NC500 - shape its future
Added at 11:16 on 12 December 2025
It's 10 years since the North Coast 500 (NC500) was launched, bringing both benefits and issues over that time. Although not directly on the NC500, the Black Isle is a popular "side excursion" and affects us who live or work here. The company that promotes the route (NC500 Ltd) wants to assess this and see how it can improve things, not just for the NC500, as they also hope to use their report to bring together the patchwork of agencies, businesses and communities that are support tourism in the North Highlands.
To do this, they have commissioned an independent company (BiGGAR Economics) to create a "warts-and-all" economic and environmental impact analysis to highlight issues and engage with the local communities and businesses affected by the route. You can read more about this on the BBC news site.
NC500 Ltd are looking for our help.
If you live north of Inverness, there's a survey for residents here. They particularly want to hear from under-30s. As they say: "If we want to retain more young people and encourage young families to move to the North Highlands – as we must – then the voices of the people of tomorrow must be heard...".
If you run or are part of a business, there's a survey for businesses here.
If you've visited us, whether using the NC500 explicitly or not, here's a survey for you.
The surveys close on Christmas Eve, so don't delay!
Also... if you happen to have access to any data, such as old surveys, and you think they might be relevant, please consider sharing it with BiGGAR Economics, as they want as much relevant data as they can get their hands on! We can provide contact details.