The under-the-radar Scottish road trip that could replace the North Coast 500
Scotland 's Moray Coast offers a less crowded alternative to the popular North Coast 500 (NC500) route.
This scenic drive features quiet beaches, charming fishing villages like Cullen and Portsoy, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
The region boasts a sunny microclimate and is home to historical sites such as Findlater Castle.
While the NC500 faces overcrowding and infrastructure strain, the Moray Coast provides a more relaxed experience.
Travellers can explore the coast, venture inland to Speyside or continue to Aberdeen via the North East 250 route.
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Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Popular NC500 stop with restaurant & beer garden announces shock closure
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR North Coast 500 stop, featuring a restaurant and beer garden, has announced its shock closure. The Meikle Ferry Station Restaurant and Gift Shop, located near the Dornoch Bridge close to the A9, is set to shut its doors for good on Saturday, 21st June. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The venue has a beer garden as well as 60-seater restaurant Credit: Facebook 4 The firm made the announcement on Facebook that it will close in two weeks Credit: Facebook Situated between Tain and Dornoch, the iconic venue was once a train station between 1864 and 1869, during the Victorian era. It has been a favourite for travellers seeking a break during the renowned road trip across the north of Scotland. However, the owners have cited both "economic and personal" reasons for their decision to cease trading imminently. The current proprietors of the 60-seater restaurant expressed their disappointment at the outcome, describing it as "extremely disheartening." While the restaurant and gift shop will close, the accommodation and taxi hire services run by the business will remain operational as the owners search for the "right people" to take over the restaurant specialising in "Scottish fare." In a heartfelt announcement, they stated: 'It is with heavy hearts that we announce that we will be closing Meikle Ferry Station Restaurant and Gift Shop for day-to-day operations on Saturday, 21st June. 'This decision has been made due to a combination of both economic and personal reasons. 'We are extremely disappointed to be taking this step, especially after the efforts made by everyone involved in the business. 'We look back with pride on all that has been achieved. 'We will continue to operate our accommodation and private hire taxi service while we search for the right people to bring a new era to Meikle Ferry Station. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon 'Hopefully, we will see many of you before we close the doors on the 21st.' The business is expected to be put on the market at a later date. Disappointed customers took to the Meikle Ferry Facebook page to share their sadness over the news. One wrote: "Awww, so sorry to hear this news. Our favourite food stop—good luck for the future. You will be missed." Another commented: "I am so sorry to read this. Our thoughts are with you all. "I hope you find the right person or people to continue to build on the wonderful business you've created." A third said: "Such sad news to hear. We only found you last year, as we like to support local businesses when we're on holiday. "Such a wonderful place run by lovely people, and the food was really nice. I wish you all the very best for the future!" And a fourth added: "Awe, so sorry to hear that you are closing. You will be missed. "The staff have been brilliant, always friendly with a smile and a chat. Sending you best wishes for the future xx." 4 It was a popular stop on the iconic road trip Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
18 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals
There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol RANGER RESPONSE New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals A SMALL army of council rangers has started patrolling the North Coast 500 road trip route and other areas of the Highlands to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour. Irresponsible camping and a ban on fires in many areas are a top priority this year. Advertisement 3 Council rangers have started patrolling the NC500 route in a bid to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour Credit: Alamy 3 Campers have been leaving piles of human waste, dirty toilet paper, and heaps of rubbish along the route Credit: Facebook 3 And motorhome users have been blasted for causing congestion on narrow roads and dangerous driving Credit: Alamy The weekend saw the first patrols of The Highland Council's new Seasonal Access Ranger team. The new rangers will seek to promote and advise on responsible access to the countryside through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The team is funded directly by The Highland Council. There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol with two more to join in mid-June, focusing on the long-distance routes. Advertisement Five of the rangers are highly experienced, having returned after previous seasons, and can help guide new rangers into their roles. Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "The Council are pleased to be able to provide a seasonal rangers service this year and so far, the team have been welcomed by visitors and locals alike, with a friendly approach to encouraging responsible behaviour. 'The Council recognise the importance of supporting communities to manage the increase in visitors across the area, particularly along the NC500, Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross and Loch Ness. 'A key role for the rangers will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the Outdoor Access Code and communicating to people that, as individuals, we all play an important role in ensuring that the Highlands' beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations.' Advertisement Rangers will also ensure awareness of other relevant legislation, such as parking and environmental health regulations. They will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant council teams or emergency services. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon The rangers will also carry out duties to keep tidy, maintain and manage council-owned sites, core paths and work with communities and land managers on other sites to protect habitats and encourage respect for the landscape. Where possible, the rangers will work with local volunteers to engage with visitors. Advertisement The council added: 'This year, responsible camping will be a key priority, and, in many locations, this will mean a 'no fires' message. There is a significant fire risk throughout the Highlands in the summer months and lighting campfires on peaty ground, woodland, grassland, or moors is dangerous and contrary to the Code. 'It is irresponsible to light fires close to buildings, historic monuments and within 30m of a public road. Even small fires cause significant damage to our natural environment from scorch marks to tree removal and the use of dead wood - housing insects - for fires. Much of this damage can take years to recover.'
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Want to reduce the campervan menace? Why not enforce the legislation?
I write as a Lowlander who has enjoyed many holidays up north, most recently about this time last year. Staying in a cottage near Gairloch, we observed a good number of sports cars and campervans which were "doing the NC500" and most of the locals we spoke to were less than positive about the benefits of its promotion in recent years. I feel fortunate to have discovered the route long before it was promoted, memorably cycling it just over 25 years ago. Virtually empty single-track roads on a bike are a joy. Should they be replaced by highways able to accommodate the massive campervans we see on our roads today? Introducing a tax to fund improvements and, perhaps dampen demand in the short term, seems perfectly legitimate. Other measures could consider limiting the number or size of such vehicles on some roads, by means of permits for example, although this would entail additional bureaucracy. But enforcement of existing legislation on speeding, overnight stops and waste disposal should be a priority. What is most important to my mind is that greater account needs to be taken of local opinion. Surely solutions can be found to enable visitors to enjoy a wonderful experience while ensuring local communities can thrive. David Bruce, Troon. Read more letters • Watching from our rented accommodation in Scourie in the north-west Highlands, the force of Alan Simpson's argument about the prevalence of motor caravans became clear. I would estimate that at least one-third of the vehicles passing is some species of travelling tent, and that's not including the ones occupying lay-bys. The stories from local people of rubbish (and worse) being dumped are infuriating, and whose heart has not sunk at the sight of one of these ugly vehicles ahead of them on a single-track road, waddling along like a pregnant sow, indifferent to other drivers? Bring in a levy by all means, and make it high enough to make economic sense, but perhaps find a way of redeeming some of the cost in exchange for evidence of use of local shops and other services. Brian Chrystal, Edinburgh. • I refer to, and agree with much of, Alan Simpson's article on the NC500; a tourist tax would generate a fund to improve roads, services and regulation around the route. However, we need to decide who the tourists are: as a taxpayer in Scotland am I paying a share of the existing costs already? Allan McDougall, Neilston. Tobacco ban is wrong I wish to express serious concern that the Scottish Parliament has unanimously consented to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will ban tobacco products for anyone born after January 1, 2009 ("MSPs vote to ban tobacco for young", The Herald, May 30). 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