Scotland is filled with popular attractions galore, meaning that when people come to visit there are always loads of activities to do and places to see. From natural wonders like the Old Man of Storr on Skye and the mysterious Loch Ness to man-made sites like the stunning Eilean Donan Castle and the wonderful Kelpies in Falkirk, there is always something to enjoy for the millions of people visiting each year.
However, some people love a moan and though review sites like TripAdvisor are mostly positive you always get those who aren't happy with something along the way. Giving voice to their gripes, many take to the famous review site to offer feedback about, or in some extreme instances, slaughter the sites they've visited.
With that in mind here is a searing selection of the things people complain about at some of Scotland's top-rated visitor attractions.
Read more: Angry tourist reviews label Scotland's best attractions as 'one star' and 'disappointing'
Edinburgh Castle - Not enough access to the castle/Not enough to see and do
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 – but actually it seems to get a lot of comments on the lack of access around the castle.
Naz O. posted: "Firstly we were a little disappointed with what the castle had to offer for a visitor. As it is still used as a military base, there isn't much to see or explore other than the beautiful scenic views. Even the crown jewels room only had one display."
Another said: "What you can see is very limited and the castle is mainly fairly modern. Most parts are closed off. Not good value for money."
Local resident Andy W. added: "I live in Edinburgh and took my Grandson up to see some of our history. I could not believe the prices they charge. There is little to nothing in there, its a rip off."
While a review from a person called Anon, tackled another thorny issue, they wrote: "Edinburgh makes driving impossible and parking unaffordable - why support any city where it is clear the City Council hate you?"
Old Man of Storr, Skye – Too many tourists
One of the most beautiful landmarks in Scotland, if not the UK, the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye is hugely popular and for good reason.
Considered to be one of the most striking and ethereal rock formations found anywhere, some tourists still had complaints.
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."
Ben Nevis - lack of amenities
Even Scotland's highest peak, which is much loved by hikers, wasn't safe from criticism.
mbh5488 posted: "There were clouds all around, there wasn’t a cafe, all in all a waste of time really."
Another reviewer, 2015Random-Traveller, from Bedford, wrote: "At least at Snowdon, you could buy a beer."
St Andrew's Cathedral, St Andrews – you can't take dogs in
The ruins of this beautiful cathedral are one of the highest rated on the site, but people still found things they wanted to complain about.
Kay B said: "[It] was nice to see from the pitaide [sic] of the wall unfortunately we couldn't go in as we had a dog and isn't dog friendly they were quite a few people in the same boat hence the low score but at end of the it was an old ruin so I suppose they gotta preserve it in some way."
Another added: "We went here and could not get in as we had our dog with us. I can understand not allowing dogs inside the tower but not allowing them in at all was very poor."
Glennfinnan Viaduct – lack of parking
Made famous by the Harry Potter films, Potterheads and wizarding fans from all over the world now travel to see this famous landmark.
However, a lot of them seem to have left unhappy with the lack of parking.
A user called Elle wrote: "Do not visit here of you have a car and caravan Absolutely no parking for this!! Only room for motorhome Very disappointing when it's in a area full of cars and caravans!! Not everyone owns a Motorhome!!"
While another called Tania D, who only got to see it from her car, added: "There are only about 30 spaces in the car park. There was another, larger car park next door, but this was locked shut for no apparent reason. All other parking spaces within at least two miles either side of the viaduct were also full."
The Wallace Monument, Stirling – Too many steps
The famous monument across from Stirling Castle was already famous before the film Braveheart brought the story of William Wallace to the masses.
However, people were unhappy that the monument had so many steps to climb.
Mark I hoped for a refund after discovering he wouldn't be able to climb them all, he said: "I tried a little but I couldn't manage it, a lady in front was also trying to turn around to come back down, very scary. I didn't reach the first floor. I told the lady at the desk I couldn't do it but all I got was a shrug of the shoulders and she turned to talk to her other colleague. No refund. So £10.50 for 30 steps."
While Victoria C added: "Nowhere accessible with a pram so advised to leave it by reception. My partner had to carry my daughter, which was our decision of course. 246 stairs which we did not know about, took the first very narrow stairways and turned back. The fact that we were sold a ticket with a young child is mental! Definitely not suitable for families with young children."
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