The most ridiculous one-star reviews for Scottish landmarks and attractions

MILLIONS of tourists visit Scotland every year to explore the country’s dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

But some visitors have been left less than impressed by the nation’s most iconic landmarks – even going so far as to leave scathing one-star reviews on TripAdvisor.

The National compiled a list of some of the most ridiculous and entertaining criticisms posed by unhappy travellers.

Ben Nevis

5

This famous peak attracts 125,000 walkers a year and is often top of Scottish bucket lists.

But the mountain is not to everyone’s liking.

One reviewer moaned about the lack of toilets and shops when he and his friends tackled the peak.

He also hit out about snow on top of the 4,413ft mountain, adding: “Won’t be long till someone has an accident.”

And bemused traveller Henry from Stockholm in Sweden said the top of the “hill” was just a pile of rocks and was left stunned there wasn’t a pub at the summit.

He added: “The way up is very long and rocky, there’s no lift or tram up which should be a necessity for a hill this big.

“My girlfriend vomited five times on the way up because of exhaustion and fear of heights.

“We lost several hours of our lives climbing this hill for nothing. No views of anything since the summit is in constant fog. The top is literally a pile of rocks and a emergency shelter. PEOPLE! THERE IS NO PUB ON THE TOP!”

Loch Ness

5

This scenic and world-famous loch in the Scottish Highlands is shrouded in mystery.

Visitors flock to the destination hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

But many are left disheartened when they fail to spot the elusive beast.

One frustrated person wrote: “Went for a swim in Loch Ness and it was the wettest water I have ever encountered, probably due to the temperature which was surprisingly cold. Spent a whole week there and never saw the monster once.

“The man at the shop told us if we sat perfectly still on the bench we were more likely to see him but we didn’t see a thing. A lot of people were in and out of the shop and were usually laughing quite loud which could have scared him away.”

Another disappointed tourist wrote: “There was no monster. As I eagerly scanned the horizon, binoculars glued to my eyes, all I managed to spot were a few ducks and an enthusiastic fisherman trying to catch his lunch.”

Edinburgh Castle

5

Edinburgh Castle is described as “one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe”.

But not everyone agrees.

One visitor branded the famous landmark a “waste of money” and “such a disappointment”.

“Me and my friends organised a number of hours in our itinerary for the castle because of all the reviews speaking so highly, however, we spent 30 minutes maximum in the castle.

“From castles I had previously visited I was expecting to see bedrooms, kitchens and libraries set up in their original form but I was significantly disappointed to be met by a number of small rooms where you were forced through without the chance to read any of the information given as you felt you were holding up the queue.

“If I had been paid £15 to visit, I still would have felt it was a waste of time, the only highlight was the views you were met by from the castle!”

Another tourist was left fuming after their tour guide allegedly insulted three different nations including Americans – with a joke that they are “fond of suing”.

They wrote: “The guide was appalling – full stop.

“We paid £40 x 4 and left the tour after 40 minutes, we just couldn’t listen to anymore.”

Glenfinnan Viaduct

5

The tiny village of Glenfinnan in Lochaber is overwhelmed each day by the huge number of visitors who want to see the real life Hogwarts Express, which runs between Fort William and Mallaig.

But one tourist was left fuming over the ban on drones in the area.

They wrote on TripAdvisor: “Travelled a long way to photograph the viaduct only to be told in the car park by Old Joe that drones are banned.

“The land owner has banned the use of drones due to the noise by his house when he is trying to watch Emmerdale. I didn’t know you could ban the use of airspace.”

Another Harry Potter enthusiast fumed: “From the postcards and Harry Potter it seemed so much larger and majestic. This was our great deception in our entire trip to Scotland.”

A third described the landmark as an “ugly concrete structure”, adding: “Very impressive setting but the viaduct itself is not good looking.”