A MAJOR Scottish tourist spot was named among the world's most beautiful blue spaces, according to a scientific study.
Hotel chain Premier Inn conducted an eye-tracking study of over 50 of the world’s most beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls to reveal which the human eye is drawn to the most.
Scotland's Fairy Pools took the 6th spot in the global results, rivaling some of the world’s most idyllic scenery.
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Made up of rock pools and mountain spring water, the Fairy Pools are an iconic Isle of Skye spot – named after a Scottish legend. The vivid blue waters are surrounded by a rugged mountainous backdrop and visitors are treated to fantastic conditions for wild swimming after climbing further into the valley.
Two Scottish spots also made the UK’s most beautiful blue spaces according to the study.
The Loe, the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, took top spot. But the Fairy Pools ranked just behind the Loe in second place. The famed Loch Lomond also ranks in the top five, with its glistening waters scoring it fourth position.
The study used a unique methodology to analyse the objective beauty of these blue spaces: participants looked at a series of images of the world’s water wonders and eye-tracking technology was then used to reveal which images drew the human eye most.
Scoring the top spot for the world ranking is Ban Gioc Waterfalls on the Quây Sơn River that shares the border between China and Vietnam.
Here’s a full list:
1. Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam/China
2. Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
3. Lake Como, Italy
4. The Loe Lake, England
5. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
6. Fairy Pools, Scotland
7. Ullswater Lake, England
8. Prespa Lakes, Greece/Northern Macedonia/Albania
9. Dead Sea, Israel
10. Lake Tahoe, US
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