The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
NC 500: Road to riches for Highlands
Exclusive: Survey shows importance of sector to local economy
A new study has revealed the “absolutely incredible” impact of the North Coast 500 route on tourism and business in the Highlands.
The first in-depth survey of people who have embarked on the spectacular 516- mile road trip has underlined its growing importance to the local economy.
Interviews with more than 800 users of the route found that 87% said they were “very satisfied” with the experience and 92% would recommend the NC500 to others.
Asked if they would make the journey again, 70% said they “definitely will” and 23% said they “probably will”.
The study also revealed that two-thirds of those who made the trip spent five days or more travelling along the route, which
“So many who have already completed the route would do it again”
starts and ends in Inverness.
Meanwhile, key tourist attractions and businesses also confirmed the “excitement and buzz” growing in the north as a result of the NC500’s popularity.
Dunrobin Castle in Golspie reported that this year it had “smashed” its two decade-old record for visitors, and attributed the rise to the NC500.
Visitor numbers to the Dunnet Bay Distillers have increased five-fold in the last year, prompting the Rock Rose Gin producers to open up on Saturdays and accelerate plans to build a shop at the site.
The NC500 was officially launched in March last year by the North Highland Initiative in an effort to develop sustainable economic growth across the north Highlands.
Highlighted on TV shows such as Top Gear, the loop around the north of the region was quickly dubbed as Scotland’s answer to the famous “Route 66” in the US, and was recently named ‘Destination Specialist of the Year’ at the 2017 Luxury Travel Guide Awards.
David Whiteford, chairman of North Highland Initiative, said: “We commissioned this study to get the views of thosewhohave experienced the route since its launch in 2015.
“The results are very encouraging and we’re delighted that so many people who have already completed the route would definitely do it again and, most importantly, recommend it to others.” Mr Whiteford added that plans were being drawn up to find more ways for the region to cash in on its success, and revealed that a full economic impact study would be carried out.
The journey can be undertaken clockwise or anticlockwise and takes in the stunning scenery of the east, north and west Highlands.
Tony Story, managing director of the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, said that the Highland capital was also witnessing a boost from the NC500, as well as more remote locations.
“There’s definitely been an uplift in the amount of business from motorists,” he said. “There’s definitely
been an increase in the amount of people coming up in supercars, we’ve had Ferraris and Maseratis, a dozen or more.
“The promotion of the N C 500 has certainly helped that market. That is definitely what they are doing.
“This has always been a good spot for that kind of activity but the NC500 has pushed it to another level.”
Elspeth Bremner, owner of The Clachan B& B in Wick, said: “Over the last year I ha v e had so many guests stay here who have or are currently doing the North Coast 500 and I can honestly say that every one of them had positive reviews on how enjoyable the trip was or has been.
“I have definitely seen a marked increase in room occupancy rates at The Clachan as a result of the North Coast 500.
“I believe the North Coast 500 gives us a platform to really showcase the north Highlands, and open people’s eyes to what we have here.”
Scott Armstrong, Visit-Scotland regional partnerships director, said: “Scotland’s very own answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 has been one of the biggest tourism success stories of recent years.
“This new study shows just how much the route has captured the imagination of visitors around the globe while also providing a fantastic boost to tourism businesses in the Highlands.”
“The promotion of the NC500 has certainly helped that market”
It has been described as Scotland’s answer to Route 66 in the US, but the North Coast 500 journey is proving its worth to the Highland tourist economy. Spending up to five days on one road might be daunting for some, but researchers discovered that once people have completed NC500, they can’t wait to do it all over again.