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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots tourist spot named among most picturesque locations in the world
Read on to discover which other roads make the top five STUNNING SCENES Scots tourist spot named among most picturesque locations in the world SCOTLAND'S North Coast 500 has been named among the world's most picturesque road trips. The study, conducted by Cinch, analysed 40 iconic road trip routes across six continents to find out what journeys are most shared Instagram. 2 A road sign for the North Coast 500 in the Scottish Highlands Credit: Getty America's legendary Route 66 was crowned the most Instagrammed route on Earth, racking up a staggering 2.4 million hashtag mentions. Also making the top five were Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland, Great Ocean Road, Australia and Blue Ridge Parkway, USA. The NC500 is one of the most popular tourist trips in the country. The 516-mile stretch has been compared to America's famous Route 66 and gets thousands of visitors every year. Tourists flock to take in the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. Cinch motoring editor Sam Sheehan said: 'There's something unmatched about exploring the world from behind the wheel – stopping when you like, chasing views, discovering unexpected places. "These drives capture the imagination of millions because they offer freedom, beauty and a bit of adventure. 'Whether you hire a car to go from Chicago to California or take your pride and joy around the NC500, a little research can help you set up the road trip of a lifetime.' The NC500, dubbed Scotland's Route 66, is under the spotlight as locals express frustration over the influx of tourists along the rural route. While the scenic road trip brings economic benefits to the Highland region, residents are frequently irked by the trail of rubbish and damage to the roads caused by the surge in camper vans and mobile homes. Brand new coastal caravan park on picturesque NC500, near stunning, award-winning beach But tourists claim to respect the environment and the beauty of the route. It comes after locals blasted 'entitled' tourists who dumped their campervan outside a doctor's surgery - then cycled off for more than a week. It's claimed the visitors parked up in a spot that's reserved for medical staff who are on-call along the NC500 route. They then left their motorhome behind in Thurso, Caithness, to zip away on their bikes and catch a ferry.
Daily Record
20 hours ago
- Daily Record
Iconic Scottish road trip ranked among world's most Instagrammable destinations
It ranked an incredible fifth in the world with 694,511 Instagram mentions A breathtaking Scottish route has driven its way into the global spotlight, after being named one of the most picturesque road trips on Earth in a new study of Instagram data. The North Coast 500, a spectacular 516-mile loop through the Scottish Highlands, has been ranked fifth in the world and second in Europe by cinch, the UK's largest online used car retailer. Researchers analysed 40 iconic road trips across six continents, looking at how often each was shared on Instagram using popular hashtags. Scotland's NC500 racked up 694,511 hashtag mentions, largely under #nc500 (519,000) and #northcoast500 (175,000). Cinch said: "Completing the top five is Scotland's North Coast 500, clinching 694,511 Instagram hashtag mentions. Most tend to accompany their scenic Scottish snaps with #nc500 (519,000 uses) and #northcoast500 (175,000)." Beginning and ending in Inverness, the NC500 winds through remote beaches, majestic Munros, rugged cliffs and ancient castles. It typically takes five to seven days to complete and has earned a 4.7-star TripAdvisor rating, beloved by photographers, nature lovers and road trippers alike. But taking the top spot worldwide was a truly iconic route: Route 66. Route 66 takes first place with over 2.4 million Instagram hashtag mentions, proving that you just can't beat the classics. The legendary 2,448-mile highway connects Chicago to Los Angeles, cutting through America's heartland and offering an unforgettable blend of big cities, small towns, diners, deserts and ghost towns. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way ranked just behind at number two globally, claiming the top spot in Europe. The route boasts over 1.9 million Instagram mentions, thanks to stunning coastal images posted under hashtags like #wildatlanticway. Spanning an astonishing 1,600 miles from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, it holds the title of the world's longest defined coastal route, offering breathtaking cliffs, remote beaches and endless Atlantic views. The Wild Atlantic Way and the NC500 were the only European road trips to make the top 10, but four more bagged spots in the top 20. The Ring Road in Iceland had 295k Instagram posts, while Ireland's second entry was the Ring of Kerry with 262k. The Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland (232k) and Germany's Romantic Road (42k) rounded out Europe's inclusion in the top 20. Cinch's motoring editor Sam Sheehan commented: 'There's something unmatched about exploring the world from behind the wheel – stopping when you like, chasing views, discovering unexpected places. "These drives capture the imagination of millions because they offer freedom, beauty and a bit of adventure. 'Whether you hire a car to go from Chicago to California or take your pride and joy around the NC500, a little research can help you set up the road trip of a lifetime.' The top ten most Instagrammed road trips in the world: Route 66, USA, North America – 2.4 million hashtags Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland, Europe – 1.9 million Great Ocean Road, Australia, Oceania – 1.6 million Blue Ridge Parkway, USA, North America – 722K North Coast 500, Scotland, Europe – 695K Garden Route, South Africa, Africa – 634K Carretera Austral, Chile, South America – 581K Silk Road, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & China, Asia – 512K Pacific Coast Highway, USA, North America – 453K Hana Highway, USA, North America – 431K
Daily Record
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
These uncommon Highway Code road signs will stump most drivers
Road signs play a vital role in directing, informing and controlling driver behaviour to make UK roads safe. There are over four million road signs in the UK, so it's no wonder the majority of drivers are unable to keep track of them all. Road signs, especially uncommon ones, can leave motorists confused, with 35 per cent of British drivers having previously admitted they're unsure if they could pass a theory driving test today. In the hope of improving road safety, new rules, signs and regulations are introduced each year. Often older, out of date, signs are swapped with newer symbols. For instance, the original 'private crossing' road sign - which has historically depicted a locomotive – has been refreshed to show a modern train. Cinch, the faff-free way to buy a car online, listed some of the most peculiar UK road signs. Some of the most unusual road signs in the UK Meaning: Slow-moving military A warning sign that portrays a military tank is a rare sight, and you're unlikely to spot it often as you cruise around the local roads of Scotland. Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, said: "This unusual sign indicates exactly what it says on the tin – you might bump into a Challenger 3 tank! "Specifically, it's telling you that slow-moving military vehicles are likely to cross or be present on that stretch of road. "It's usually set temporarily in zones where the military is carrying out their operations, or permanently positioned near army barracks, and it warns motorists to take extra care as they navigate the area." Meaning: Beware of migratory toads If you're enjoying a road trip across the British countryside in early spring, there's a chance you might see this peculiar sign en route – especially if you're near a large pond or lake. What this sign warns drivers of is that there could be migratory toads crossing the road, hopping from one side to the other as they venture towards their breeding grounds. If you see this warning sign, reduce your speed and check the road in front of you as you pass. Amphibians are more active during the evening and at night, so be extra careful at dusk. Meaning: You are entering or exiting a quiet lane A green road sign featuring a car, cyclist, horse-rider, and a parent with their child indicates the start of a designated quiet lane. If it's crossed by a red stripe, it means you're leaving this zone. Quiet lanes aim to preserve the peace and well-being of rural streets where people can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Designated quiet lanes welcome less than 1,000 vehicles per day and have a 35mph speed limit. So, abide by the rules to respect your surroundings and prevent a possible speeding fine. Meaning: Electrified overhead cable ahead Despite the menacing lightning bolt, this sign doesn't indicate the start of a storm. Instead, it warns drivers about potential overhead electrical hazards ahead, which means electric cables are running above the road. You will likely find this sign near tram or railway cables, paired with a plate informing about the maximum safe height for vehicles. The restriction won't affect car or motorbike drivers, but if you're at the wheel of a tall vehicle, such as a truck or lorry, you might have to steer away from the area to prevent damage to your roof and the cables. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Meaning: Vehicles may be parked on the verge If you're driving along rural lanes or narrow roads with limited off-street parking, you may spot this square-shaped sign. This tells motorists that parking is permitted on the verge – either the pavement or the grassy bit next to the road. If you don't need to park but are simply driving nearby, this sign will let you know that you're unlikely to have the entire width of the road to use. So, if traffic is incoming, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. Meaning: Vehicles carrying explosives prohibited If you've never seen this sign before, you might get a bit panicky, but don't worry – you needn't watch out for exploding vehicles ahead. Instead, this circular traffic sign with a car topped with a fire warns you that no motors carrying explosives are allowed in the area. It only applies to drivers with a dangerous load in the back of the vehicle, so if you're carrying fireworks in your boot, you'll have to figure out an alternative route. So, did you recognise any of these unusual signs? From amphibians hopping in the street to designated quiet lanes and slow-moving military vehicles, always remember to drive carefully to keep everyone safe.
Telegraph
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Electric car tax trick costs Treasury £48m
Savvy electric car owners cost the Treasury £48m by exploiting a tax renewal quirk in the lead-up to significant rule changes. Electric vehicles (EVs) lost their tax-free status on April 1 2025 as the Government looked to boost dwindling car tax receipts. The changes mean EVs now attract a £195-per-year bill, bringing them in line with most petrol and diesels. But owners who renewed before April were able to swerve the vehicle excise duty (VED) charge – taxing their car for free for another 12 months. Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency found that renewals for electric cars surged by 1,467pc in March. The data, obtained via a Freedom of Information request by used car retailer Cinch, shows that 245,000 tax renewals were completed for EVs. With around 1.3m electric cars on UK roads, the figures suggest around one in five EV owners re-taxed free of charge in March. The mass number of renewals meant drivers saved £48m in tax. Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, said: 'Such a big increase in renewals shows just how many EV drivers might have got themselves another year of road tax-free motoring.' Those who sidestepped the bill were able to renew regardless of how many months were left on their previous year of car tax. An EV owner due to renew in May, for example, was able to do so free of charge before April, prolonging their tax bill until 2026. When they next come to renew, the annual rate for electric cars registered from 2017 onwards is £195. The Government opted to close the long-standing tax break for EVs in a bid to offset falling fuel duty receipts brought about by fewer people filling up at the pumps. The changes to VED – which also include increases for some petrol, diesel and hybrid drivers – are expected to raise an extra £900m for the Treasury in 2025, according to forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. But with hundreds of thousands of EV owners avoiding the payment, that revenue projection is being questioned. A Treasury spokesman said: 'We are committed to maintaining a sustainable tax contribution from motoring. As with all tax policy changes, the Government sets out details on expected impacts at fiscal events.' Declining uptake The loss of free car tax means the incentives to influence EV uptake continues to decline. Unlike other European countries, Britain has not offered an electric car grant since 2022 when the Tories ended a £1,500 scheme nearly a year earlier than the industry expected. Since April, all electric models worth more than £40,000 also incur a £425 annual charge between the second and sixth years of their lifespan. With most EVs breaking the £40,000 threshold, drivers will be forced to foot a hefty £3,110 in tax bills during the first six years. Fewer than one in four drivers intend to buy an EV in the next three years, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Research shows a typical EV now retains only 49pc of its value after 24 months, compared with 70pc for diesel and petrol cars, according to Cox Automotive. Sheena McGuinness, of tax firm RSM, said: 'The current price point of EVs may be unaffordable for many and driving consumers to seek out cheaper options.'
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers warned over car check that could stop you breaking down in the heat
The weather is slowly but surely heating up in the UK; however, with the rise in temperatures, experts are urging Brits to check their batteries to avoid rendering them useless As temperatures start to rise, it has never been more critical to check on your car battery. Hot temperatures are known to impact a car battery's lifespan negatively and, in some severe cases, lead to its premature failure. This happens because heat accelerates the chemical reactions within the battery, resulting in faster electrolyte evaporation and increased internal corrosion. Ultimately, these combined factors exacerbate the ageing process and can cause your battery to fail quite suddenly. With road trips and staycations starting to pick up, and school holidays in the not too distant future, this can disrupt your summer plans entirely. Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, has shared his advice on how to avoid a complete battery burnout, and confirmed that warm weather can accelerate the evaporation process of battery fluid. Sheehan says: 'Your battery should be checked during a service, but it doesn't hurt to give it a once-over before the summer properly kicks in. If your battery is over three years old, consider having it tested by a professional to make sure it's all good.' On average, it is recommended that car batteries are tested by a professional every three years. So if anyone has yet to get theirs checked, now is the time. Tips for driving in the sun Many road accidents occur during sunset and sunrise as the low light often blinds drivers. Seehann encourages drivers to keep a pair of sunglasses within easy reach if they are behind the wheel to prevent any unwanted accidents. Car windows are also not protected from UV rays, which means passengers can also get sunburnt during long drives. Hence, it's essential to apply sunscreen to avoid getting unwanted tan lines or sunburn. Additionally, if you're planning on doing some longer drives, Sam recommends packing an emergency kit to be on the safe side. The kit should include everything to cater for unplanned emergencies, such as water, non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, a flashlight and basic tools. He added: 'A checklist with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is also helpful, so you can know the steps to take if you or your passengers aren't feeling well.' Not only that, for longer drives, Sheehan highlights the importance of having a phone. He says: 'A fully charged mobile phone (and portable charger) is also crucial for calling for help if needed."
