Villagers fear ring of steel if planned wind farm north of Lybster gets go-ahead
Giving the green light to a new commercial wind farm north of Lybster would leave villagers feeling encircled by steel towers, it was claimed yesterday.
NC500
NC500 brings problems and benefits to north
When tacks were found deliberately strewn across part of the NC500 – Scotland’s Route 66 – it sparked fears a sinister stance was being taken against bad driving by tourists.
Anger over ‘potentially deadly’ tacks on popular NC500 route
Police and politicians have condemned the “deliberate” scattering of tacks across part of the popular NC500 route as “irresponsible” and “potentially deadly”.
NC500 gets digital with updated interactive technology
North Coast 500 chiefs have launched updated interactive technology to help travellers get more out of their journey on the now world-famous road trip.
Concern as landslip may leave highland communities isolated
A landslip next to the A9 near Helmsdale has sparked community fears that Caithness and north Sutherland could be completely cut off.
45 drivers on North Coast 500 receive police warning
Dozens of motorists stopped by police on the North Coast 500 at the weekend were issued with warnings - and seven speeders were reported to the Fiscal.
Gleaming sports cars will help air ambulance mission to bring new helicopter to north-east
Dozens of gleaming sports cars and super cars will roar across one of Scotland’s most scenic routes next week to help bring a new air ambulance to the north-east.
Veterans take on NC500 bike ride in road to recovery
Wounded and sick forces veterans completed a 500-mile charity bike ride across the Highlands at the weekend.
New audio tour guide app launched for NC500 route
A new audio tour guide App has been launched to aid travellers exploring the north coast of Scotland.
Rugby legend Doddie Weir battling MND with marathon fundraising drive
A Scottish rugby legend with motor neurone disease has just tackled a marathon drive to raise funds for medical research.
Battlelines drawn as Premier Inn earmark controversial Thurso site
Battlelines are being drawn over plans to build a Premier Inn on a prominent site in Thurso.
Outrage after 0.061 acre building plot on NC500 route goes on sale for £95,000
A building plot on the route of the booming North Coast 500 has gone on offer for over £95,000 causing a storm of protest about locals being priced out.
Scottish food and drink offers taste of success
Tourists exploring Royal Deeside can expect to sample a growing variety of high quality food and drink products, whether visiting the north-east to savour its culinary delights or to enjoy its stunning scenery and hospitality.
North businessman claims he raised similar idea for circuit – nearly four years before NC500 was launched
It has been hailed as a gamechanger for the holiday trade in the north Highlands.
Proclaimers show support for Aberdeenshire women taking on NC500 challenge
An Aberdeenshire pair, dubbed The Complainers, are planning to pedal 500 miles to fundraising success - with a little help from The Proclaimers.
Infrastructure warning over Scottish Islands Passport plan
An MP has warned that there is a need to ensure the proper infrastructure is in place to accommodate the predicted increase in tourists if a Scottish Islands Passport is launched.
Islands passport scheme could boost visitor numbers
Plans for a Scottish Islands Passport to boost tourism to the country’s 93 inhabited islands – like an NC500 for the isles - are being investigated.
Fury as NC500 public toilet petitions removed by Highland Council
Posters and petitions against the closure of public toilets which serve tourists using the popular NC500 route have been removed by Highland Council.
Almost 200 motorcycles checked in the Highlands during bank holiday weekend
Almost 200 motorcyclists were checked in the Highlands over the course of the bank holiday weekend as part of an operation aimed at promoting road safety.
Nasa releases crystal clear space station picture of the Highlands
It took all of our space technology capabilities to capture it, but here it is at last - a cloudless sky in the Highlands.
Visiting MEP urges Highland Council not to close public toilets
A Scottish Labour MEP who enjoyed a family Easter holiday in the Highlands fears any closures of public toilets in the region could harm the success of the NC500 tourist route.
Lord Ian Duncan pledges support to north of Scotland economy
The growth of tourism in the far north will pave the way for a bright future in the region’s economy after the demise of the Dounreay nuclear power plant, according to a UK Government minister.
Top Gear trio conclude their Highland tour at Inverness Castle
Messrs Clarkson, May and Hammond yesterday finished their Grand Tour of the Highlands - and said the experience was “spectacular”.
NC500 backs Keep Scotland Beautiful roadside littering campaign
A new campaign has been launched to urge motorists on the NC500 to give “litter a lift” in their cars.
New PhD will explore history of North Coast 500 region
The University of the Highlands and Islands has opened applications for a new PhD opportunity that explores the history of the North Coast 500 region.
Organiser ‘staggered’ by support for petition against closure of NC500 toilets
The organiser of a petition calling on Highland Council to reverse the threat of closure of public toilets on Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66 says he is “staggered” after it attracted more than 2,500 supporters in a week.
Eat and drink your way along the NC500
Until you’ve picked up your car at Inverness Airport and set out along the North Coast 500, it’s hard to grasp exactly how beautiful Scotland is – and also, just how hungry all that open sky and chilly air will make you.
Record tourism spend in Moray sees region riding on crest of a wave
Record tourism figures have been announced for Moray amid hopes of a booming summer for the region.
Paul Lister sets end-of-year deadline for Highland wolves plan
An environmental conservationist and landowner has set an end-of-year deadline for his wolf reserve in the Scottish Highlands.
Castle of Mey to reopen for tourist season
The Castle of Mey and its popular gardens is to officially open its doors on May 1 for the 2018 tourist season – hoping to build on a record-breaking year in 2017.
Angry locals label scenic Applecross coastal route the ‘Forgotten 50’
Desperate west Highland locals were told by Highland Council that they will have to wait for years before potholed roads around the Applecross peninsula are repaired.
Call for ‘bed tax’ as tourism boom breaks £1bn barrier
A tourism boom in the Highlands the Islands has smashed the £1billion barrier for the first time in terms of economic impact - growing by a third in just four years.