A LOCAL living along the North Coast 500 has hit out at a tourist for “invading the privacy” while they took in the scenic views – but people are divided.
A resident in the Scottish Highlands spotted the visitor standing on a hill above their home using binoculars to take in the stunning views.
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But they were left furious when they realised the person would have been able to see right into their garden.
Taking to Facebook, the local posted on the NC500 The Land Weeps page to share their frustration at the situation.
But not everyone agreed, with many pointing out that the person had done nothing wrong and hadn’t used the binoculars to peer into homes in the area.
The user shared photos of the person standing on the hill and the view they would have had of their garden.
The post was captioned: “Invasion of privacy.
“Man standing on something with binoculars to see the stunning view but is overlooking occupied houses.”
Sorry this is absolutely ridiculous, you can’t control peoples lines of sight for goodness sake… Posts like this make an actual mockery of the real problems on the route
Facebook user
Users quickly flocked to the comments to debate the situation, with some claiming that the complaint was “ridiculous”.
One person said: “Man looks in the direction of house! When will this madness end?!?”
Another added: “He’s doing nothing wrong. Yes if you were out in garden sunbathing and he was having a good look well that’s something completely different! I totally get the frustration from locals about irresponsible tourism but some posts on this group are just ridiculous!”
Someone else wrote: “Sorry this is absolutely ridiculous, you can’t control peoples lines of sight for goodness sake, he’s stood on a hill looking at the view in the far distance using binoculars (over the top of the houses) not perving on Mrs Miggins in the bath. Posts like this make an actual mockery of the real problems on the route”.
And a fourth shared: “Cmon now guys, just what exactly is wrong here? I go around Durness all the time and at all hours of the day and night with my camera and big lens, doesn’t mean I am invading anyone’s privacy, I am simply looking for and taking pictures of wildlife.
“The person is clearly looking skywards and more than likely bird spotting! This is really scraping the barrel and implying something that is clearly not happening.”
While a fifth chimed in: “It may feel intrusive to the person living there but it’s not an invasion of privacy.”
However, others jumped in to defend the poster and agreed with their frustrations.
A user posted: “Like exhibits in a free to all zoo.”
A second commented: “It’s so hard for the locals as most are elderly and scared, my friend lives there, she told me yesterday folk were camping at her gate”.
And another said: “Maybe have some respect, the elderly folk that lives here in Drumbeg, don’t have family around them… You can get the same view standing at the view point, I reckon folk are scared! Hope this helps folk to understand.”
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DESPITE its challenges, the NC500 is still one of the most popular road trips in the world.
Earlier this year, the scenic route was voted the number one most searched for road trip in the UK and an astonishing fifth in the world-wide table.
With its impressive 516-mile stretch of magnificent coastal views, it’s not surprising it’s such a popular route for travellers looking to explore. From castles to distilleries there is something for everyone to enjoy.
It was also ranked as the most romantic drive in Britain after an influx of visitors took to the roads for ‘staycations’ in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
An English couple told how they loved the NC500 so much that they got it tattooed on their bodies forever.
While a couple who travelled the route in an Audi convertible told how it was “one of the best holidays” they’ve ever had.
