Edinburgh has been named one of the top locations in the UK for a city break, while Fort William has once again found itself among the country’s lowest rated tourist spots.
Regaining its title as one of the “worst towns to visit” in the UK, the Highland destination apparently fell short of visitor expectations according to new research.
Consumer magazine Which? surveyed more than 3,000 people about city breaks they had taken around the UK over the past two years, asking about their experiences in various towns and cities around the UK.
Each destination was then given an overall score based on factors including attractiveness, food and drink, value for money, cultural sights and more.
Broken down by size, Edinburgh was ranked as the best overall in Scotland as well as the best large city with a score of 82%. It was then followed by St Andrews, which received five-stars for its food and drink scene and an overall score of 80%, earning it a spot among the best “small UK cities” for a short break.
As for medium sized cities, Dundee is the only to have been named by Which, earning a score of 73% — which isn’t far behind Glasgow’s 76% rating overall.
As for the “outdoor capital of the UK”, Fort William only received a score of 56% from visitors, which is the second lowest rating overall, coming just ahead of Bournemouth which earned 55%.
With that in mind, here are the 9 best and worst places to visit in Scotland according to tourists — including Fort William.

9. Fort William
Last, but certainly not least, is Fort William. While visitors may have ranked it among the worst towns to visit based on the factors provided, the Highlands town is known as a hub for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hillwalking and more. It received a positive four-star score for its accommodation options, but three stars for ease of getting around and the lack of crowds, then just two-stars across food and drink options, cultural sights, shopping, attractiveness and value for money. It is not just the lowest ranked in Scotland, but among the lowest in the UK overall, coming just above Bournemouth. | Adobe Stock


