Other Scottish destinations have also fared well — but a storm erupted over the authors’ description of John o’Groats as a “seedy tourist trap.”

The self-styled backpackers’ bible acknowledged that severe urban poverty, in the wake of the collapse of the jute industry, had given Dundee a “grim” reputation.

“Poor civic planning left Dundee with a series of ugly architectural eyesores that still scar the town, but things are now ambitiously moving forward,” stated the authors.

“Waterfront redevelopment is slowly taking advantage of the city’s beautiful position on the Firth of Tay, while the newly-opened museum Sensation is one of the nation’s best for kids.

“A fashionable destination Dundee isn’t — yet — but anyone interested in urban renewal or authentic Scottish cities will find plenty here.”

The guide also describes Verdant Works as “one of Britain’s best museums,” and praises both its sister attraction Discovery Point and the Frigate Unicorn.

The guide goes on to describe Perth as “beautiful,” and recommends St Andrews for its “impressive concoction of medieval ruins and idyllic coastal scenery.”

Edinburgh is dubbed “one of the most loveable, and liveable, cities on the planet,” while Glasgow is seen as a highlight of any trip to Scotland.

In stark contrast to those comments is the description of John o’Groats in a guide which also disputes the town’s claim to be the most northerly tip of Britain.

“If John was a person, he’d be a second-hand car salesman or a gerrymandering politician,” said the authors.

“How else to explain the seedy tourist trap that has grown around the lie that it’s the most northerly place in Britain? It’s not — that title goes to Dunnet Head further west.”

The inevitable backlash from locals was led by the manager of John o’Groats Ferries, Deborah Fermor, who said, “It’s ridiculous.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a seedy tourist trap, we have shops here like the Woollen Mill and souvenirs too.

“It’s well worth coming to John o’Groats, there’s plenty to do. You can walk down by Duncan’s Bay to see the puffins and seals, the Italians especially love that.”

Another target of criticism is “teeming with visitors” Pitlochry, which the guide contends is rapidly losing the Highland charm it once possessed.

The Lonely Planet authors said they had taken a more positive approach in response to outrage last year over Scotland being described as a sectarian-ridden society full of binge-drinking anti-English whingers.

A spokesman for VisitScotland said, “As an independent publication, Lonely Planet is obviously entitled to its opinions — good, bad or indifferent.”