A LANDLADY who runs a remote pub on Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500 has said the popularity of the route is driving customers away.
Judith Fish, owner of the Applecross Inn, claims the route – dubbed Scotland‘s Route 66 – has brought no benefits to local businesses, as it has turned scenic locations into “one-night stops”.
The Applecross Peninsula is not seeing the benefits of the NC500 said locals[/caption]
The route is busy with motorhomes clogging single track roads[/caption]
Judith, who has managed the property – which features seven en-suite guest rooms – for over 35 years, said locals were “never really asked” about being included in the 516-mile route.
She also claimed there was no consultation process with residents of Applecross village, which has a permanent population of just 544.
Instead, Judith says the remote area is becoming overwhelmed with tourists treating it as a road trip stop rather than a destination to stay and enjoy for longer.
She told the Press and Journal: “Originally, I thought it would be lovely for people and businesses across the north.
“We live in a very remote area – we’re five hours away from the likes of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“There isn’t always a lot to do, and that’s why some people live here. It’s remote, peaceful, and they like it that way.
“For us, we were getting six months of business and not really doing much more than usual.
“The route contributed to us becoming a one-night stop rather than Applecross being its own destination.
“Some locals say we should come off the North Coast 500 altogether, and I understand why.
“But I’m not against it – there just needs to be more responsibility.”
Judith explained that, while she was initially positive about the benefits of an organised route, she has since recognised that the long distances and congested single-track roads are discouraging regular tourists.
She added: “It’s a 500-mile journey, which is a very long distance to travel. People don’t always have time to come back – they’ll be on a strict schedule.
“We do get some who return because Applecross is so beautiful, but it has become more difficult to attract repeat business.
“A lot of the regular customers we used to have have stopped coming because of how busy it gets.
“The traffic has become a real issue here. The roads aren’t made for campervans and motorhomes, and some of them can be terrifying.”
An Applecross local previously revealed the WORST things he’s encountered with motorhome tourists.
Applecross village is not seeing the business benefits of the NC500[/caption]
Bridge and motorhome in the rain at start of climb into Bealach na Ba pass on Applecross Peninsula[/caption]
The Applecross Inn landlady said she is struggling to see the benefits of the route’s marketing a decade on[/caption]
But there have been many reports of anti-social behaviour stemming from the parade of campervans and motorhomes trailing up the single-track route.
Robin Pettigrew, who lives in Lochcarron in Wester Ross, stressed he is “not against tourism” but blasted the “gross” behaviour of some travellers.
Speaking to The Press and Journal about Applecross, he said: “There was human excrement all over the place, toilet paper.
“We used to go to the beach regularly to take the dogs out, and it just got absolutely impossible and unsafe to go anywhere near it.
“I’ve got photographs where there’s literally dozens of people camping in the bay area and the place was covered in human faeces; it was disgusting.”
