Highland communities have written to the organisation behind promoting the NC500 to intervene, including highlighting concerns over its “winter wonderland” promotion – with fears over a tourist season which “lasts longer and longer every year”.
It comes amid longstanding concerns over the rise in tourism on the route, with residents complaining of being “massively affected” and many even reportedly thinking of leaving the area as a result.
READ MORE: NC500 three-day ‘banger rally’ met with frustration by locals
The letter – which called the situation the “Modern Highland Clearances” – was shared on the NC500 The Dirty Truth Facebook group by Margaret Meek, who lives around four miles off the main NC500 route in Kinlochbervie.
It is addressed to David Richardson, who heads up the role of development and engagement manager of the NC500.
“In many Highland villages, the public road taken by the NC500 is a single track road, which is very narrow in places. There is no alternative route. It is the road for the school bus, the ambulance, the post van, all tourist vehicles and pedestrians, who can’t enjoy the luxury of a Pavement,” the letter read.
The National previously reported on the growing number of rallies including one “super car” rally organised by Austrian motor enthusiast Roman Eggers. Over 10 days next summer, he is planning an event with around 140 cars travelling in convoy around the route.
The letter went on: “In such circumstances, we would have thought that a rally course would need at least some safety precautions, but there is nothing. The way it is, it is causing a danger to us, our children and livestock.
“If there is a rally they race through our villages at well over the legal speed limit. We wonder who gave permission to turn a public road into a racing course and how can a public road become an LTD?”
The signatories added: “The mass tourism, the rallies and promotion of the NC500 must stop before there is a really serious outcome.”
The full letter can be read here.
A spokesperson from NC500 Ltd said: “We have not been consulted or involved in the planning of car rally events around the North Coast 500 route. People are however free to travel the route as they wish, provided they remain respectful and abide by the law.
“While we appreciate the concerns some face, any change in law regarding rallies and what can and cannot be done in the Highlands can come only from government.
“As always, we encourage all visitors to respect other road users, the environment, and residents – leaving only footprints and taking only memories. We also urge visitors to support our many great, small local businesses during their stay.”
Business minister Richard Lochhead, meanwhile, said: “I am acutely aware of the pressures facing areas which are popular with visitors like the North Coast 500.
“This year’s draft Budget includes an extra £4 million for the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund to help communities improve facilities on routes such as this.”