Jean Urquhart

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That the Parliament welcomes the news that Lewis and Harris has been named the best islands in Europe by Trip Advisor; understands that Scottish islands feature several times in the list, with Orkney and the Isle of Mull also named in the European top 10; notes that Scotland also dominates the top 10 UK list with Skye, Arran and Islay all named; believes that this will be a boost to the local tourist industry; understands that TripAdvisor compiled the list on opinions of tourists who had visited the islands on holiday; notes that this news comes after Scotland being listed as one of the top countries in the world to visit in 2014 by travel guide Lonely Planet, coming third in the list behind Brazil and Antarctica; considers the comments of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 Contributor Tom Hall, who said that ‘Scotland…will be taking the spotlight on the world stage and that the ‘country’s buzzing cities and stunning scenery have plenty to offer visitors, combined with an incredible calendar of events’ demonstrate the potential for a successful year for Scotland’s tourist industry, and looks forward to further recognition of what it considers to be Scotland’s sustainability as a top tourist destination.