Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 25/10/2023

The Far North Scotland has been named as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel destinations for 2024.  

The region, which includes Caithness and Sutherland, is one of only two UK locations to feature on the coveted annual list. 

This year’s 2024 Best in Travel awards include 50 destinations worldwide split into categories including cities, regions, countries, sustainable destinations, and ‘value’ destinations. 

The Far North of Scotland is recognised within the top 10 regions list alongside locations such as Tuscany in Italy, Donegal in Ireland, Montana in the USA and southern Thailand.  

The area is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and special habitats including The Flow Country; the most intact and extensive blanket bog system in the world.  

The travel publication highlights the increased recognition the region may enjoy as The Flow Country aims to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status. Lonely Planet describes 2024 as ’the perfect time to make a trip to the far north of Scotland, exploring both its unsung boggy interior and a coastline of heartbreaking beauty’. 

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 draws on expert local perspectives with the aim of helping visitors to discover a destination in the way most meaningful to them.  

Suilven and Loch Druim Suardalain
Suilven and Loch Druim Suardalain. 

To have the Far North of Scotland included as one of 50 destinations in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 list is a huge achievement. It shows that despite the challenges facing the industry, the world continues to recognise our distinct offering and the effort that goes into our renowned visitor experiences.

Our scenery and landscape are among the things that make Scotland so special. We all have a duty of care to preserve these natural assets for future generations. This why we're encouraging responsible travel, inspiring visitors to discover more of the region, stay longer, visit during quieter periods and take time to really immerse themselves in a destination.

As a resident of the Far North of Scotland, I can assure you that with its awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse offering, Caithness and Sutherland is an ideal location to do that. This helps support local tourism in turn creating jobs, sustaining communities and contributing to the wider visitor economy.

Lord Thurso, Chairman, VisitScotland

Related links

Responsible tourism

Find information on responsible tourism in Scotland, and how you can make your business more sustainable.