Tourist numbers at the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, famed for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, have surged to around 500,000 annually, overwhelming the tiny hamlet of Glenfinnan. The population of the area is just 100 to 150 residents, according to Dr Adele Doran, a tourism lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.
Local car parks are struggling to cope, with visitors parking on grass verges and in passing places, causing gridlock. Residents report difficulties accessing shops and medical appointments. Emily Bryce of the National Trust for Scotland told STV News: 'We can't turn the clock back, so what we need to do is ensure that we are working together on solutions.'
Further concerns have been raised about visitors emptying chemical toilets from campervans into freshwater drains. Robin Pettigrew, a local from nearby Lochcarron, told the Daily Mail: 'This is human faeces being dumped in a freshwater drain.' He called for a 'fully nuanced discussion' on tourism management.
The viaduct, used for the Hogwarts Express in films including Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban, sees a working steam train cross four times daily. Many visitors detour from the North Coast 500 route. Dr Doran recommended promoting public transport to ease pressure on the area.
