THE most picturesque places in Scotland have been revealed, according to a new study.

Photography retailer Jessops analysed data from social media platform Instagram and found the top five places in Scotland which have been photographed the most, according to the popularity of their hashtags.

See the full list below.


5. Scott Monument

The National: With 70k hashtags on Instagram, the Scott Monument is one of the principal landmarks in Edinburgh. A homage to Scottish author and poet Sir Walter Scott, the monument is one of the largest in the world to be dedicated to a writer.

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It was built in 1846 and even includes a sculpture of Scott’s dog, Maida, resting at his feet.

4. Glenfinnan Viaduct

The National: Located in the Highlands, this viaduct is best known for its role in the Harry Potter film series.

With its sweeping arches and surrounded by stunning scenery, it’s no wonder this spot has 80k hashtags on Instagram.

3. Ben Nevis

The National: Next to Fort William, Ben Nevis is only a three-hour drive from Edinburgh and is the third most photographed spot in the country, with 280k Instagram hashtags.

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Not only is it the tallest munro in Scotland – at 4411 ft (1345m) tall – but Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the whole of the UK.

2. Loch Ness

The National: Glen Affric is now in the running to become a national parkSituated just over 30km south of Inverness, Loch Ness is the second most photographed location in Scotland, with 530k Instagram posts using the hashtag.

It contains 263 billion cubic feet of water, meaning there is more water in Loch Ness than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.

1. Edinburgh Castle

The National: Edinburgh Castle has said it will be reviewing the name of its cafeWith around 800k posts using the hashtag on Instagram, Edinburgh Castle has been named the most picturesque spot in Scotland – and the seventh most popular spot in the UK overall.

Situated at the top of the Royal Mile, the castle is an iconic part of the Edinburgh landscape and can be seen from practically anywhere in the city.