FROM the Roman-repelling, woad-painted Picts to the bar-room brutality of Trainspotting's Begbie, Scots have developed an international reputation as a formidable and pugnacious people who are not to be trifled with.
But a new travel guide has delivered a Glasgow kiss to the stereotype of surly Scotland, claiming instead that we are among the friendliest people on the planet.
Every year travel giants Lonely Planet reveal their must-visit holiday locations for
the coming year.
Now the 2008 edition of their influential Blue List is urging travellers to experience the world-class hospitality that Scotland has to offer.
It places Scotland in its top 10 of the world's friendliest countries and states: "Time after time the welcome is warm."
Although the Australian-based guide heaps praise on Caledonian courtesy, it cannot resist poking fun at our "brutal" weather and "painfully bad" goalkeepers.
It states: "Forget Begbie in the film Trainspotting - Scotland is fast becoming the destination for visitors to the British Isles, winning out over dog-eat-dog London.
"The Scots have survived English invasion, brutal weather and the pain of having the world's worst goalkeepers.
"This fighting spirit against insurmountable odds has left them with an extroverted, buoyant demeanour and a blackly humorous nationalism; you'd want to see the funny side after witnessing some of those goalies. Naturally, this attitude rubs off on travellers and Scots are so loyal they want you to share in the good stuff too."
Scots share the title as most convivial nation on earth with the "lovely and warm" Fijians, the "awesome" Samoans, the "spectacularly hospitable" Turks, the "incredibly easygoing and quick to smile" Thais and the Malawians whom, the guide claims, reside in the "warm heart of Africa".
The accolade is richly deserved according to Irene McGregor, who runs the Bayview Hotel in Rothesay which advertises itself as having "the friendliest welcome in Scotland".
"There is no doubt that we Scots are some of the friendliest people on the planet," said the manageress. "I think the secret to our success is our unique sense of humour.
"I always greet visitors with a smile and have a great time laughing and joking with them. It really seems to work as we have people from all over the world who come back year after year."
Ivor Swan, who runs the Clansman, a favourite watering hole of the Tartan Army in the heart of Stirling's Braveheart territory, had mixed views about the books claims.
"They are spot-on when they claim that Scottish hospitality is the best in the world," said the publican and football fan.
"We have a great atmosphere in the pub and there is always a lot of banter and wisecracks on the go. But they are bang out of order when they say that our goalkeepers are rubbish. I take it they weren't watching when we beat France and our goalie Craig Gordon saved everything that some of the best players in the world could throw at him."
VisitScotland, the national tourism agency, was thrilled by the international recognition and hoped it would swell visitor numbers in the coming year. "Lonely Planet guides are very well respected by travellers and we are delighted to be included as one of the world's must-visit countries," said a spokeswoman.
"This backs up our findings that people are encouraged to visit Scotland because of its reputation as a friendly country. Everyone has a part to play in ensuring that Scotland is not only a must-visit destination but also a must-return destination."
Northern Ireland has experienced a huge upturn in its visitor numbers after it was named as a hip and fast-rising holiday location in last year's Lonely Planet Blue List.
The book also claims that "Travel Islam" will become a hot trend for 2008 with visitors flocking to see the sights in previously unfashionable locations such as Uzbekistan, Kashmir, Bahrain, Pakistan, Iran and even war-torn Afghanistan.
Lonely Planet was launched in Sydney in 1970 and now sells 6.5 million books every year. This month it was sold to the BBC's commercial arm.
Last year a first edition of the CultureShock! Scotland guide was pulped by publishers Marshall Cavendish after it was found to be riddled with errors.
As well as warning people with English accents to avoid entering Glasgow pubs, it claimed that Scots put Tizer in their whisky, eat "coutie dumpling" and vote for the "Scottish Workers' Party".
Warm reception is a tale of two cities
Is Scotland really the most friendly nation on the planet?
We decided to put it to the test. Our intrepid reporters took to the streets posing as bewildered tourists.
Surely the sight of hapless visitors scratching their heads and staring blankly at maps would be sure to prompt the world's most charming citizens to spring into action and offer assistance.
It was a tale of two cities.
Despite wandering about the historic heart of Scotland's capital for 35 minutes, no one in Edinburgh gave our lost "tourist" so much as a second glance.
No amount of helpless shrugs and doleful glances at an oversized map prompted the citizens of Auld Reekie to step in and offer to help.
One of Edinburgh's traffic wardens - who doubtless has an encyclopaedic knowledge of its vennels, closes and wynds - looked our visitor up and down before merrily marching on their way.
It could only have been more dispiriting had a well-heeled Morningside lady leaned out of a gleaming car and trilled "Ye'll have had your directions".
The response in Glasgow could not have been more different.
Less than two minutes after our man unfurled his map in the shadow of Donald Dewar's statue in Buchanan Street a good Samaritan came to his aid. Not only did this kindly older gentleman give flawless directions to the Gallery of Modern Art, "When you get there you'll see a statue with a traffic cone on his heid", he also inquired where our visitor was from and recommended he pay a visit to the Kelvingrove Museum.
It was a similar story in London, where directions were swiftly dispensed to our grateful visitor.
The full article contains 1031 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
