Landscape infographic

Scotland's landscapes form part of our identity and their place in our culture is recognised and celebrated. They are an important asset for the economy and contribute in many ways to the quality of life we enjoy in Scotland. Equally, poor or degraded landscapes can restrict social and economic opportunities for communities. 

This infographic illustrates some of the evidence for the importance of Scotland's landscapes. It is relevant for NatureScot's work, Scottish Government's National Outcomes and Scottish society as a whole:

Scotland’s landscape

more than just pretty places...

  • Scenery & landscape are the top motivations for people visiting Scotland

  • Scotland has a great variety of landscapes: 354 distinct landscape types – that’s almost one to visit every day of the year

  • Viewing natural landscapes lowers blood pressure

  • 94% of people think Scotland’s wild land should be protected

  • Creative places poets, writers, artists and musicians are inspired by Scotland’s landscapes

  • TV & Film Our landscapes provide distinctive locations for this multi-million pound industry. Doune castle has had a 90% increase in visitors since Outlander was first aired

  • £21 billion annually is the value of the benefits provided by Scotland’s ecosystems (including our landscapes) e.g. jobs, food, fuel, well-being

  • 94% of people visiting the outdoors say it helps them relax and unwind

  • Visitors spent over £5 billion in 2015 enjoying the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland

  • 1 hectare of mature woodland absorbs the carbon of 100 cars

  • 2/3 of businesses believe Scotland’s natural environment benefits their company

  • Learning and play in natural spaces has a positive impact on school children, improving engagement, challenge and enjoyment. 

  • Surgical patients recovered faster (and with less pain relief) when they could see leafy views

  • 3/4 of people believe that more effort is needed to improve the landscape around Scotland’s towns and cities

  • 67% of adults live within 5 minutes of a useable greenspace

  • Scotland’s varied coasts host 60% of the world’s breeding gannet population

  • £3.7 billion is spent annually on marine recreation and tourism activities

Quality places are successful places, and landscape is at the heart of Scotland’s identity

(Sources: SG SPP 2014 and Creating Places 2013)

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Disclaimer: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has changed its name to NatureScot as of the 24th August 2020. 
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