Scotland has been named the most beautiful country in the world and here's why...
Scotland has been voted the most beautiful country in the world by Rough Guide readers but that shouldn't come as a surprise. Boasting some of the world's most rugged and spectacular landscapes; unspoilt, wild beaches and picturesque fishing villages as well as an ancient capital - it was about time. Beating Canada to first place as well as England (number seven) and Wales (number ten), these are 10 places we totally think secured gold...
iStock1. St Kilda
No this is not part of a movie set from Pirates of the Caribbean. It's an isolated archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, okay?
iStock2. Loch Corisuk
The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands and home to one of Scotland's most magnificent lochs. Set in the heart of the Cuillin, a range of rocky mountains, many know it as one of the wildest places in Britain.
Alamy3. Oldshoremore
Not far from Sandwood, the chosen beach of the Royal family, Oldshoremore is just one of the places on the north-west coast that (given a little sunshine) could be mistaken as the Caribbean. The real difference? You're not likely to see a single other person on it.
iStock4. Kilchurn Castle
Built in the mid 15th century, the ruins of Kilchurn Castle are one of the most photographed spots in the whole of Scotland.
iStock5. Edinburgh
A dormant volcano. A world-famous castle. An old town that's preserved its medieval street plan and a city that boasts the most green space in any of Britain's largest cities. It has to be Edinburgh.
iStock6. Lewis and Harris
Despite it being the third largest island in the British Isles (after Great Britain and Ireland), Lewis and Harris is totally unspoilt. You'll find pristine beaches, lighthouses that stand totally alone, ancient ruins and rugged peaks waiting to be climbed.
iStock7. Dunnottar Castle
A ruined medieval fortress that hasn't been taken over by hordes of tourists, ice cream vans, car parks and gift shops. Yup, we must be in Scotland.
Alamy8. Suilven
One of the most famous mountains in Scotland, Suilven is situated in the far north-west of Scotland and sits mystically in a landscape of moorland, bogs and lochans. If it's too high for you to climb, try the neighbouring Stac Pollaidh or Ben Mor Coigach instead. The views from the top of these are pretty spectacular too.
iStock9. Tobermory
If you've ever seen Balamory ("what's the story in..."), you'll instantly recognise this row of coloured houses. Notting Hill who?
iStock10. Queen's View
A spot previously loved by Queen Isabella and Queen Victoria, the vantage point offers incredible views over Loch Tummel.
