THE iconic Edinburgh Castle was voted number one in a poll created to find out what Scots feel in awe of when visiting the country’s seven cities.
The National Wallace Monument, the SSE Hydro in Glasgow lit up at night, Stirling Castle and the view from Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh all made the top five in the VisitScotland poll.
The Scottish public were asked to vote for what they considered to be the most awesome sight in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness, Dundee, Stirling, and Aberdeen with Edinburgh Castle bagging the top spot with over a quarter of votes.
Voters picked seeing the SSE Hydro aglow as the fourth most awe-inspiring sight.
The poll was commissioned after a recent research paper by the national tourism organisation highlighted upcoming tourism trends in the wake of COVID-19.
One of these was the opportunities for awe trend which sees visitors inspired to travel to places or take part in activities that invoke awe.
According to a study published in the journal Emotion, awe is a positive emotion triggered by an awareness of something much larger than the self.
This can be in the form of nature, art or a collective act from concerts and festivals and can enhance feelings of generosity, wellbeing and humility.
Voters in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South West Ayrshire, the Highlands and Islands, and Aberdeen selected Edinburgh Castle in top place whereas the view from Arthur’s Seat was top for those living in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders.
The other sights Scots were asked to vote on were, view from top of The Law, Leakey’s Bookshop, V&A Dundee alongside RRS Discovery, view from Inverness Castle, entrance to the Riverside Museum, Andy Scott’s leopard sculpture in Marischal Square, The Black Watch Castle & Museum as seen from North Inch park, NuArt city-wide murals, and the frontage of the Salutation Hotel.
Adam McVey, The City of Edinburgh’s Council Leader, said: “Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it’s great to hear our landmarks across the city and our green and blue spaces in and around the capital have been recognised.
“Our capital has something for everyone including amazing outdoor experiences for adventure seekers, family fun nature trails or tranquil walks along our waterways as well as amazing hospitality and culture offerings, an inspiring history and so much to uncover around every corner to keep you and the family entertained.
“It’s why people come back to Edinburgh again and again.
“Through our ForeverEdinburgh – The Story Never Ends campaign we’re encouraging both residents and visitors alike to rediscover the tales of our past and create new memories for the future.
“Where else can you walk in the footsteps of ancient philosophers, poets and royalty and stride up an extinct volcano for red hot views?”
