Tayside and Fife attractions voted among the best in UK

TRAVEL: Lonely Planet study includes V&A Dundee, Blair Castle and St Andrews

The V&A in Dundee has beaten Loch Ness in a countdown of Scotland’s top visitor attractions and experiences.

According to a study by travel guide giant Lonely Planet, the Tayside attraction also scored higher than famous UK landmarks including Stirling Castle, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the Angel of the North.

The list was compiled by Lonely Planet staff and 20 leading figures from Britain’s travel industry, and voted for by members of the public.

The results, published yesterday as the Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist, puts the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the number one spot.

At 199, the V&A in Dundee is the only attraction from Tayside in the top 200.

The Cairngorms National Park is placed at 43, while the Braemar Gathering appears at 274.

Elsewhere, visitors are urged to fish for salmon on the River Tay (number 335) and to “sink a hole-in-one at Scotland’s ancient St Andrews” at 338.

Scone Palace ranks at 374, followed by Glamis Castle, the Enchanted Forest at Pitlochry and Blair Castle.

In total, there are 68 Scottish places on the list.

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “Scotland is home to many amazing experiences, so it’s no surprise they feature prominently.”

“They are year-round activities that traverse the length and breadth of the country, and we hope the guide will prove a catalyst for visitors to get out and explore the regions.”

Ian Smith, chairman of the Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “It’s not every day you get recognition from one of the world’s most prestigious travel media companies, so needless to say we are incredibly proud of this feature.

Julia Sim, spokeswoman for Blair Castle and Gardens, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be included.”