An influential travel guide has revealed the world’s most beautiful country…and the winner is just across the pond.
Rough Guide readers voted Scotland the most stunning place on the planet, edging out Canada and New Zealand to take the top spot.
The listing asks: “Who can deny that these wild beaches, deep lochs and craggy castles are some of the most wonderful and beautiful sights in the world?”
And with Scotland home to so much natural beauty and historic interest, it’s hard to disagree.
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted that Scotland has received this remarkable accolade from Rough Guide readers, but of course it will not be a surprise to anyone who has encountered our wonderful country.”
“From our awe-inspiring landscapes to our remarkable historic attractions, to our bustling but beautiful urban centers, Scotland takes people’s breaths away.”
“Our latest campaign, the Spirit of Scotland, was based on feedback from visitors that they get a special feeling while in the country – whether it’s in the wilds of Glen Coe on a stormy day or taking part in a ceilidh on Burns’ Night – there is something different about Scotland that they can’t experience anywhere else in the world.”
“Of course, with great beauty comes great responsibility and we urge both visitors and residents alike to respect Scotland’s natural assets to protect and preserve them for many generations to come.”
The United States ranked ninth in the readers’ poll.
However, it really isn’t hard to see why Scotland took the top spot — among the most stunning destinations in the country is Glen Coe, a volcanic site of great natural beauty and scientific interest.
The high point for many visitors, literally, is Buachaille Etive Mor, a mountain at the head of Glen Etive in the Highlands of Scotland.
But if you’re looking for more man-made beauty, then the Necropolis cemetery in Glasgow is one of the most awe-inspiring places in Scotland.
As far as the country’s iconic castles are concerned, Edinburgh Castle is particularly special, looking out over the historic Scottish capital.
And it may not be in such good nick, but the ruins of Kilchurn Castle, on the bank of Loch Awe, can’t be matched for sheer beauty.
Urquhart Castle is another must-see for anyone who is into their history and its location on the banks of Loch Ness means it can be done as part of a two-in-one trip.
And Loch Lomond, in southern Scotland, is just as stunning, as are the banks of Loch Awe in the Highlands.
The world’s most beautiful countries
- Scotland
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Italy
- South Africa
- Indonesia
- England
- Iceland
- USA
- Wales
- Slovenia
- Mexico
- India
- Finland
- Switzerland
- Peru
- Norway
- Ireland
- Croatia
- Vietnam