UK's 'prettiest village' hit by overtourism chaos as visitor numbers continue to surge

Ullapool, a picturesque village in West Scotland recently voted the most beautiful in the UK, is facing challenges as its popularity and fears of overtourism continue to rise. 

Once a tranquil retreat known for its stunning mountain backdrop and abundant marine life, Ullapool is now struggling to manage the influx of visitors that has transformed the village.

Earlier this year, a group of UK travel photographers named Ullapool the most beautiful small settlement in the country. 

The village’s scenic beauty, with mountains rising behind its bay and dolphins and porpoises frequently seen in its waters, has long attracted those seeking a peaceful escape. 

However, the arrival of large cruise ships and the increasing popularity of the North Coast 500 road has brought significant changes to this once-idyllic location.

According to Visit Scotland, the number of Brits staying in Ullapool surged by 50 percent between 2014 and 2019, from 54,000 from 2014 to 2016, to 82,000 from 2017 to 2019. That number is seemingly on the rise. 

The influx of tourists has undoubtedly brought economic benefits, but it has also introduced issues typical of overtourism, which many European destinations are currently grappling with.

Local resident and politician Steve Chishom, who competed for the Alba Party in the constituency containing Ullapool, noted the rising frustration among residents, particularly over housing. 

He told The Mirror: "The lack of affordable housing was brought up by a lot of people on the doorstep, especially for young people.

"The number of properties being used for short-term lets and second homes is making that difficult."

House prices in Ullapool have skyrocketed in recent years, with the average home selling for £312,417 last year, up from £201,475 in 2014. 

The surge in property values has made it increasingly difficult for locals to find affordable housing, exacerbating tensions within the community. In addition to housing issues, the strain on local infrastructure has become a pressing concern. 

Mr Chishom pointed out the challenges posed by the growing number of tourists, particularly those traveling the NC500 route. 

He explained: "Tourism brings benefits in terms of people coming to the area, spending money, and drinking in pubs and buying crafts, but there is a knock-on challenge to that.

"There is a lack of facilities, such as toilets, for the people coming on the NC500. And there is not a large per-head spend for tourists coming into the area on the road. 

"They buy their groceries at a Lidl or Tesco and cook for themselves. There is more heavy traffic on the road, more potholes, and some poor etiquette on behalf of some tourists."

Robert Hicks runs the Dupping Lugger and Highland Liquor Co in the village. He has seen Ullapool "evolve" in the 30 years he's been there, and believes this is largely positive.

He told The Mirror: "It was originally built by the British Fisheries Society, but with the ferry coming here, with the tourism now, it has become the beating heart of the west coast."

"The cruise ships have been coming for maybe 10 years now. They're increasing in numbers. Now they proactively keep the passengers in the village for half their visit, where they used to be bussed out. We do see a noticeable uptick in trade when the ships come.

"There is a bit of a buzz around the place (when they arrive), but it's not for everyone."

He added: "I would argue we live in the most stunning parts of Scotland and one of the last great wildernesses. For too long it was ignored.

"The cruise ships and NC500 shine a light on the amazing area that we live in. Tourism is the mainstay of the Highlands. It's bringing people here, helping employment. You've got to take the positives."