New holiday lodges offer the perfect place to relax

Real freedom, real luxury and real Scotland – that’s what’s on offer at Balloch Park. Balloch Park, which enjoys an idyllic location by the banks of the River Tay, is situated on the acclaimed five star Mains of Taymouth Country Estate and Golf Course. They are now offering an exciting new selection of holiday lodges…

Read More

Elegance, comfort and views over the Solway Firth

A quality country house of elegance and comfort offering stunning views over the Solway Firth and beyond to the Lake District coastline is now for sale. The Torrs, in Portling, Dalbeattie, is presented to the market by Galbraith. The Torrs is the former residence of Sir Thomas McAlpine, the house was converted from a cottage…

Read More

Let’s say cheers for the beers at Scottish awards

The winners of the third annual Scottish Beer Awards have been revealed at the biggest ever celebration of Scottish brewing held in Edinburgh. Nearly 400 guests from across the UK brewing industry gathered to hear news on award winners after a wide-ranging competition which has been running since February. Awards were presented for both business…

Read More

Quinta do Noval: Blending tradition with technology

Peter Ranscombe dons his saltire boxer shorts to join in the crushing of the grapes in the Douro valley and along the way discovers how classic ports also need a modern edge. AS THE sun began to set across the Douro river valley, the sound of an accordion started to waft through the evening air.…

Read More

Pool success keeps swimmer Hannah smiley

Hannah Miley is Scotland’s golden girl of the pool. The 29-year-old swimmer was raised in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, represented Great Britain at three Olympic Games, reaching the final of the 400 metres individual medley on each occasion, finishing sixth in 2008, fifth in 2012 and fourth in 2016. A two-time Scottish Commonwealth champion, in 2010 and…

Read More

Making the great outdoors more accessible

Many outdoor adventure enthusiasts enjoy heading to Aviemore to challenge themselves on Scottish hills. Those who’ve forgotten those last-minute essentials, or are keen to take up exploring, will find it much easier after the Tiso Group  officially opened its outdoor experience store in the highland town, within the Cairngorms National Park. Located within the new…

Read More

Charity fundraising will be a top Dollar effort

Pupils at Dollar Academy are to put their best feet forward in support of a range of charities this week. On Friday, 28 September, Dollar Academy’s biennial sponsored walk takes place over a 12 mile route in the nearby Ochil Hills. The event promises to be a memorable occasion as the original organising committee join…

Read More

Kilted Yoga’s Finlay joins Wigtown Book Festival

Finlay Wilson, whose first Kilted Yoga video has had more than 70 million views on the internet, was among the guests at the 20th Wigtown Book Festival. Wilson, who 11 years ago had to use a wheelchair or walk on crutches because a bone condition in his legs left him in such pain, has transformed…

Read More

Six of the best from South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde

Peter Ranscombe selects six of the best wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde ridge in South Africa, which is renowned for its chardonnay and pinot noir. SUPERLATIVES don’t do Hemel-en-Aarde justice: beautiful, stunning, picturesque – none seem to capture the greenness of the trees, the blueness of the skies or the majesty of the surrounding hills. It’s…

Read More

Book festival hears that death should be celebrated

Scots should be celebrating death and those who give their bodies to medical science, according to a leading crime writer. Professor Dame Sue Black was speaking this weekend at a packed event at the Wigtown Book Festival the forensic anthropologist discussed a range of subjects – from her Scottish upbringing through to the gratitude we…

Read More