Rough Guide readers voted Scotland the most stunning place on the planet, edging out Canada and New Zealand to take the top spot, The Sun reports.
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.
“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,” Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said.
New Zealand came third in the readers’ poll. Canada was second, England was seventh and the United States ranked ninth.
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.
THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES
1. Scotland
2. Canada
3. New Zealand
4. Italy
5. South Africa
6. Indonesia
7. England
8. Iceland
9. USA
10. Wales
11. Slovenia
12. Mexico
13. India
14. Finland
15. Switzerland
16. Peru
17. Norway
18. Ireland
19. Croatia
20. Vietnam
source: news.com.au
thesun.co.uk
