SCOTLAND is the second best country in the world to visit in 2017.

A new list by Rough Guides ranks only India in terms of destination desirability.   

With our south of the border neighbours not included in their top ten list, it even described how it is simple to get there too, with "refurbished sleeper trains from England" as well as plenty of cheap flights from Europe.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon acclaimed Scotland's position in the list as "brilliant".

Scotland ranked above Canada, Uganda, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Portugal, Finland, Namibia and Taiwan in the list.

Rough Guides also posted a video on the five reasons to road trip Scotland in its argument.

Rough guides said there are even more reasons to visit Scotland as a "perennially popular destination"  than the wildlife, whisky and "wonderful wonderfully warm welcome".

"Chief among the new developments is the North Coast 500, a rugged road-trip route through the Highlands, past isolated bothies, white-sand beaches and top-notch surf spots," it said.

"Off the road, Scotland’s food and drink scene is rapidly evolving; Glasgow is one of the best places to head for culinary experimentation, while you’ll find bottles from Scottish microbreweries at even the most remote pubs.

"If you’re the type to eschew beer for butterbeer, the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book makes a great excuse for a trip. Hop on the Jacobite steam train (also known as the Hogwarts Express) for a magical journey over mountains and freshwater lochs, hang out in JK Rowling’s charming Edinburgh haunts, or hike out to the site of Hagrid’s hut in awe-inspiring Glen Coe."