Highland hopes

Having recently returned from taking a walking group around Skye, I can confirm there 
were large numbers of foreign visitors.

Every other vehicle seemed to display a European plate and those I spoke to were enjoying the experience despite the poor weather and midges.

However, some seemed unaware of the problems they were causing to locals and visitors alike.

In particular, the convoy of 16 Italian mobile homes I encountered on the narrow single track road from Dunvegan to Neist Point.

The small parking area at the road end was already full. Fortunately, I was on the road and pulled in to let them past but they must have caused mayhem as there was little space to park or turn and a queue of traffic behind them.

I spoke to a local who claimed that the year before there had been a convoy of 26.

The tourist season is quite short on Skye and all visitors are a welcome source of income to many local businesses despite the inconvenience caused by a few thoughtless groups.

I can only repeat S Beck’s 
comment (Letters, 11 August), encouraging people to head off to our Highlands and Islands. They are wonderful.

Paul Birrell

Laverock Park

Linlithgow