Well naturally.........

[Chookie]

........you all knew that - didn't you?

Welcome is smiles better in Scotland



MARC HORNE (mhorne@scotlandonsunday.com)

FROM the Roman-repelling, woad-painted Picts to the bar-room brutality of Trainspotting's Begbie, Scots have developed an international reputation as a formidable and pugnacious people who are not to be trifled with.

But a new travel guide has delivered a Glasgow kiss to the stereotype of surly Scotland, claiming instead that we are among the friendliest people on the planet.

Click here to find out more!

Every year travel giants Lonely Planet reveal their must-visit holiday locations for the coming year.

Now the 2008 edition of their influential Blue List is urging travellers to experience the world-class hospitality that Scotland has to offer.

It places Scotland in its top 10 of the world's friendliest countries and states: "Time after time the welcome is warm."

Although the Australian-based guide heaps praise on Caledonian courtesy, it cannot resist poking fun at our "brutal" weather and "painfully bad" goalkeepers.

It states: "Forget Begbie in the film Trainspotting - Scotland is fast becoming the destination for visitors to the British Isles, winning out over dog-eat-dog London.

"The Scots have survived English invasion, brutal weather and the pain of having the world's worst goalkeepers.

"This fighting spirit against insurmountable odds has left them with an extroverted, buoyant demeanour and a blackly humorous nationalism; you'd want to see the funny side after witnessing some of those goalies. Naturally, this attitude rubs off on travellers and Scots are so loyal they want you to share in the good stuff too."


http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/in ... 1601772007