Hundreds of people took part in an epic convoy around the NC500 tourist route at the weekend to show their support for Scottish independence – but drivers stuck at the back were left frustrated.
Participants hailed the scenery of the North Coast 500 route, which took in such places as Ullapool and Gairloch, and thanked people in towns and villages across the north who showed their support.
However, concerns were raised about the number of risky overtaking manoeuvres made at blind bends and summits by motorists at the back of a queue of about 70 vehicles yesterday.
A local bed and breakfast owner also warned the convoy should not be allowed to set the precedent for a raft of similar events which might damage tourism in the area.
Yesterday was the climax of the 500-mile crusade and led to a sea of saltires being flown from the windows and wing mirrors of cars, caravans and motorbikes as the convoy travelled along the Destitution Road near Ullapool.
About an hour later the convoy stopped for a break in Gairloch, where several motorists spoke to the Press and Journal.
David MacPherson had travelled north in his caravan from Campbeltown with his son, also called David, and cousin Donald MacPherson.
He said: “The response has been brilliant. In every village we went through, there was always someone waving a flag or their arms in support of our campaign for a second referendum, which was fantastic.
“Some of the driving has been crazy. The overtaking earlier was just lunacy. People should just take their time and they will get there.”
Jim Harvey, of Glasgow, who was travelling with several members of the SNP branch in Edinburgh, said: “Anything like this is good for local economies.
“We stopped in Gairloch and bought food and fuelled up. Some of the businesses in these villages are struggling so it’s nice to give something back.”
However, Tom Forrest, of Cromasaig Bed and Breakfast, on the route close to Kinlochewe, said: “I just hope this does not set a precedent.
“I think the NC500 is a good concept, but it needs to be controlled. People along it need to be spoken with and it has to be discussed with communities.
“Since the NC500 came along, I have noticed an increase in vehicles coming past. There used to be two or three sports cars and now we get about 20 coming through in a group.
“People may get fed up with convoys and tourists will see the NC500 becoming this protest trail. It may damage the tourist industry.”
