The North Coast 500 Urges Visitors To Think Responsibly

Since its launch in 2015, the North Coast 500 has become a thing of legend, allowing drivers to explore the stunning coastlines, castles and diverse landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Now, visitors embarking on the renowned 216-mile route are being urged to sign a pledge that promotes responsible tourism and protects the local environment and communities.

Over the last decade, the route has brought significant economic benefits for the towns and villages it passes through, drawing tourists to local businesses and independent shops. However, in more recent years, concerns have started to grow regarding the behaviour of some heavy-footed visitors speeding along the route. The ‘Superloop’ road around Inverness, a wide and open section of the NC500, is of particular concern, with drivers reaching in excess of 100mph.

To address these issues, the North Coast 500 organisers are taking steps to try and prevent irresponsible driving by asking tourists to sign the “Visitor Pledge”. This simple pledge asks everyone planning to visit the area to agree to respect the environment, take all of their waste with them and agree to drive safely. Additionally, tourists are also encouraged to respect the customs of local communities and support small businesses and accommodations along the route.

To help remind visitors of their commitment, the pledge comes with an interactive dashboard that allows drivers to track their progress and share it with others. There are also links for additional ‘extra mile’ options, including campsites, businesses and activities such as beach cleanups.

Speaking to the Independent, David Hughes, Chair of the NC 500 said, “We’ve all seen an increase in visitor numbers over the last few years and it’s important not to downplay the importance these visitors have on the local economy.

We can’t control important infrastructure which supports the tourism industry, such as signage, rubbish/disposal facilities and parking, however, by asking visitors to sign the pledge, we are asking tourists to be part of the solution, helping us maintain the North Highlands’ natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.

The initiative emphasises long-term sustainability as tourism continues to grow and is designed to foster a positive relationship between tourists and residents.”

The pledge might not be the only change to impact the NC500. The Highland Council recently announced a consultation on the impact of introducing a tourist tax for overnight stays at hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets. The funds raised would be put towards improving infrastructure and repairing roads and facilities facing increased wear and tear from visitors.