Visitors desperate for the perfect social media picture have been condemned as 'entitled Instagram vandals' after tearing down a section of a 500-year-old castle wall in the Scottish Highlands.
The Destructive Act for a Photo Opportunity
The charity Historic Assynt, which works to protect historic sites, reported that tourists at Ardvreck Castle in Lairg, Scotland, deliberately 'ripped down' part of the ancient structure. The motive, according to the charity, was to create a dry pathway to the castle ruins, avoiding the water-covered beach that would have wet their feet.
A representative from Historic Assynt stated: 'Some special individuals decided when the water was over the beach area, rather than get their little tootsies wet, they would rip down a 500-year-old wall to make a path for themselves.' They described the act as 'truly unbelievable'.
A Growing Problem at a Historic Site
This incident is not isolated. Historic Assynt says it represents just one of many recent acts of vandalism where visitors 'clamber all over walls like entitled monkeys' in pursuit of the ideal Instagram shot. Ardvreck Castle, situated on the banks of Loch Assynt, lies directly on the popular NC500 scenic route, which has significantly increased its visitor numbers.
The castle has a rich history, having been built by the Macleod Clan around 1500 and abandoned since 1726. It was also the site where the Marquis of Montrose lost the Battle of Carbisdale in April 1650 before being betrayed at the castle. The ruins are even said to be haunted by two ghosts linked to the clan.
Repairs and a Plea for Respect
In response to the damage, Historic Environment Scotland provided funding for repairs. Historic Assynt has also taken additional measures to protect the site, including installing new signage that urges visitors to respect the history and a QR code at the collection box to facilitate digital donations and prevent further theft.
The charity issued a direct plea to future visitors: 'If you are planning a holiday and want to clamber over an ancient monument for that Instagram pic, please don't! This is our history and every time someone clambers all over it, a little more of it crumbles away.'
They encourage tourists to take photographs without climbing on the structures, emphasising the collective responsibility to 'leave the past for future generations to enjoy.'
