R E A S O N S why we love TO
At 12%. The Northern Irish accent
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Did you know that Scotland was named as the Favourite Destination (2017) by readers of The Rough Guide, who also named the country “the most welcoming in the world” thanks to the warm nature and sense of humour of our people? 2
Scotland was voted the “most beautiful country” in the world, ahead of Canada and New Zealand, and this is not only the Scots saying this! Tourists from all over the world come back here time and time again to visit and experience our stunning lochs, mountains, national parks, beaches, forests and countryside. A particular favourite place to visit for the Americans, Scotland offers visitors from all nations something unique. 3
In fact, did you know that Scotland topped the table as the number one staycation destination, according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions? Its survey revealed that Scotland outperformed the rest of the
UK by attracting 13.9% more visitors to tourist sites, making it a top destination due to its landscape and heritage. 4
Scotland is one of the top countries to enjoy watching the sun setting, and that is because it is actually home to the “world’s best sunsets”, according to list-compiling website, List25.com. That is most definitely one positive about the shorter days – it means earlier sunsets for us to admire. And if you are an early riser and wondering where the best place to watch the sun rise is, Lonely Planet has the answer! It named the Shetland Islands
on its list of seven of the world’s best sunrises. 5
Despite being famed across the world for its unpredictable, rainy and dreich weather, Dundee is, in fact, the sunniest city! In 2019, the James Hutton Institute, which monitors the city’s weather from its base in Invergowrie, named Dundee – or shouldn’t it be ‘Sundee’? – the sunniest city in the country, because it experiences a third more sunlight than average, even in the winter. 6
Scotland is also home to Glasgow, one of the world’s friendliest cities. This west-coast city was voted the world’s friendliest city in Rough Guide’s survey. And this was quite an accomplishment, with Glasgow seeing off competition from the likes of Dublin, Budapest, Vancouver, Tokyo, Copenhagen and Melbourne to land the title. 7
Scottish people have the “most attractive accents in the UK” according to a survey by Gala Bingo. Some 15% of those asked their favourite intonation in a recent survey said Scottish was the accent they liked best, followed closely by Geordie and Welsh, both
scotland
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The isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast, is one of the best locations in the world for kite surfing because of the winds. It is also known as a surfer’s paradise and people travel from all over the UK and further afield to experience the wind and water sports. 9
Scotland has become a world leader in the development and deployment of renewable technologies. It has enviable levels of tidal, wind and wave energy. Did you know that Scotland is home to the world’s leading wave and tidal test centre, The European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney? 10
Scotland is famous across the world for its larder and the delicious, home-grown produce, from seafood to meats and cheeses, so it is no surprise that our small country is home to no fewer than 10 Michelin-starred restaurants. As of 2021, the 10 Michelin Star eateries in Scotland include a five-star hotel dining rooms and island restaurants – plus a star for Glasgow for the first time since 2004.
So, there you have it – 10 reasons why we all love Scotland, but there are many more. Perhaps you will discover some new favourite things about Scotland on your travels this autumn and winter.