A new report into the impact of the NC500 on the local communities along the route offers a golden opportunity for a total reboot that benefits everyone, argues Herald columnist Alan Simpson.

Winding it’s way, as it does, through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, it is easy to see why the NC500 is such a draw for Instagrammers and road trippers.

Put simply, it is one of the world’s greatest road trips and is thoroughly recommended to those that have yet to enjoy it’s many splendours.

But it is also fair to say that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, with many locals constantly complaining about the increase in traffic and visitors who leave a mess everywhere.

The NC500 starts in Inverness and heads west through Wester Ross and its charming coastal towns such as Aultbea, Plockton, Gairloch and Applecross before heading north to Ullapool.

From there it heads north up the coast and then through towns at the very top such as Durness, Tongue and Bettyhill before heading south through Caithness, east Sutherland Easter Ross and back to Inverness.

In total, it is 516 miles long and skirts round the world’s largest blanket bog of the Flow Country, which in turn is increasingly blanketed by wind turbines.

To alleviate concerns about over-tourism, a warts and all” assessment of the impact of the NC 500 road trip has been ordered.

NC500 Ltd, the private firm which promotes the road trip, has now commissioned a new economic and environmental impact analysis of the scheme.

When the NC500 was launched a decade ago, its website invited visitors to “take the road that never was, that suddenly appeared, as if by magic”.

Caroline Wilson: The NC500 has achieved its aim but at what cost?

'Nothing can........

© Herald Scotland