Argyll and Bute has been named Scotland’s top staycation destination – and the fifth best in the whole of the UK.

Rover brand Defender calculated the results through their Destinations Index.

The index compares a location’s population to its number of five-star hotels, golf clubs, Michelin restaurants, wellness retreats, hiking trails, and National Trust sites.

A representative for Defender said: “Coastal destination Argyll and Bute is named Scotland's best upmarket staycation destination in the index due to its population of just 86,220 inhabitants, as well as its two 5-star hotels, four Michelin Guide restaurants, four five-star golf clubs, six luxury spa and wellness centres, five excellent hiking trails, and seven National Trust locations in the area.

“Argyll and Bute includes plenty of National Trust properties to adventure out to, including the mountain of Ben Lomond and small uninhabited islands around Loch Lomond.

“If you’re more interested in a tipple or two, Argyll and Bute is known for its whisky industry, with over 20 different distilleries alongside five-star hotels and high-end restaurants.”

Argyll and Bute was one of five Scottish areas included in Defender’s top 20 UK upmarket staycation spots.

Other Scottish areas on the list are Perth and Kinross in sixth place, Aberdeenshire in 12th place, South Ayrshire in 15th , and Edinburgh in 17th.