10 reasons Scotland is the best country in the world from its food to its people

Daily Record

2 days ago

Nowhere is perfect, but there are a lot of things that make Scotland special.
It is no secret that Scotland is a special place. Whether you live here or have only visited, you will know that it is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Sometimes, it can be easy to forget everything that Scotland has to offer. The Daily Record is taking a look at what makes the country one-of-a-kind.
We have put together a list of 10 reasons why Scotland is truly special. From the country's food and drink to its walks and vistas, it is hard to narrow down all of the reasons it is unique.
Obviously, nowhere is perfect and Scotland has its fair share of problems. However, today we are focusing on the country's best features.
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The people
It makes sense to start with the most obvious—and important—reason. Scotland is known all over the world for its welcoming people.
Travelling around the country's many rural towns and villages, you will come across friendly and good-humoured Scots who are happy to lend a hand. Elsewhere, there is a reason why the tagline for the country's biggest city is 'People Make Glasgow'.
The beaches
All over Scotland, there are so many breathtaking beaches that it can make your head spin. In fact, we previously rounded up 20 of the top bays around Scotland worth a visit.
If you are down in the Scottish Borders, highlights include Coldingham Bay and Eyemouth Beach. On the other hand, up in the Highlands, there are gems such as the Silver Sands of Morar and Dornoch Beach.
The islands
Speaking of the coast, you are not limited to the mainland when it comes to exploring Scotland. There are hundreds of islands dotted around, with many being inhabited and easily reached.
There are simply too many Scottish islands to single out. Whether you are heading to Orkney for its neolithic sites, Islay for its distilleries, or Iona for its legendary abbey, the only limit is your imagination.
The food
It may surprise some, given the divisive nature of dishes such as haggis and deep-fried Mars bars, but Scotland's culinary scene is flourishing. Whether you are in Edinburgh or one of the country's islands, you are unlikely to ever be too far from a world-class dining destination.
We previously put together a list of Scotland's top 50 restaurants to eat at in 2025. From fine dining to no-frills pub grub, there is a perfect restaurant in the country for you.
The chippies
While technically falling under food, Scotland's chippies are so iconic that they deserve their own spot. From classic fish and chips to haggis suppers to, yes, the aforementioned deep-fried Mars bar, it may not be the healthiest option for a meal but it is undoubtedly one of the tastiest.
Again, it would be impossible to list all of Scotland's top fish and chip shops. However, some of the best include the Anstruther Fish Bar in Fife, The Oban Fish and Chip Shop, and Frankie's Fish and Chips in Shetland - the UK's most northerly chippy.
The whisky
It's not just Scotland's food that is world-class, with whisky being one of its biggest exports. There are around 150 active distilleries dotted around the country, each producing their own unique and delicious whiskies.
Whether you are a fan of a dram or not, it is definitely worth a visit to a whisky distillery to see how the spirit is made. Among the most historic and iconic distilleries that offer tours and tastings are Talisker on the Isle of Skye and The Glenlivet in Moray.
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The walks
Given Scotland's unparalleled landscapes, it is not surprising that the country offers the opportunity for one-of-a-kind walks. It is easy to forget how diverse Scotland is, home to everything from lush forests to peaceful beaches to rugged Munros.
If you are stuck for ideas on where to head for a hike, check out our regular Walk of the Week series. Each week, we choose one beauty spot and shine a light on what makes it special.
The castles
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Scotland has a long, fascinating, and often brutal history. As a result, there are many castles all over the country that date back hundreds of years that you can explore.
Among the most iconic castles are those in Edinburgh and Stirling. Elsewhere, Eilean Donan Castle at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh is widely considered to be one of the most photographed castles in the world.
The language
Whether you are Scottish yourself or have met a few, you will know that Scots are known for our colourful language. There are countless words and phrases that we use regularly that would no doubt be met with puzzled looks from people who don't live here.
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As we previously reported, there are many Scottish phrases you don't hear much anymore that have amazing meanings. We also previously rounded up some common words and phrases you may have had no idea originally came from Scotland.
The gardens
It may not be the first thing you think of when you picture Scotland, but the country has dozens of beautiful and idyllic gardens to explore. From ancient trees to colourful flowers, Scotland's gardens have it all.
Cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness all have their own botanic gardens that are a haven of peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. Meanwhile, other standouts include Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Borders, Benmore Botanic Garden in Argyll and Bute, and The Japanese Garden at Cowden.