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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sean Murphy

Angry tourist reviews label Scotland's best attractions as 'one star' and 'disappointing'

With breathtaking scenery, friendly locals and plenty to see and do, it's no wonder that Scotland is a must-visit in many people's eyes. From natural wonders like Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh and the stunning Loch Lomond to popular attractions like Stirling Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia, there is plenty to keep even the fussiest of tourists busy.

However, there really is no pleasing some people and it shows when you look at some of the irate reviews given to some of the country's top attractions and landmarks on the ever-popular travel review site TripAdvisor.

For some tourists, their trip to Scotland elicited feelings of frustration, resentment and disappointment, though we are really not sure why.

With that in mind here is a searing selection of one-star and two-star reviews by our least satisfied visitors.

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

The extinct volcano with stunning views out over the city of Edinburgh remains the top Scottish attraction when it comes to must-do things while visiting the country.

With a rewarding walk and stunning views of the capital, thousands enjoy it every year.

People climb Arthur's Seat in the sun as Edinburgh - but one angry tourist described it as tedious (Getty)

However, reviewer Greg Hogg dubbed it as simply "tedious", stating: "It's uphill the whole way with no flats. View from the top was nonsense because of the smog."

While others slated the lack of nearby parking and car access adding that the walk to the hill from the far away carpark just wasn't worth the effort.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow

Even Glasgow's much-loved institution wasn't safe from criticism. Despite many people loving the museum, leading it to being named one of the top Scottish attractions on the site, some people found it wasn't to their liking.

One frustrated visitor wrote that it just "seemed like a strange empty building" adding that they were let down by the lack of exhibits, while another added: "Very disappointing with not much to see. Just as well it is free. We stayed barely 15 minutes."

Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

View over the Old Man Of Storr on the Isle Of Skye (Getty)

Despite being one of the most beautiful landmarks in Scotland, if not the UK, even the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye wasn't safe from criticism.

Considered to be one of the most striking and ethereal rock formations found anywhere, some tourists still weren't happy.

Ironically, one person blamed the sheer volume of tourists, writing: "The number of tourists is truly ruining this beautiful place."

While Fiona T warned people to avoid the place, posting: "ONE STAR. Nothing there, it's a long steep climb that we assumed would be worth it. WRONG. The hill (I won't even call it a real mountain.) was overloaded with tourists from all over."

Other complaints included the lack of facilities and "unfair" parking fines

The Jacobite Steam Train

The Jacobite Steam Train is only enjoyable if you sit on a particular side according to one tourist (Getty)

Harry Potter fans look away now, the famous steam train which doubles as the Hogwarts Express has become hugely famous over the past few years with thousands flocking to see it cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct – though some were left disappointed.

One self-confessed non-Potter head, described it as "over-hyped" adding that you have to sit on a particular side of the train to enjoy it.

Daveyboy1967 wrote: "The train doesn't turn so if you get allocated seats on the wrong side then that's it both ways and you cannot book your own seats on the good side.

"It's a good scenic rail route but only if your sat on the left going out and the right coming back."

Another irate reviewer added: "The cabin so was full of smoke most of the time which was horrid."

St Andrews West Sands Beach

St Andrews West Sands Beach is the top-rated Scottish beach on Tripadvisor (Getty)

Scotland is known for its incredible beaches and with St Andrews West Sands Beach being the top-rated one on TripAdvisor then you'd think it must surely be popular with tourists.

Well, you'd be wrong, well in some cases anyway.

Ryan B was not impressed: "A lot of physical beach but this is definitely under average quality for me. I would never go out of my way to visit this beach. Then again I'm from Florida and I visited Sri Lanka and Thailand right before heading to Scotland."

The Kelpies, Falkirk

The Kelpies near Falkirk (SWNS)

One of the most striking man-made structures you'll find, the Kelpies and the surrounding Helix Park have become increasingly popular with families looking for a fun day out.

A TA user called John M was really not impressed though, giving it one star he wrote: "Two heads basic, no guide or any visitor centre."

While another added: "The best thing about it is the road out."

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 – well all except Alexk from Southport, who found it to be "very disappointing".

In fact, he recommends anyone get on the train to Stirling to visit the castle there instead.

"The gate staff were exceedingly unhelpful and entering the castle was chaos," He wrote. "The castle itself was also disappointing for such a famous and seemingly large place. There was very little to actually see."

While a fellow disgruntled reviewer added that the most interesting areas of the castle were "blocked off" to visitors.

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