A small Scottish Borders town has been named the “most scenic” for a “winter escape”.
When the mercury drops and the snow starts falling, there is nothing better than a cosy staycation. Scotland is home to countless picturesque rural towns and villages, which can make deciding where to head for a winter break an overwhelming affair.
A new study by Scottish department store House of Bruar has revealed the most scenic Scottish towns to visit this winter, based on their number of Instagram post hashtags. Coming in at number one is Kelso in the Scottish Borders.
According to the experts, Kelso boasts more than 182,000 Instagram hashtags. The market town is a popular choice amongst visitors thanks to its location close to both Edinburgh and the English border.
Sitting at the junction of the Tweed and Teviot rivers, Kelso is known for its idyllic rural scenery and bustling small-town ambience. Over the winter, it hosts a festive market, while its annual Christmas lights switch on will take place on November 30.
House of Bruar commented: “This town is a popular choice for visitors from nearby counties due to its close proximity to the Scottish border, making it a great option for those looking to experience the sights of Scotland on a shorter break.
“Visitors to the town can pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs at the market and enjoy the picturesque streets lined with snow. If you’re thinking about a winter trip to Kelso, bring some sturdy boots with firm tread and grip to prevent any accidental slips during your tour of the town.”
Meanwhile, the second most scenic small town in Scotland for a winter escape, according to House of Bruar, is Portree on the Isle of Skye. The island’s capital town, which recorded 153,000 hashtags on Instagram, is renowned for its pastel-coloured waterfront buildings and bustling harbour.
Elsewhere, placing third with 93,000 Instagram hashtags is Linlithgow in West Lothian. During the winter, the town offers plenty of opportunity for Christmas shopping, as well as dazzling festive lights and more.
Rounding out the top five are Crieff in Perthshire and Millport in North Ayrshire, with 49,000 and 33,000 hashtags respectively. Other Scottish destinations features on the list include Kirkcudbright, Plockton, and Tobermory.
See below for the full list of Scotland’s most scenic small towns for a winter escape. More information can be found on the House of Bruar website.
Scotland’s most scenic small towns for winter escape
- Kelso
- Portree
- Linlithgow
- Crieff
- Millport
- Kirkcudbright
- Pittenweem
- Plockton
- Tobermory
- Melrose
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