A beloved Scottish tourist hotspot has become a victim of its own success, according to a new list of the world’s ‘over-tourism’ destinations.
Scotland is home to countless beloved locations that are popular amongst visitors from all over the world. Among the most renowned is the North Coast 500 scenic driving route, which features some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
However, as reported by The Mirror, the beloved road trip has been named in travel publication Fodor’s ‘No List 2025’. The list, published earlier this month, consists of destinations around the world that prospective tourists should “reconsider” visiting.
Each year, the North Coast 500 welcomes a vast number of bikers, caravanners, drivers, cyclists, and more. Originally established and managed by the North Highland Initiative — a non-profit set up by King Charles III — it was bought in 2018 by private company NC500 LTD, which is owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.
Started as a project to boost tourism and economic growth in a remote area known for its wild beauty and long history, the North Coast 500 has very successfully introduced the north of Scotland to millions of people from around the world. In 2018, it contributed £22 million to the local economy and helped create 180 full-time jobs.
However, this success has come with a price. The often narrow and risky roads have become much busier, causing frustration for those living on the NC500 route.
Ed and June Hall, who live in Wester Ross, have seen the time it takes to complete the 80-mile drive to their nearest hospital double to three hours. They told Fodor’s: “We have seriously considered moving further south but realise we leave positions very few people can fill in an aged community.”
Another major downside to the scenic route’s surge in popularity is that there is not enough campsites and toilets to accommodate the hoards of people touring by car. Facebook groups have been created dedicated to spotlighting the destruction and litter left behind by careless tourists.
Another local resident, Phil Jones, told Fodor’s that more should be done to combat misconduct. He said: “Give [Access Rangers] the powers to hand out on the spot fines in the hundreds of pounds instead of having a quiet word with the worst offenders.”
Meanwhile, the increase in popularity has also resulted in skyrocketing property prices along the North Coast 500. One example is the picturesque village of Ullapool, where average house prices have soared from £201,475 in 2014 to £312,417 last year.
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