A travel guide has been criticised for painting a less than flattering picture of Scots, suggesting most subsist on fish suppers and that they are aggressive and difficult to understand.
Scotland For Dummies, by American journalist Barry Shelby, also describes Scotland as an "administrative region within Great Britain".
The book, one of a multi-million-selling series, is intended as a beginner's manual for first-time visitors.
It states: "Union with England in 1707 effectively relegated Scotland to little more than an administrative region within Great Britain. Many written histories of Britain tend to ignore developments in Scotland ... which, in part, explains why Scots sometimes act as if they have terrible chips on their shoulders."
While informing readers that Scots speak English, it warns them they may be baffled by Scottish accents: "English is spoken in Scotland but, with the local expressions, heavy accents and thick burr, it can occasionally sound like a foreign language.
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"Even Scots from one region of the nation don't know what someone from another area is saying. The standard joke about England and Scotland being 'two countries divided by a common language' applies."
Shelby singles out Glaswegians as being particularly difficult to comprehend: "There is no need to feel intimidated by their heavy accents and colourful expressions. Ask those you don't understand to repeat themselves or to slow down."
Previous editions of Scotland For Dummies have been lampooned by comedian Jo Caulfield on her Radio 4 show for being patronising and obvious.
The guide dismisses Aberdeen and Inverness as "lacking in attractions", claims residents of Edinburgh are "not celebrated for their bonhomie" and bemoans civic vandalism in Glasgow.
"A major motorway cuts an ugly scar through the centre of town and another intrusive highway is being built," it states. "Glasgow still seems to prefer knocking historic buildings down and erecting new structures of dubious merit."
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The guide, produced by Wiley, an American publisher, claims visitors can pass themselves as native Scots by ordering a "wee dram" in bars.
Another guide by the same author describes Edinburgh as "more of a big town than a city" and draws attention to Glasgow's "ugly" buildings and potential for violence.
Frommer's Edinburgh and Glasgow, also written by Shelby, warns visitors to be on their guard in the cities. "Like most big cities in the western world, Edinburgh and Glasgow have their share of crime. Knives present a problem, but one largely confined to gang fights. Fights can flare up unexpectedly, particularly in Glasgow during heated football matches."
The book advises tourists to pledge their allegiance to neutral Partick Thistle if challenged by a Glaswegian.
It also notes that Scottish restaurants have improved significantly in recent years, but claims the majority of Scots have been left untouched by the culinary revolution. "Scots today can eat better than ever before, but most of the population still seems to subsist on takeaway fish and chips".
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Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish culture minister, said the guides were guilty of "sweeping generalisations and stereotypes", but did highlight some of Scotland's "wonderful scenery and cultural attributes".
Shelby, who has lived in Scotland for more than 12 years and is now a crofter and freelance journalist on the Isle of Lewis, told The Sunday Times, "I'm a naturalised Brit and an adopted Scot, so it was certainly not my intention to offend anyone.
"I hope I haven't played up the issue of fried food too much, as there are a lot of great things in the Scottish diet. I do think it is fair to say Scots in some areas don't understand Scots in other parts of the country."