Robot butlers, mega cities and midge haggis are among some of the novelties tourists can expect to find when they visit Scotland in 50 years time.

To celebrate their 50th anniversary VisitScotland has taken a tongue-in-cheek look forward into the year 2069 and unveiled what visitors might be enjoying in the next five decades.

They predict that in half a century, with people looking to escape rising temperatures throughout the globe by visiting a milder Scotland, Glasgow and Edinburgh could have merged into into one 'mega-city' named Glas-burgh or Edin-gow.

A new research paper, Tourism Futures 2069, authored by VisitScotland's Insights department explains rural areas could be protected from over development and benefit from better transport and digital connectivity, meaning a vibrant country environment will evolve for artisans, creatives, farmers and distillers.

Hotels could also introduce robot butlers as an enhanced extra and in-room fitness bikes meaning guests can earn themselves restaurant vouchers while boosting the building's sustainable energy stores.

And the potential launch of Boeing's Hypersonic airliners in the 2040s could lead to flights from New York to Scotland taking just two hours.

When it comes to food and drink, the study, which was published as Scottish Tourism Month kicks off, shows that Scotland's larder should still be providing the world with delectable fare.

But with the population potentially including processed insect protein in their diets, midge haggis could be a highly desirable delicacy to visitors.

The Development of Tourism Act came into force in 1969 and an official Scottish Tourist Board was established with government funding.

Chris Greenwood, VisitScotland senior tourism insight manager and author of the paper, said: "Scottish tourism has been a huge success story both economically and socially over the last 50 years and the aim of this research paper is to look at a potential future of tourism by examining the mega-trends which may have influenced society by 2069."

Lord Thurso, VisitScotland chair, said: "We want to celebrate 50 years of golden moments with the tourism industry in 2019 and what better time to begin than Scottish Tourism Month.

"The scale of the achievements and growth of Scotland's tourism sector is down to the hard work and creative collaboration across a myriad of organisations, businesses and public agencies spanning half a century - so for that we say thank you.

"This 50th anniversary not only allows us all to reflect fondly on the past but also, importantly, to concentrate our gaze on the future."