A SCOTTISH beauty spot has been named among the most exciting places to visit in the world.
The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire region was the only Scottish destination to appear on National Geographic’s Cool List 2024: The 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024.
The list specifically mentions the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere reserve as the reason it made the cut.
It read: “From windswept slopes to dense forests threaded with streams, the richness of landscapes in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire region helped it become Scotland’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2012.
“Just over a decade later, the reserve has further cause for celebration after being granted an extra 10 years of protection by the organisation.
“Its boundaries have also been extended, upping the area from 2,034sq miles to over 3,780sq miles.
“The expansion is culturally significant, as the village of Alloway now falls within the new borders.
“The birthplace of Robert Burns, it features in his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter.
“Budding bards can channel the poet on a writing retreat, or try one of the tours offered by the Biosphere Guides, a group of locals whose expertise ranges from creative writing to bushcraft.”
The site is the first Unesco biosphere in Scotland and recently announced that it would almost double in size.
It received the designation in 2012 for its “world-class environment for people and nature”.
Melanie Allen, who chairs the biosphere’s partnership board, said it was “fantastic recognition for the area”.
She told the BBC: “With its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, fascinating heritage, and culture, we already knew the biosphere was 'cool' and now it's official.”
