There is a paradox at the heart of any tourism policy that lures visitors on the basis of wild places and unspoilt beauty.
At what point does the impact of tourists begin to undermine the very attractions which inspire their travels?
There are signs Skye has become a victim of its own success. More damage has been done on the island in the past two years than during the previous five decades combined, according to one of the island’s most venerable gamekeepers, Scott MacKenzie.
Not all come for the beautiful, rugged west Highland scenery, of course. Skye has featured in films such as the BFG and Prometheus as well as the videos of Kanye West and Harry Styles. Meanwhile the island’s Three Chimneys restaurant has been named restaurant of the year by the Good Food Guide.
Such popularity is great news w hen tourism is such a vital part of Scotland’s economy, and the decision by Highland Council to listen to the concerns of locals and allocate £100,000 to improving facilities, and car parking in particular, at Skye’s renowned Fairy Pools is a very welcome one. Photographs of damage caused near the pools in the aptly named Glen Brittle are among those gathered by Mr MacKenzie.
We should be ready to roll out the welcome mat to those who wish to appreciate our country. But that may make it necessary to roll out the infrastructure, too.
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