App aims to open up the Highlands

A SCOTTISH developer has been working with storytellers and musicians on a new interactive travel and cultural app for the North Coast 500.

Released on Friday, the app – available as a free download for Apple and Android devices – helps visitors find the most interesting sights and attractions around the coastal route, as well as detailing the stories, songs and music connected to them.

As part of the software's development, Edinburgh-based mobile app platform Whereverly worked with musician Bob Pegg, author Mairi MacArthur, storyteller Paraig MacNeil and others to gather more than 30 tales which help to better connect visitors to the six regions of the increasingly popular road trip.

The app further enhances the overall travel experience with music and songs from some of Scotland's leading musicians and bands, delivered in association with Greentrax Recordings, a record label specialising in traditional music.

Driving routes have been carefully curated to help visitors uncover the hidden gems along the route – from towns and villages to beaches and bays, magnificent viewpoints and ancient ruins.

Powerful map filters allow users to tailor their journey to find a historic building, a natural wonder – or even just the closest car park.

Routes and channels can be downloaded in advance for convenient offline functionality. Tom Campbell, managing director of the North Coast 500, said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of our new, fully interactive NC500 app. Benefiting from a range of exciting new features, including a five-star rating and recommendation system, the app is designed to help visitors exploring the north Highlands better connect with the towns, villages, countryside and coastlines around them.

"It replaces the existing app on all Apple and Android devices. We hope new and returning visitors alike will enjoy using the app as much as we've enjoyed working with Whereverly to develop it."