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The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. It runs 279 miles from junction 5 of the M9 at Polmont to Scrabster. Originally it ran from Edinburgh.
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The A9 is a strategic link between the Highlands of Scotland and the Central Belt. Running for 273 miles, it is the longest road in Scotland and the fifth-longest A-road in the United Kingdom. Historically it was the main road between Edinburgh and John o' Groats but its importance has been eclipsed somewhat in the south by the A90 across the Forth Road Bridge and the M90 motorway, which now links Edinburgh more directly with Perth, and the M9, which is now the main road between Edinburgh and Bridge of Allan.

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

The town of Thurso, on the north coast of Scotland, is the northernmost town on the British mainland. The town expanded in the mid-20th Century, to house workers at the Dounreay atomic energy plant and testing facility, which were developed then but are now being decommissioned.

At such a northerly location, summer days are very long, with 18½ hours of sunlight in late June. Conversely, winter days are short, with less than 6½ hours of sunlight on the shortest day in late December.

Thurso is on the route of the North Coast 500 (or NC500) touring route: Link or see also Link