Islands topping the list with Eilean Siar making fifth place

Orkney came first for the second time running, while Shetland (3rd), Eilean Siar (5th) and Argyll and Bute (6th) also scored highly, reflecting both the localities’ rich heritage assets and local efforts to maintain and promote them.

Other tourist destinations also scored well – the Highlands just missed out on the top 10, coming in 12th, while Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow also feature in the top 10.

The index, in collaboration with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is built from a multitude of different factors affecting an area’s heritage, from listed buildings, levels of public participation, funding streams and more, to reflect the state of heritage in Scotland and the UK today.

Jamie Cooke, head of RSA Scotland, said: “As a nation, we are blessed in Scotland to have a diverse range of world-famous heritage assets, ranging from the natural splendour of the Highlands and Islands to the industrial legacy of the Central Belt to globally renowned art and cultural venues.

“Yet too often we can take these assets for granted, failing to recognise the lessons they offer us from the past, and the learnings and opportunities they open up for the future.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic places many of our heritage venues and assets under financial strain, we need to recapture a sense of urgency around the importance and role that they play in the life and success of our communities, through bringing visitors, stirring civic pride and reflection, and creating jobs and economic opportunities.”