Notice: This blog entry is going to focus on the infrastructure issue which some people are still unaware of here at Whaligoe Steps. When you visit Whaligoe Steps, you may well encounter congestion, frustration, logistical challenges and many other things.
What will you find if you visit Whaligoe Steps during busy times?
You’ll find a residential car park designed with residential activity in mind. This consists of eleven parking spaces in total with a modest lane running alongside a pavement utilised by pedestrians as the only access point.
The authorities (Highland Council) are aware of the congestion, frustration and the need for creating a better and more suitable infrastructure here. Thanks to a government funding scheme directed at tourism, the Highland Council have reviewed at length their budgetary requirements and allocated £90,000 for investment in increasing the car park size here in Ulbster.
This was part of an ambitious plan incorporating a great many sites and situations in other areas too. As a consequence, it will take from the time of this blog entry, anywhere within the next four years or so.
Yes indeed, that means currently there will remain further possible property damage, vehicle damage, frustration and congestion and generally unwelcome feelings being negotiated by both residents and visitors alike.
Let’s have a pause before we head into photographic evidence of the traffic activity here, and realise that the Highland Council are doing what they can with what they have. A Council Ranger periodically drops by and picks up litter around the car park and monitors things. Below, they tackle some of their chores.
Pot holes which were becoming prolific due to the traffic, and wear and tear of the lane. These have been attended to. Some light to the shade.
I was thrilled to hear from a representative for a Member of Parliament (MP) recently who really had a good grasp on the infrastructure issues here. It was somewhat comforting that despite the Highland Council not communicating with me about anything, that someone else was quite happy to converse about the situation.
There are no facilities here for visitors/tourists. You may witness an individual in need of a toilet and this can create awkward situations, as with the above example caught for posterity via a security camera.
The above photograph is the car park completely full and the campervan closest is going to end up reversing candidly due to the lack of space. The principle of cause and effect is going to be most evident. Only eleven spaces, and a constant stream of vehicles coming and going is bringing about congestion, frustration and hampering the experience of driving to a popular location.
Being a resident is also stressful. Traffic cones are set out to protect spaces which has proved futile.
The residential lane runs along the front of the properties here. It was never designed for the traffic flow which currently takes place due to tourist promotion and the increasing popularity of the Whaligoe Steps.
The Whaligoe Steps are situated on private land but have public access rights. So keep in mind if you owned the land, what sort of cost would it take to make them safe for visitors and tourists who wish to walk down and around them.
Fancy investing an amazing amount of money creating a safer and healthier environment for everyone coming here? Examples to make it a safer environment for all may include netting to keep overhanging cliffs safer?, providing fencing and barriers across a vast expanse of coastal terrain to provide safer infrastructure for unaware visitors. Constantly maintain the six zig-zagging flights of stone steps so they’re safe to walk on. Maybe with hand rails to assist mobility throughout the 250 feet drop from the top of the cliffs too? Provide toilet facilities and cater to those who set up tents and camp overnight?…
The reason I ventured into making a website regarding life down and around Whaligoe Steps in the first place was due to a need for raising awareness. These included issues of safety concerns, recognition for the increase in visitor numbers which impact residents, each other, vehicles and property in this location.
On July 11th, 2023, part of my outer wall was knocked down (again!) by an unsuspecting visitor. Stress therefore on the unsuspecting traveller and on me. Please be mindful of the car park being designed for local residents, and also be aware of the lack in health and safety, facilities and the surrounding environment.
Thankfully, my sister found a note left by the visitor, and we hope to get things resolved in due course.
Just a reminder of earlier times regarding the traffic issues captured in archive photographs which showcase my concerns, as I talk with visitors and residents about the unsettled nature of the busy months around this region in these present times too. Thus far, nothing has changed, just plans made and motions behind the scenes to improve things as logistically as possible.
Here are some sights captured by a security camera in recent weeks…
A quick comparison for you if you’re not familiar with this location. A sensible and contained photo of a parking space where visitors are walking in a relaxed manner (on your left as you look below) – Then another photo showing me doing a vigil of my outer wall surrounded by traffic (on your right as you peruse below).
Whilst walking home after a shift at work, I heard clearly a resident raise his voice and explain to someone how we need the pot holes looked at and the car park isn’t an issue. I’m paraphrasing, but you get the idea.
Well, the Highland Council have dealt with the pot holes around here and I think they’re in the loop with the congestion and evident traffic issues.
When I hear this local individual say out loud how things are not going to change, I cannot help but wonder why they’re so negative? The individual concerned even holds up the traffic adding hindrance to what is already quite a fragile situation.
I try my very best to share positivity where and when I can. That’s another reason why this blog entry was so difficult to declare. I enjoy the natural beauty here and the historical discoveries I’m uncovering as I research in the background, so it saddens me to present a blog with such observation.
There are so many reasons to remain hopeful, and I will remain vigilant in the face of further possible intimidation, to share my daily challenge taking photographs of nature and interesting observations down and around Whaligoe Steps.
Thank you to YOU for your generosity of time and understanding. The next blog entry will be coverage of another fortnight of my treks down and around Whaligoe Steps. The sunrises and mayweed are keeping me company in conjunction with a rustic and versatile ambience.
Take care and stay safe.
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