Sports car convoys prompt NC500 safety fears

The Highlands landscape draws many visitors to the NC500 route

People living near Scotland's North Coast 500 have raised fresh concerns about "sports car convoys" and speeding drivers on the popular tourist route.

The NC500 involves a 516-mile (830km) journey around the north Highlands coast, starting and finishing in Inverness.

Last week, police clocked a tourist driving at 104mph on the A832.

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd urged visitors to treat the region with respect.

The NC500 was launched as a tourism concept in 2015 and attracts large numbers of luxury car drivers.

Police Scotland said it carried out regular patrols along the NC500, and the route's official website has a section on road safety.

Craig Mills, head of operations at NC500, said visitors were actively encouraged to drive in a responsible and safe manner, and to adhere to the speed limits along the route.

He said: "We would urge people to report any dangerous or anti-social behaviour to Police Scotland and other relevant authorities."

• NC500 credited with £22m Highland economy boost

• Police target drivers on North Coast 500

• Advice issued on single-track driving

• Scenic Highlands route 'needs strategy'

Ms Todd told BBC radio's Good Morning Scotland programme on Thursday a number of locals had contacted her because they were worried about safety.

The SNP MSP said: "This is one of the most beautiful parts of the world - the scenery is amazing, the food is amazing and we have a reputation for hospitality.

"But people need to remember that this our home and to treat it with respect.

"We are seeing convoys of sports cars going through these quite narrow country roads.

"In some places there is single track and there is this impression some people are trying to complete the route in a certain time."

The NC500 was launched as a tourism concept in 2015

Police Scotland said it carried out targeted campaigns on certain weekends through the spring and summer as well as regular patrols.

Sgt Kate Park said: "The scenery in the north rightly attracts visitors from all over the world, in addition to local motorists who regularly use routes such as the NC500.

"Given the rural nature of many of these roads, it is vital that motorists drive in a responsible manner, whilst being mindful of their own safety and that of other road users."

She added: "We continue to rely on the public to report any road safety concerns by calling 101, so our patrols can be targeted to have the greatest effect."