And they would drive 500 miles...

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to America’s famous Route 66, attracting thousands of tourists every year.

Among its fans were Sharon and David McLean who loved it so much they’ve moved from the Borders to open a successful filling station, shop and coffee bar on the iconic route.

And their brave decision has paid off, as their fledgling business is now mobbed with supercar drivers and hordes of adventure motorcyclists.

Sharon, 45, a Lancashire lass and David, 47, both had good jobs, Sharon as a PA and David as a project engineer.

Sharon said: “We both had a week’s holiday in spring last year. David had heard great things about the NC500.

“He’s a real petrolhead and had read rave reviews about it.

“Having about 20 or so years left to work we were planning to do something different after we got our two sons through their school education. And as that time approached we were researching businesses.

“How e v e r, we spotted Kinlochewe Service Station for sale and decided to view it.” The rest is history. After visiting the area during their holiday drive, the McLeans sold their home in Selkirk, downsized to a three-bedroomed bungalow next to the filling station’s shop and café and made the momentous move north last October.

David said: “The day we arrived to view the Service Station there was not a cloud in the sky.

“After talking to the owners we walked through the trees at nearby Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and down to the water’s edge at Loch Maree. We were blown away by the magnificent view.

“That was the WOW! moment. We knew this was the place for us.”

Their sons, John, 21, a student a t G l a s g ow University and Cameron, 18, decided to move north with them.

“The boys were right behind us in our decision all because of the NC5 0 0 ”, said Richard.

To reinforce

Sharon: ‘It’s the place for us.’

Unforgettable sights along the road include iconic mountains such as Ben Hope and Suilven, the fairytale Dunrobin Castle, the ruins of Ardvreck Castle and the breathtaking Achmelvich and Dornoch beaches.

Sharon and Dave moved north after buying the Kinlochewe service station.