Travel
Works begins on Mull hotel refit
WORK has begun on a redevelopment project at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa. More than £3 million will be invested in the scheme by owner Crerar Hotels. The 72-bed hotel aims to reopen in April. Chris Wayne Wills, chief executive at Crerar Hotels, said: “I’d like to thank the ‘Mullochs’ for all of…
Read MoreBlue Skye Thinking: Now is the time to visit The Misty Isle
I’m calling it 20/20 vision. As we clamber into autumn after six surreal months, I realise that seeing Scotland through fresh eyes has been 2020’s almighty silver lining. For many Scots, acquainting themselves more fully with all that this country has to offer has proved unexpectedly enlightening. Entranced by the wildly romantic coasts, crystal-clear waters…
Read MoreTour guide launches kids’ activity packs
CHILDREN who can’t take part in Invisible Cities’ walking tours can now learn about locations while at home thanks to the social enterprise’s new activity packs. Invisible Cities, which trains people who have previously experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city, has created a series of “round-the-world subscription boxes”. Created in…
Read More‘Outdoor adventures manager’ joins Gleneagles
GLENEAGLES has appointed an “outdoor adventures manager” to help children enjoy its 850-acre estate. Alan McGonagle, 34, from Loch Lomond, was previously manager of Pinkston Watersports in Glasgow, a community paddle sports hub and home to Scotland’s only artificial whitewater course. The Perthshire hotel has also created an “adventurer’s guide” featuring more than 50 activities…
Read MoreForbes gives Balmoral five-star rating
THE Balmoral has become the first hotel in Scotland to receive a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. It’s the first time that the Edinburgh hotel has made it onto the list, which was released early to encourage bookings for next year. Richard Cooke, general manager at The Balmoral, said: “Forbes Travel Guide is undoubtedly…
Read MoreCastles, museums and distilleries continue to reopen
MORE of Scotland’s historic landmarks have announced dates for reopening as the coronavirus lockdown continues to ease. Blackness Castle will reopen on Monday, followed by Inchcolm Abbey, Huntly Castle and Melrose Abbey on Wednesday, and Elgin Cathedral and Caerlaverock Castle on Friday. Doune Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle and Linlithgow Palace will then reopen on 26 August,…
Read MoreSplash of colour as The Balmoral reopens
THE Balmoral in Edinburgh marked its reopening on Saturday with flowers lining the steps to the hotel’s front door. General manager Richard Cooke and his team welcomed guests back from just before 9am. Members of staff waved saltires from the windows to mark the return of the landmark venue. A veritable rainbow of colours adorned…
Read MoreVisit Moscow – without leaving Scotland
TOURISTS are being encouraged to visit Moscow – without even setting foot outside Scotland. That’s because the village of Moscow in Ayrshire is featuring in a new publicity campaign by holiday website Love Home Swap. The site has created an online guidebook called Around The World in Britain, which also includes California in Norfolk, Egypt…
Read MoreTrossachs e-bike trail map hits the road
A NEW map showing six e-bike trails through the Trossachs has been launched. The routes take in sights like Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine, Duchray Castle, Stonachlachar Pier and Strathyre Forest. The map has been assembled by Loch Lomond & Trossachs Countryside Trust and Forth Valley & Lomond Leader. Routes range from the 12.5km Rob Roy…
Read MorePlanning a five-star staycation in Perthshire?
WITH many Scottish families holidaying at home this year, luxury self catering properties that can accommodate extended families are in great demand. For some families, the staycation can be a way of reconnecting with family members that they were not able to see during lockdown. Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course at Kenmore,…
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