WHERE’S better than the temples of Gujarat, the vineyards of Normandy and the Canadian wilderness?
According to the Lonely Planet travel bible, the answer is Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
The long-running guide has made the rural region one of its top 10 must-visit destinations for 2019.
At number five, it is rated higher than the far east of Russia, Gujarat in India, Canadian province Manitoba, French region Normandy and Chile’s Elqui Valley.
Only Australia’s Red Centre outback zone, which includes Aboriginal landmark Uluru, the scenic Catskills in the USA and Piedmont in northwestern Italy – which came in first – outrank the “glorious” area.
The guide team praised the “designer cottages” and campervan accessibility of its “innovative and fast-developing” accommodation sector, as well as the “boom” of new distillery openings, describing the massive region as “one of the wildest, least inhabited and most scenic parts of Europe”.
Climbing Sutherland’s “iconic” Suilven mountain, savouring local seafood at outlets like Skye’s Oyster Shed or the Scallop Shack on Lewis and taking in native wildlife are said to be amongst the highlights for travellers.
The guide also gives special mentions to the “hugely successful” North Coast 500 driving route, the North East 250 and the Snow Roads.
Tom Hall, editorial director of Lonely Planet, said: “The wild landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands offer the ultimate escape and visiting the region’s remote areas is now easier than ever thanks to impressive developments in accommodation.
“This is a stunning area with so much to offer travellers, from its glorious natural landscape and rich history to enviable local food and drink.”
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, pictured, left, welcomed the news, suggesting that the profile boost could benefit businesses in both areas.
Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop branded it “fantastic”.
And Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of national tourism agency VisitScotland, commented: “I am thrilled, though not entirely surprised, to discover that Scotland’s Highlands and Islands have appeared in this prestigious list.
“This stunning part of Scotland punches well above its weight on the world stage, as a thriving holiday destination for people from both across the globe and the UK, as well as a popular location for film production companies looking for a beautiful backdrop for their next blockbuster.
“With accolades like this one to their name, Scotland’s Highlands and Islands will be in the global spotlight once again.
“However, it is imperative that we don’t become complacent, as we need to continue to provide world-class experiences, events and attractions to keep up with the ever-changing visitor demands.”
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list seeks locations with “unique, compelling and topical reasons to visit in the year ahead”.
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