Highlands

[gedG]

As a fairly frequent visitor to the north west I keep an eye on a few FB pages connected with the NC500. It seems the majority of locals, or at least the most vocal don't want visitors at the present.
Their chief concerns seem to be, travellers unknowingly bringing the virus, and obviously infecting locals, but also taking ill themselves and needing hospital treatment. They are saying that Raigmore hospital, the major hospital for the whole of the north has only 8 ICU beds. A couple of tourists taking ill could take up 25% of ICU capacity.
I will not be making my regular May visit, and probably not in September either. Hopefully, there's always next year

[leggly]

We live on the east edge of Sutherland and it’s rather quiet up here at the moment. Apparently a lot of the campsites are closed or closing and idiotic stockpiling is even taking place up here. I have a feeling the roads be like may how they were before the NC500 kicked off, at least for the start of the season.

[Patrick Bateman]

Host has cancelled our Air B'n'B for the second week of April. Unfortunate but understandable. Pity as I was really looking forward to heading Lochinver way, especially considering abroad is almost certainly off for the year.

[mikey k]

Out of the box thinking would suggest now is a good time to go IF you are definitely clear of Covid 19

Empty roads
Less people around so less chance of getting infected
Great prices on fuel and accommodation that is open
Good chance to support local businesses that could do with out us all cancelling (including your local Kennel/Cattery)

[Patrick Bateman]

Only issue there is there's only one way to know 100% if you are clear, in which case you won't have been tested anyway so you can't know for sure.

[Riley Blue]

Patrick Bateman said:

Only issue there is there's only one way to know 100% if you are clear, in which case you won't have been tested anyway so you can't know for sure.

Yup, I wouldn't want to be responsible for spreading the virus to a largely unaffected area.

[Blown2CV]

Patrick Bateman said:

Host has cancelled our Air B'n'B for the second week of April. Unfortunate but understandable. Pity as I was really looking forward to heading Lochinver way, especially considering abroad is almost certainly off for the year.

that's a shame really esp if it's an airbnb where you don't actually need to ever meet the host. I guess they can't be doing with doing a massive deep clean after every guest.

[mikey k]

Patrick Bateman said:

Only issue there is there's only one way to know 100% if you are clear, in which case you won't have been tested anyway so you can't know for sure.

Very true
Though by coincidence I've been working from home for over 2 weeks and not been out other than for fuel.
I would like to do something to support the Scottish tourism industry and local business that need the helping hand.

[r129sl]

We've decided not to go. While I am sceptical about the sustainability of these measures beyond a few days, I think staying close to home is sensible policy right now.

PS: thanks to GetCarter for getting back to me so swiftly.

Edited by r129sl on Wednesday 18th March 22:38

[gdr]

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highland...
I can day trip NW Highlands from home and maintain social distancing (care needed during fuel stops) but I guess not really socially acceptable. Hopefully restrictions might ease before summer ends.

[mikey k]

gdr said:

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highland...
I can day trip NW Highlands from home and maintain social distancing (care needed during fuel stops) but I guess not really socially acceptable. Hopefully restrictions might ease before summer ends.

If the locals are asking people not to come then I'll respect that.
Looks like a bit of DIY time then

[Riley Blue]

mikey k said:

gdr said:

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highland...
I can day trip NW Highlands from home and maintain social distancing (care needed during fuel stops) but I guess not really socially acceptable. Hopefully restrictions might ease before summer ends.

If the locals are asking people not to come then I'll respect that.
Looks like a bit of DIY time then

I've already been presented with a list of gardening, decorating and DIY tasks.

[Peanut Gallery]

Riley Blue said:

I've already been presented with a list of gardening, decorating and DIY tasks.

There is a Pathfinder near you in need of a good overhaul, if you really want a challenge!

Stored inside, so little rust as a bonus! And only one bloke there, who doesn't do social, so no worries on that front!

[Riley Blue]

Peanut Gallery said:

Riley Blue said:

I've already been presented with a list of gardening, decorating and DIY tasks.

There is a Pathfinder near you in need of a good overhaul, if you really want a challenge!

Stored inside, so little rust as a bonus! And only one bloke there, who doesn't do social, so no worries on that front!

I already have another One-Point-Five awaiting restoration - but thanks for finding me even more work!

[s70rmp]

we have a cottage booked just outside Fort William for a week from the 28th March - not sure what to do as we cant cancel and get money back and cant afford to loose £850

our plan was just to bring stuff with us and just drive out during the day see the sights and not come into contact with people except for buying fuel.

really not sure what to do now,

[GetCarter]

s70rmp said:

we have a cottage booked just outside Fort William for a week from the 28th March - not sure what to do as we cant cancel and get money back and cant afford to loose £850

our plan was just to bring stuff with us and just drive out during the day see the sights and not come into contact with people except for buying fuel.

really not sure what to do now,

Do what you said. Roads are empty - weather looks good - just don't expect to eat out!

[s70rmp]

We’d still need to get stuff from either M&S or Aldi it Morrison’s in fort William and concerned they are going to be same as here where idiots have just emptied the selves

Driving around getting out taking photos and not talking to people is what we’d do if this virus wasn’t here

[GetCarter]

s70rmp said:

We’d still need to get stuff from either M&S or Aldi it Morrison’s in fort William and concerned they are going to be same as here where idiots have just emptied the selves

Driving around getting out taking photos and not talking to people is what we’d do if this virus wasn’t here

No idea what it's like in FW, but here in the NW it's all calm (at present). If you just want to walk, see, and take photos, I'd stock up down south and come. So few people here at the moment you don't have to think about 'distanting'. We sat in the garden this afternoon for over an hour and saw less than half a dozen cars.

[s70rmp]

As long as we can get ready meals from M&S I’m guessing we could survive 😃

Local Tesco’s has been raided by idiots just hoarding for the end of days

We’ll discuss this weekend and monitor what government advises

Working fro. Home for a week and a half before going and only outside contact is going to shops

[Who me ?]

OP- might be worth a call to the FW tourist board over shopping. BTW-it's Morrisons and Lidll that are close by. Tesco have a store opposite the Post Office at the north end of the Highstreet ,with Aldi out near M & S.There's also smaller shops in Onich ,Inverlochy,Claggan ,Banavie and Corpach. As GC said, ( unless the influx from the Glasgow area has changed the area) , panic buying is not something the folks in FW area go in for.