THE country’s newest driving route promises to follow in the tyre tracks of another spectacular circuit deemed one of the “top five coastal routes in the world” and which became known as “Scotland’s Route 66”. The North Coast 500 takes in the many delights of Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland and Caithness.

Having paved the road to Helmsdale with good intentions, there was no reason why another route might have similar success. And, while all roads don’t lead to Rothes, the North East 250 certainly does, and to many other fine places such as Ballater, Fochabers and Tomintoul.

Here be whisky, castles, coastal villages, deer, and mountains – “everything for which Scotland is famous”, according to the route’s organisers – not to mention the Bullers of Buchan, Balmedie Beach, the Waters of Philorth, and the granite grandeur of Aberdeen.

Such tourism-driven initiatives may smack of gimmickry to some, but they have practical value in offering a well thought-out itinerary for visitors. As in other countries, there may be infrastructure problems, particularly in the isles, caused by large numbers descending on little places. But we value our visitors nevertheless. They bring trade, generating jobs and income.

On the principle that mony a mile maks a muckle, we are sure the North East 250 will be good for the area and good for Scotland.