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Visitors Accused of Tearing Down 500-Year-Old Ardvreck Castle Wall for Photos

Local custodians report recurring damage driven by social-media tourism.

Overview

  • Historic Assynt said part of a wall was ripped down to create a dry path across wet sand so people could reach the ruin for pictures.
  • The incident occurred at Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt, a popular stop along the NC500 route in the Scottish Highlands.
  • The charity called it one of several cases of visitor-caused harm, including clambering on walls and thefts from collection boxes.
  • Historic Environment Scotland funded repairs, and new on-site signage and a QR code were installed to deter further damage and support upkeep.
  • Historic Assynt appealed to visitors to take photographs without climbing and to leave the monument intact for future generations.