Geograph - photograph every grid square

The road connecting Applecross to Shieldaig was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, partly to give access to the BUTEC military site at Sand, and partly to sustain the dwindling crofting communities scattered along the coast. Prior to its construction, access was by sea or footpath only, and the postman had a 20-mile walk three times a week.

The western part is much straighter and smoother than the northern part which goes across the grain of the sandstone, and also through an area of rough igneous rock.

The section between Shieldaig junction and Kenmore was opened on 11 May 1970 by Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.

The North Coast 500 is a 516 mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. The route is also known as the NC500 and was launched in 2015, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland in one touring route.
The route has increased visitor numbers to parts of the north of Scotland, which has brought economic benefits to some areas. The increase in traffic has also led to more instances of bad and dangerous driving, as well as damage to the roads and concerns about the environmental impact.
Apparently the route was amended in 2022 with detours etc being removed.
Wikipedia: Link
Original route map: Link
Latest route map: Link