Highlands in world top 10

SCOTLAND’S Highlands and Islands have been named one of the top 10 areas in the world to visit by a leading travel guide.

The scenery, wildlife, seafood and whisky boom all helped earn its place in the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019.

It came ahead of India’s Gujarat, Canada’s Manitoba and Elqui Valley in Chile, with Piedmont in Italy top.

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s editorial director, said: “The wild landscapes offer the ultimate escape.”