Scotland is filled to the brim with amazing places to see and incredible things to do, throw in all the welcoming places to stay and mouth-watering restaurants to eat at and you have a heady mix that's ideal for creating an unforgettable holiday.
This is the reason that thousands and thousands of people visit the country from all over the world. And if the reviews are anything to go by then most people who visit have an amazing time but not everyone is happy all of the time and it seems some attractions are just magnets for complaints on TripAdvisor.
Here are some of those attractions in Scotland that no matter how much love they get from others, some tourists just love to hate.
Edinburgh Castle
One of the most recognisable Scottish landmarks is visited by thousands upon thousands of visitors every year, with a peak of 2.2 million visitors in just one year in 2019.
Packed with history and beautiful architecture, it should be a hugely fun day out for most – but actually, it seems to get a lot of comments on the lack of access around the castle.
Read more: The best Scottish attractions and activities named by TripAdvisor for 2022
Naz O. posted: "Firstly we were a little disappointed with what the castle had to offer for a visitor. As it is still used as a military base, there isn't much to see or explore other than the beautiful scenic views. Even the crown jewels room only had one display."
Another said: "What you can see is very limited and the castle is mainly fairly modern. Most parts are closed off. Not good value for money."
Local resident Andy W. added: "I live in Edinburgh and took my Grandson up to see some of our history. I could not believe the prices they charge. There is little to nothing in there, its a rip off."
The NC500
Scotland's answer to Route 66 provides thousands of people with incredible memories, however, not everyone is happy with the 516-mile route with loads of complaints stating that it's been spoiled by its own success.
One reviewer wrote: "Went in 2013 before it was "invented" - absolutely wonderful. Now, absolutely awful!
"Was deserted in 2013, now continuous lines of traffic on roads that were not designed for the amount of traffic so they are atrocious. Go to Scotland by all means just not on the 500."
A user called Dangary wrote: "The majority of people hire a motorhome for 7 days in Inverness, load up with food and booze at the Tesco (other supermarkets are available) and then blast around Scotland to ‘tick the box’. They spend nothing, see nothing, taste nothing, hear nothing, experience nothing of this wonderful and stunning country, contributing nothing to the local economy, yet contributing much to the resentment."
Bourne2fish in Brighton said: "Overcrowded roads, packed with campervans and every viewing point filled to the brim.
"Limited facilities, that cannot cope with the vast quantity of tourists."
The Jacobite Steam Train
The train, which was made famous by the Harry Potter films, doubles as the Hogwarts Express in the films and travels through some of Scotland's most incredible scenery but not everyone loved their trip on it.
Gnizoons1 from Texas described it as a "waste of time and money" stating: "You are on a train. There is no narration at all that would tie this trip to Harry Potter. Someone comes with a cart selling Harry Potter memorabilia. We paid about $250 for four people to ride this train.
"My advice is to plan a hike near the aqueduct the train crosses (remember the famous scene in the movie?) it will be free and you will have a much better experience."
While Chrissie B added: "Worst experience of my life. Disgustingly dirty train filled with a whole mixed bag of tourists and every single one of them had a packed lunch that stank out the carriage and made an already unpleasant journey even worse. Do not waste your money."
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Edinburgh's most famous street and arguably one of Scotland's most famous, the Royal Mile is filled with historic closes and buildings, as well as some top shops – but people still love to complain about them.
Anon was annoyed they couldn't park there stating: "Just a shopping street - why waste your time? Almost impossible to traverse Edinburgh north to south in a car - and zero road signs telling you how to get out of the city once you are in."
While Mango147 added: "Horrific!! returned from a recent stay and we will definitely will not be returning! We found the City including the Royal mile to be very dirty and the strong smell of human waste down every side alleyway!!
Loch Ness
Even natural wonders like Loch Ness aren't safe from criticism, with plenty of tourists targeting their ire at this famous waterway.
Martha C posted: "We have rented a car and thought a drive a long the Loch would be super romantic. Wrong. They have huge hedges, trees and plants blocking the view. Quiet [sic] a disappointment. Their roads don't even have a shoulder where to stop but few and far apart small viewpoints."
257zoe said there are better lochs to see, adding: "The trees block a lot of the views to see the Loch."
While Pim G wrote: "High expectations, but no Nessie today. The lake is wonderful but when you come for the monster, don’t travel there since it will not show up."
Eilean Donan Castle
Even Scotland's most picturesque castle wasn't safe from criticism.
Laura said: "The castle itself is lovely from the outside, but not worth the money. Parking is expensive, and it an additional £10 to enter the castle. The only room with any interesting history is the first one. The rest is a haphazard collection of artefacts with no context, in dark rooms which haven’t been tastefully renovated."
Another person wasn't happy with the set up, they posted: "Displays were poor and lacking imagination and no decent lighting. Just a Victorian cop out really. Could have done with a bit more information about the displays."
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