Instagram has become a way of life for lots of us.
We use it to share snaps of what we wear, what we eat – and the glamorous places we go.
But what are the most Instagram-worthy Scottish tourist attractions?
Recently, photo printing firm Motif analysed the hashtags for every famous landmark in the country since Instagram was launched nine years ago.
And the beautiful Isle of Skye came out on top.
With landscapes and scenery so stunning they’ll take your breath away, the island has a rich history covering many topics, from dinosaur fossils to the Jacobite Rebellion.
It’s also a great destination for spotting wildlife, with otters, seals, whales and dolphins in abundance.
Edinburgh Castle was the second most popular for Instagrammable sights.
The top 10 Scottish sights have a combined hashtag use of nearly two million, and Scotland is the second most popular country in the UK for social media pics, with Edinburgh and the Highlands featuring heavily in tourists’ Instagram snaps.
Helen Campbell, head of visitor marketing at VisitScotland, said: “The breathtaking scenery, natural landscapes and iconic sites across Scotland are a huge draw for visitors coming to explore our beautiful country.
“We want to encourage holidaymakers to explore all regions of Scotland at all times of the year to get a truly authentic experience, connecting with the local culture and heritage.”
Here are the top 10 most Instagrammable sights in Scotland…
1. #isleofskye, Highlands
577,406 Instagram hashtags
Famous for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles, Skye boasts some of the most stunning landscapes Scotland has to offer.
2. #edinburghcastle, Edinburgh
478,203 Instagram hastags
Both the historic fortress itself which dominates the capital’s skyline and the views from it are amazing.
3. #lochlomond, West Dunbartonshire/Argyll and Bute/Stirling
380,751 Instagram hashtags
The bonnie, bonnie banks provide the perfect backdrop for a stunning selfie, whether that’s from a hilltop in Arrochar, a boat cruise from Balloch or the beach at Luss.
4. #lochness, Highland
346,219 Instagram hashtags
This 23-mile loch offers scenic views all the way around – perfect for photos.
Whether it’s from the banks at Dores Beach, at Urquhart Castle or a water tour taking in the deep blue expanse, you’ll get a great shot.
5. #arthursseat, Edinburgh
235,307 Instagram hashtags
This ancient volcano’s rocky summit towers over Edinburgh, with fabulous views, and the extensive parkland surrounding it is an oasis of calm as a retreat from the busy city below.
6. #caltonhill, Edinburgh
129,088 Instagram hashtags
Unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline, Calton Hill is perfect for an Instagram snap with its panoramic views of the city and castle in the background.
7. #edinburghzoo, Edinburgh
107,482 Instagram hashtags
Since the arrival of Tian Tian and Yang Guang, panda fever has hit at this already popular visitor attraction – and that’s before you even consider the famous penguin parade, cute koalas and comical chimps. Plenty of picture material here.
8. #stirlingcastle, Stirling
60,684 Instagram hashtags
Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to Stirling Castle to revel in its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens – now it’s full of people trying to get the perfect photo.
9. #fairypools, Highlands
59,906 Instagram hashtags
The enchanting Fairy Pools – crystal clear pools of the River Brittle on Skye – entice visitors from all over the world, and they make great wild swimming for those brave enough.
10. #glenfinnan, Highlands
50,682 Instagram hashtags
Famous long before the Harry Potter films, Glenfinnan attracts many thousands of visitors from around the world to experience the stunning scenery but also the special atmosphere.
The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000ft span, 100ft above the ground. Spectacular.
P.S. VisitScotland has almost one million followers on Instagram. Showcasing everything from luminous landscape shots to hard-to-find gems, its feed is a must-follow. Share your favourite pictures with the world using the hashtags #VisitScotland or #Scotland IsNow.
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