Protecting the Scottish Highlands: Responsible Tourism
The Scottish Highlands is a breathtaking destination, known for their rugged landscapes, misty lochs, and timeless villages. Visitors are drawn to the Highlands for an escape into unspoiled nature, where they can experience everything from ancient forests and rare wildlife to traditional Scottish culture. However, as tourism to this iconic region continues to grow, so does the importance of preserving its natural beauty and respecting the communities who call it home. Responsible tourism isn’t just a trend; it’s an essential approach that ensures the Highlands remain pristine and welcoming for future generations.
Being a responsible tourist in the Scottish Highlands means taking small but impactful steps that contribute to the area’s sustainability. From practicing Leave No Trace principles on trails to supporting local businesses, there are numerous ways visitors can make a positive impact. This guide will walk you through the essential practices that help preserve the environment, respect local traditions, and leave a lasting positive impression.
By approaching your travels with consideration, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the Highlands while also playing a part in protecting its unique heritage.
1. Leave no trace
Leaving no trace is essential for promoting considerate tourism in the Scottish Highlands because it helps protect the area’s delicate natural beauty and preserves its ecosystems for future generations. The Highlands are home to unique flora, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes that can easily be disrupted by littering, off-trail hiking, and other careless activities. By following a “leave no trace” philosophy, visitors can minimize their impact, reducing soil erosion, preventing pollution, and protecting habitats. This approach also respects the local communities and their connection to the land, ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and that the natural environment can continue to be enjoyed by all who visit.
2. Shop Local
Shopping local in the Scottish Highlands brings substantial benefits to local communities, helping sustain small businesses that are often family-owned and deeply rooted in their heritage. These businesses offer unique, handcrafted goods and local produce that showcase the area’s natural resources and cultural traditions. Supporting them helps keep the Highlands’ economy vibrant, providing jobs and ensuring that communities can thrive year-round, not just during peak tourist seasons. For visitors, choosing local over big chains is a meaningful way to immerse themselves in the Highlands’ authentic charm, connecting with the people and stories behind each product. Being a considerate tourist means recognising the impact of your spending and knowing that by supporting local businesses, you’re contributing to the sustainability of these beautiful, rural communities and preserving a way of life that’s integral to Scotland’s identity.
Here are some of my favourite small businesses in Scotland that are owned by locals:
- The Wee Bookshop, Dollar
- Bog Cotton Cafe, Cannich
- Great Glen Charcuterie, Fort William
- Haus & Co, Innerleithen
3. Choose a low-impact mode of transport
Using low-impact modes of transport, like cycling, walking, or public transport, is vital for preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Scottish Highlands and is a key aspect of responsible tourism. This region is known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems, all of which are sensitive to environmental degradation. By reducing vehicle emissions, tourists help protect the air quality and reduce noise pollution, allowing animals to thrive in their habitats undisturbed. Low-impact travel also reduces the stress on local infrastructure, such as narrow roads and limited parking, which can be overwhelmed during peak tourist seasons. Choosing sustainable transport options not only minimizes one’s carbon footprint but also fosters a deeper, slower-paced connection with the Highlands, enhancing the overall experience while contributing to the conservation of Scotland’s natural heritage for future generations.
Using local fuel stations in the Scottish Highlands is a great way to support small businesses and keep money within the local economy, which is vital for sustaining remote communities. Unlike large petrol chains, these local stations rely on travelers to stay open, providing essential services that benefit both locals and visitors exploring the Highlands responsibly.
Below are some links to Scotlands main public transport modes – Scotrail Train service and Citylink Bus service. Use the following links to plan your low-impact mode of transport around Scotland:
4. Choose your accommodation wisely
The rapid increase in short-term holiday rentals in the Scottish Highlands is taking a toll on local communities, economy, and environment. As picturesque villages and towns see a surge in rentals geared towards tourists, many local residents are struggling with rising property prices and rental costs, making it difficult for them to find affordable housing. In some cases, landlords are converting properties into short-term rentals, reducing the availability of long-term rentals, which pushes residents out of areas they’ve called home for generations.
This shift can also impact local businesses that rely on year-round residents, leading to an increasingly seasonal economy that becomes heavily reliant on tourism, creating instability in the off-season months. Additionally, the influx of short-term visitors in fragile environments strains local resources and infrastructure, contributing to problems like increased waste, noise pollution, and traffic congestion.
Tourists can support the Highlands’ communities and ecosystem by choosing more responsible accommodation options, such as locally-owned bed and breakfasts, small inns, or eco-lodges. These establishments often employ local staff and source supplies from nearby businesses, helping to create a more sustainable and mutually beneficial tourism economy. Another great choice is to stay at farm stays or community-led projects that prioritize environmental and cultural preservation. These accommodations often follow sustainable practices and encourage guests to respect the local environment. By opting for these responsible lodging choices, visitors can enjoy the Scottish Highlands in a responsible way, leaving lasting and a supportive impact on the local community.
The Ben Nevis Inn, Fort William
Fort William, home of the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis, sees thousands of visitors each year – predominantly between April – October.
In recent years there has been an increase in large hotel chains building accommodation in the area, such as Premier Inn and Travelodge. Due to the size of the business, they can afford to charge cheaper rates, which tourists opt for, thus causing smaller businesses to close due to the lack of visitors staying in their accommodation. In Fort William there are so many locally-owned accommodations, here are few: Glen Nevis Campsite, Ben Nevis Inn, Myrtle Bank Guesthouse.
Support the local community by staying in locally-owned accommodation!
5. Slow down your travel
Slowing down your visit to the Scottish Highlands offers a refreshing, more responsible approach to exploring this iconic landscape. As fast tourism continues to boom, with visitors rushing to the same popular spots, the effects are noticeable: overcrowded trails, fragile ecosystems disturbed, and local communities overwhelmed by the influx. Many of these “must-see” locations gain fame on social media, sparking a wave of traffic that overwhelms natural sites ill-suited for heavy footfall. By taking a more intentional, slower approach to travel, visitors can help alleviate these issues, reducing the strain on popular destinations while gaining a richer experience of the Highlands.
Choosing to linger in lesser-known areas rather than ticking off a list of Instagram-famous landmarks allows for a more meaningful connection with the landscape. Slow travel not only spreads out visitor numbers across a wider range of locations, but it also supports smaller, local businesses that are integral to Highland life. By taking the time to appreciate the subtle beauty of each location—whether it’s a quiet glen, a small loch, or a hidden path—travelers can immerse themselves more deeply in the culture, history, and natural wonders of Scotland, leaving a positive impact on the local environment and communities they encounter.
Here are some of my favourite, lesser known spots with beautiful views in Scotland:
Applecross Peninsula, Wester Ross
Accessible via the dramatic Bealach na Bà pass, this remote peninsula rewards visitors with jaw-dropping views of Skye and the Hebrides. Applecross has charming villages, coastal hikes, and cozy inns, making it a great destination for a peaceful escape from busier tourist spots.
Glen Clova, Angus
This secluded glen in the Angus region is ideal for hikers looking to explore rolling hills, heather-covered slopes, and hidden waterfalls. Its tranquil setting and scenic walking paths make it a perfect spot to disconnect, and it’s part of the larger Cairngorms National Park, offering trails like the popular hike to Loch Brandy.
Sandwood Bay, Sutherland
Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Britain, Sandwood Bay is remote and rugged, accessible only by a 4-mile trek from the nearest road. With golden sands, towering sea stacks, and a wild, windswept beauty, this beach is perfect for those who want a slice of solitude amid breathtaking coastal scenery.
Scotland is worth the hype!
In closing, exploring the Scottish Highlands is a truly unforgettable experience. The vast landscapes, rich history, and unique wildlife make it one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. But as with all treasured places, the Highlands require care and respect to remain preserved for generations to come. By embracing responsible tourism, visitors can make a positive impact—whether that’s sticking to established trails, supporting local businesses, or learning about the area’s delicate ecosystems.
So, as you plan your Highland adventure, remember that your choices matter. Enjoy every moment, soak up the culture, and leave only footprints on this timeless landscape. By doing so, you’re not just a tourist; you’re part of a community dedicated to safeguarding the Highlands for future explorers. We look forward to welcoming you on a journey that respects both the beauty and the spirit of Scotland!
Intrepidus Outdoors is an adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, that specialises in private and open canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking tours.
My Adventure Edinburgh (Part of the Intrepidus Group) is an outdoor tours provider that specialises in canyoning, coasteering, canoeing and hillwalking tours. As well as delivering these adventurous experiences across Scotland, My Adventure is also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.
If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:
- Open Coasteering guide here
- Adventures in Edinburgh here
- A guide to Wild Swimming in Scotland here
- SUP’ing in Scotland – 8 Best Spots here
- Top 10 Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh here
- Top tips for backpacking Scotland here
- Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh here
- Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
- Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our Trip Advisor, Youtube channeland check us out on Visit Scotland.
