland Initiative, a non-profit founded by King Charles III, but it was sold in 2018 to NC500 LTD, a private company owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.

The project was designed to boost tourism and support economic growth in Scotland’s remote northern region, celebrated for its untamed beauty and deep history. It has successfully brought millions of visitors to the area.

In 2018 alone, the route generated £22 million for the local economy and helped create 180 full-time jobs.

However, this success has had drawbacks. The narrow and sometimes dangerous roads are now far busier, which has caused problems for people who live along the route.

Ed and June Hall, residents of Wester Ross, say their journey to the nearest hospital—an 80-mile drive—now takes three hours instead of the usual hour and a half.

They told Fodor’s travel guide: “We’ve seriously thought about moving further south, but we know our roles here in this ageing community would be hard to replace.”

Another issue is the lack of campsites and public toilets, leaving many visitors without proper facilities as they travel along the route.

Facebook groups have been set up to call attention to the damage and litter left behind by some tourists, sparking frustration among locals.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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