Contemporary Highlands: 1900 to present

In 1953, a travel guide decided that Thurso would “not long detain the visitor.” It was not the first time the town had watched travellers arrive and disappear, and the NC500 has made that old struggle urgent again. Discover how the battle to make strangers stay has repeatedly transformed Thurso.

For twelve extraordinary days in May 1945, surrendered German submarines pass through Loch Eriboll. Fifteen arrive together, ammunition and explosives are thrown overboard, and armed British sailors take control. Then the U-boats disappear, leaving one of the NC500's most remarkable stories hidden beneath apparently empty water.

Loch Ewe looks peaceful today, yet during the Second World War as many as 95 ships crowded into this remote Highland anchorage. They carried tanks, aircraft, fuel and food towards the Soviet Union, but some of the men who sailed from here never returned.

'Sleepy Time Gal' left Scotland carrying American servicemen towards home. Hours later, its engines, wheels and broken propellers were scattered beside a remote Highland lochan, where they remain today.