Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 29 November 2017 18:13
Hot on the heels of being awarded the accolade of most beautiful country in the world, Scotland is now officially the most welcoming country in the world, according to Rough Guides.* Scotland has natural beauty in spades, munros, lochs, stunning isles and more, with a personality to match; consider everything from ceilidh-ing with strangers to chats with Glaswegian taxi drivers!
As Rough Guides states, “Whether you’re propping up a bar in Edinburgh or trekking the hills of Glen Coe, you’re sure to feel a warm Scottish welcome from whomever you meet.”
Here are some of the braw reasons Scotland is the warmest, friendliest and most welcoming place in the world!
Get in the party spirit!
Towns and villages across Scotland play host to over 200 festivals each year, offering something for everyone. The winter months are especially lively; between raising the roof on St Andrew’s Day (30 November) for Scotland’s patron saint, and raising a dram in honour of Robert Burns, our national Bard on Burns Night (25 January) - with the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations in between - it’s fair to say that Scotland does a celebration well. Revellers are invited to get into the festive spirit and join Scotland’s Winter Festivals.
Inclusive and progressive, everyone is welcome
In both 2015 and 2016, Scotland was recognised as the "best country in Europe for LGBTI legal equality” by The Equality Network. Scotland hosts a wide variety of nationalities, including welcoming a third of the Syrian refugees settling in the UK** and also boasting the highest percentage (22%) of international and EU students of the four UK nations***, for whom an official airport welcome is organised at the start of the semester. Scotland is also leading the way in terms of accessible tourism, working in partnership with the likes of the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh. The Royal Yacht Britannia is entirely wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts throughout. Staff also go out of their way to help those with sensory and learning impairments.
Amazing hospitality
Whether having a chat with locals at The Bow Bar, Edinburgh (voted Scotland’s pub of the year) or enjoying a delicious breakfast at Ballintaggart Farm, Perthshire (voted most hospitable B&B/ Guest House at VisitScotland’s Thistle Awards in central, Fife and Tayside), you’re guaranteed to feel the warmth of welcome in Scotland all over the country.
What’s in an accent?
The Scottish accent is often voted the friendliest, most trustworthy and most calming accent in Britain. It’s been voted the sexiest too!**** Think Sean Connery, Gerard Butler, Karen Gillan, Nicola Benedetti and Ewan McGregor. Another great reason to come and visit!
Getting up close and personal with the locals...
We know the people are great but have you thought about meeting some of the local wildlife too? The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains. These friendly guys are a joy to all who come and see them. Plucky and petit, puffins boast bags of charm and take the prize for being the most adorable of Scotland’s seabirds hands-down. See wild puffins from May to early August on the Isle of May with tours from the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick.
For more information on Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com
Image Credit: Visit Scotland - The Loony Dook on New Year's Day in South Queensferry
Social Bite has taken a significant step forward in its mission with permission granted yesterday from South Lanarkshire Council on a proposed Social Bite Village in Rutherglen.
READ MORENational Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORE34.2 million Brits admit to ditching work and responsibilities for sporting events.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MORESummerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988.
READ MOREAmazonia, Scotland's popular temperature controlled tropical indoor forest, has launched a new butterfly experience.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MORECalling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREM&D's is to host a free weekend for comic fans and movie buffs at Scotland's Theme Park with the chance to meet a packed line-up of favourite characters!
READ MORELanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have raised £1000 for Cancer Research UK as part of their 2024 charity partnership.
READ MOREAirdrie Town Hall will reopen in April as an entertainment and arts venue, following its use in recent years by NHS Lanarkshire.
READ MOREBothwell Castle, one of medieval Scotland's most outstanding monuments, has reopened to visitors.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREFrom an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREAnd The Birds Did Sing, presented by Curious Seed, will be arriving in Cumbernauld on Thursday 26th March, for one performance.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"