Scotland celebrated with global awards

Rough guides 25 best places to travel in 2025: Scottish Islands 

The Scottish Islands has been included in Rough Guides' ‘best places to travel for slow travel relaxation’ category, within the "25 best places to travel in 2025" feature. Other destinations featured include Sicily, Barbados, Denmark and the French Riviera.

Rough Guides recommends destinations in this category to those who are looking for a visit that encourages them to slow down and simple be. 

Scotland is highlighted for our diverse landscapes, beaches, lochs and small villages.

Orkney was mentioned due to its UNESCO Neolithic sites and family friendly appeal, alongside Skye and Islay. 

Read Rough Guides' full article, which includes their feature on 10 must-visit Scottish Island destinations.

Skara Brae, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The New York Times 52 places to go in 2025: The Flow Country 

The New York Times publishes an annual list of “Places to Go” around the world, with suggestions for voyages that’ll inspire and excite people looking for an adventure.  

This year the Flow Country features following becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2024. The New York Times included the Flow Country on to the list as it’s the first peatland to earn the recognition [of a becoming UNESCO site]. The site, which is the most intact and extensive blanket bog system in the world that stretches across Caithness and Sutherland, is one of the world’s biggest carbon stores.
It hosts an array of eye-catching fauna and flora, but is has a crucial role against the effects of climate change. 
 

Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve. Credit: RSPB

MICHELIN Key: Scottish recognitions 

At the end of 2024, MICHELIN Guide revealed new One, Two and Three Key distinctions. The Michelin Key recognises hotels with the same prestige that Michelin Star recognises the most outstanding restaurants in the world. 

The guide includes 5,000 hotels from around the world who all boast excellence and add to the visitor experience. 

15 Scottish hotels have been featured in the guide. One ‘three Key’ hotel, two ‘two Key’ hotels and 12 ‘one Key’ hotels.  

The Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder is the only Scottish hotel to be given the three key distinction, which awards an 'extraordinary' stay.

The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and The Fife Arms in Braemar are listed as Two Key hotels, highlighting an exceptional experience.

The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder. Credit: VisitScotland / Stewart Attwood