Friday, August 16, 2024 Anti-Tourism Protests Expected in Scottish Highlands as Over tourism Issues Escalate Residents of the Scottish Highlands have issued a stark warning that anti-tourism protests may soon erupt if their concerns about over tourism continue to be ignored. The surge in visitors, particularly along the North Coast 500 trail, has pushed local communities to the brink, with many residents feeling overwhelmed and invaded. The North Coast 500, a 500-mile scenic route that has become one of the UK’s most popular driving destinations, winds through stunning landscapes in Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland, and Caithness.
Despite its beauty, the route has sparked significant backlash from locals who are struggling with the influx of tourists. Campaigners have long raised issues about over tourism, including reckless littering, road congestion, and the behavior of some holidaymakers. Robin Pettigrew, a local campaigner, highlighted the irresponsible actions of some tourists, such as speeding, illegal camping, and littering.
He noted that frustrations are mounting, with discussions of direct action and protests becoming more frequent on social media. The situation in the Highlands is being compared to over tourism protests seen in popular destinations like the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. Residents are calling for stricter regulations, including designated sites for tourists to stay, to alleviate the pressure on local communities.
David Richardson, development and engagement manager of the NC500, acknowledged the growing tensions, noting that communities along the route are “desperate” for controls on motorhome use. New figures from Visit Scotland reveal that 26% of visitors to the Highlands are now camping or using campervans, further exacerbating the issues. The Highland Council is working with the Scottish Government to address these challenges by enhancing public infrastructure to better accommodate visitors.
However, the situation remains tense, with locals demanding immediate action to prevent further disruption to their communities..
