Three Borders towns in contention to be named the most beautiful in the country

Kelso, Melrose and Peebles have been been shortlisted for that title for 2018 by online tourist information centre Hidden Scotland.

They are among 35 contenders, and the winner of this inaugural competition will be announced on Friday, August 10.

The other finalists include Oban in Argyll and Bute, Fort Augustus in Boleskine and Abertarff, Findhorn in Moray, Anstruther in Fife, Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Pittenweem, Crieff, Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and Pitlochry in Perthshire.

The winner will be the one that has most votes for it cast online at hiddenscotland.co/scotlands-most-beautiful-town

Jack Cairney, founder of Hidden Scotland in 2015, said: “I’m excited to start our search for Scotland’s most beautiful town or village, our audience have picked some of the most charming and picturesque places you can visit in Scotland, and it’s a delight to be able to showcase some of these places.

“Everyone has a town or village that has a special place in their hearts, each with a valid reason why it’s the best, so now is the time to crown the most beautiful.”

“Each finalist in the running for the title has its own unique character which makes it stand out from the rest.”