From Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning ‘Braveheart’ to James Bond favourite ‘Skyfall’, Scotland’s rugged landscape has provided the backdrop to some of the most iconic films ever made.

Now, the stunning scenes are in the running for top place in a quest by one of America’s biggest newspapers to find the ‘Best Cinematic Destination’ in the world.

Scotland is currently in third position in USA Today’s Top 20 poll behind Petra, Jordan – as seen in the climactic scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – and Salzburg in Austria, famous for The Sound of Music.

The media giant said that iconic TV shows like Downton Abbey, Breaking Bad, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars had launched a new era of tourism, where fans make pop culture pilgrimages to walk in the footsteps of fictional characters, and that it was time for the public to create a definitive list.

Last night, VisitScotland urged film fans to vote for home and help Scotland climb its way to the top of the poll.

Jenni Steele, Film & Creative Industries Manager at VisitScotland, said that the country’s rolling hills, rugged mountains, picturesque towns and villages, castles and sprawling beaches were worthy of the prestigious title.

London is currently in ninth position in the poll, New York 14th and Paris 16th.

“Given our country’s incredible and unique scenery, our range of spectacular buildings, as well as the warmth of our welcome, it is no wonder that it continues to attract some of the top film-makers from all over the world,” she said.

“Set-jetting, where people visit their favourite filming locations, is hugely popular and Scotland’s nomination in this USA Today poll is further testimony to this country’s growing reputation as one of the world’s greatest film sets.”

Voting ends Monday, June 8 and the winner will be announced on June 10.

To vote, wisit www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-cinematic-destination/