Highland named one of National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ destinations

Highland has been named one of National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ destinations for 2023.

 

The award-winning natural history publication revealed the region is one of only two UK destinations to make the annual list.

 

Highland has been shortlisted in the nature category alongside Botswana, Slovenia, Big Bend National Park in Texas and the Azores.

 

The travel list, which is created, researched, reported and written in collaboration with National Geographic Traveller’s international editorial teams, celebrates Scotland’s rewilding efforts which aim to restore the original landscape of the Highlands by replanting and restoring native species.

 

It references areas including Alladale Wilderness Reserve and the Affric Highlands project which will start restoring 500,000 acres stretching from Loch Ness to the West Coast.

 

Highland Council Leader, Councillor Raymond Bremner, commented: 'To have the Highlands shortlisted as one of only two UK destinations in such a prestigious list of nominees is testament to the stunning unspoilt nature of the place we are lucky enough to call home.

 

'What is really pleasing is to receive recognition from National Geographic for the efforts in restoring the Highlands’ ecosystems through projects like Affric Highland in the rewilding of 500,000 acres, re-introducing native species, improving biodiversity being carried out in areas like the Alladale Wilderness Reserve and in the rewilding planned to improve biodiversity across 500,000 acres as part of the Affric Highland Project.'

 

Glen Affric. Photograph: CI Photography. NO F44 Glen Affric