Scotland named a must-visit holiday destination for 2017

Scotland is the second best country in the world to visit in 2017, according to Rough Guides.

The travel guides publisher said it was Scotland's "wildlife, whisky and a wonderfully warm welcome" that made Scotland a top holiday destination, as well as a host of new reasons to visit in 2017.

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"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," says Rough Guides.

It adds that Scotland's food and drink scene is rapidly evolving, with Glasgow one of the best places for culinary experimentation, while even Scotland's remote pubs offer bottles from microbreweries.

2017 also marks the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book, giving film and literary lovers a great excuse for a trip.

Rough Guides advises travellers to "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".

India was named the number one country to visit in 2017 thanks to the economic revolution introducing new wealth into booming cities and technology spreading into unlikely corners. It is now easier to travel to India, with the launch of e-Tourist Visas.

Around Europe, Rough Guides recommends Portugal and Finland for your 2017 holiday, while long-haul travellers should venture into Canada, Nicaragua and Uganda.

See the ten places you must visit in 2017, according to Rough Guides...