Tourists are facing backlash in Scotland as locals express frustration over beauty spots being littered with rubbish and toilet waste. In the Highlands, residents are growing increasingly irritated with visitors flocking to picturesque locations in search of the perfect Instagram photo, leading some to bluntly tell tourists to “f-off”. Robin Pettigrew, a resident of Locharron, has voiced concerns about campervans parking in inappropriate places, including lay-bys and outside homes. The North Coast 500, known as “Scotland’s route 66”, has attracted a significant number of tourists, causing distress among locals.
A Facebook group, NC500: The Dirty Truth, has been set up by Robin and others to raise awareness of the challenges faced by communities in northern Scotland due to the influx of tourists. Issues such as littering and improper disposal of waste have been highlighted, with some residents displaying posters with messages like ‘Tourists F-off’ in their windows. To address the impact of campervans, local councillors have introduced a £40 pass aimed at encouraging visitors to contribute towards mitigating environmental and community impacts. Additionally, a scheme allowing overnight parking in council car parks and free use of leisure centre facilities has been rolled out, with a portion of the funds raised allocated to the Highland Restoration Fund.
However, concerns have been raised by the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (Scotland) about the potential negative effects of these measures on local businesses. There is a growing fear that anti-tourism sentiments, reminiscent of situations in other popular tourist destinations like Spain, could spread throughout Scotland if proactive steps are not taken to deter mass tourism. Popular sites such as the Isle of Skye and the Glenfinnan viaduct have struggled with increasing visitor numbers, leading to challenges related to overcrowding and environmental degradation.
Efforts have been made to address these issues, with a petition in 2022 urging the Scottish Government to restrict campervans from parking outside designated sites. The petition highlighted the burden placed on local communities by motorhomes that do not utilise designated campsites and facilities. As Scotland grapples with the impacts of overtourism on its natural beauty spots, it remains crucial for stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that balance the benefits of tourism with the preservation of Scotland’s environment and heritage.