“My tip don’t stay too long.”
Every city, town, and village in Scotland has something to offer. Whether it is a picturesque park, a yummy takeaway, or a friendly pub, each settlement in the country is worth a visit.
However, some destinations across Scotland are decidedly less popular than others. In fact, there are a few places that have even received negative online reviews by disgruntled visitors or locals.
ILiveHere is a website where people across the UK can leave a review of any city, town, or village. Many of these reviews are negative in nature, as is the case with one write-up of the Scottish Highlands village of Tongue.
Tongue is a coastal settlement located along the east shore above the base of the Kyle of Tongue and north of the mountains of Ben Hope and Ben Loyal. It is home to a population of around just a few hundred people.
One review of Tongue on ILiveHere describes it as “top of Scotland, bottom of the world”. The unfavourable write-up recommends that visitors to the small village “don’t stay too long”.
One particular aspect of the local region the reviewer took issue with was its sheep. According to the writer, the animals “block the roads and generally run riot in the area”.
However, despite the negative review on ILiveHere, Tongue is a perfect place to visit. It features spectacular scenery, good shops and eateries, and plenty of friendly locals.
Although it is small in size, the village offers a few stores to browse. Among these is the Cereal Bakery and Bookshop, which as the name suggests sells both yummy treats and a wide selection of books.
Meanwhile, the Tongue Hotel is a popular and historic accommodation option that is also home to an acclaimed restaurant. Once a sporting lodge, many of its rooms include original features such as wood panelling and antique furniture.
The Tongue Hotel’s Varrich Restaurant is open to guests and non-residents alike. It serves up dishes inspired by the magnificent surrounding landscape, with everything from Scrabster haddock to Highland beef burger available.
Additionally, the area is also a must-visit for anybody with an interest in Scottish history. Remnants of Highland Clearances villages can be found nearby at Scrabster and Sletell according to tourism website Venture North, with the Strathnaver Museum being a great place to learn more.
In terms of beauty spots, one of the most notable in the area is Castle Varrich. Located just a short distance from Tongue, the ruined castle overlooks both the Kyle of Tongue and the village itself.
Elsewhere, the picturesque Kyle of Tongue Causeway that crosses the Kyle of Tongue offers incredible views over the sea loch and the mountains beyond. There is a picnic area perfectly placed along the shore, ideal to stop for a packed lunch and take in the vistas.
As can be seen, Tongue has plenty to offer for either a day trip or a full staycation. For those on the fence about visiting, don’t let one negative review put you off.
For the full review of Tongue, visit the ILiveHere website. Meanwhile, more details about what you can get up to around the area can be found on the Venture North website.
