The scariest Scottish sites to visit at Halloween

Scotland is known for is ancient castles, with their accompanying ghost stories. Scotland is arguably the home of Halloween – or Samhain as it was originally known. The celebration of all things spooky originates from the ancient Celts’ celebrations and is based on their ‘Feast of Samhain’. The eve became known as All Saints’ Eve,…

Read More

Edinburgh’s one of the most haunted cities in the UK

A new survey claims that Edinburgh is one of the top 10 most haunted cities in the UK. The research was carried out for Stay In Cornwall, who analysed cities across the UK on four ranking factors to determine the most haunted. They say that London is the most haunted city in the UK, while…

Read More

Scotland’s first mainland lighthouse stands proud

The first lighthouse to be built on mainland Scotland was engineered by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author Robert Louis Stevenson. He drove a foundation, walls and spiral staircase through a castle to complete it in 1824. Though its lantern is no longer operational and a small unmanned light has taken its place, Kinnaird Head…

Read More

It’s 20 years since the Britannia opened its doors

It’s hard to believe, but 19 October this year marks the 20th anniversary of The Royal Yacht Britannia first opening its doors as a visitor attraction in Edinburgh. The former Royal residence, berthed alongside Ocean Terminal in Leith, has been building up to its double decade birthday celebrations in commanding style. As well as retaining…

Read More

Get ready to step back in time in the Highlands

A special celebration of Highland heritage is to get underway later this month. For three weeks, from Friday 28 September, the Highland Archaeology Festival will offer throughout the Highlands a range of walks, talks, workshops, exhibitions, the annual conference, special children’s activities and other events for all ages. Now in its 25th year, the 2018…

Read More

Throwing their doors open to the public

Properties across Aberdeenshire will open their doors for two days this weekend (15 and 16 September) for Doors Open Days 2018. From Portsoy to Benholm, Stonehaven to Braemar there are a wide variety of establishments taking part. Tod Head Lighthouse near Catterline was a popular venue last year and has come back for a second…

Read More

Skye’s tourism industry continues to flourish

An increasing number of requests from film and TV production teams to shoot on the Isle of Skye is boosting the island’s revenues. The increasing challenges of Skye’ tourism industry were discussed today at Highland Council’s Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee during a report to councillors by the council’s principal tourism officer, Colin Simpson.…

Read More

Hannah’s book of fantastic creatures wins Kelpies Prize

Freelance illustrator Hannah Foley has been revealed as the winner of the Kelpies Prize 2018. Hannah’s success came at an award ceremony at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Her prize-winning entry, The Lost Wizard of Nine Witches Wood, is a warm and quirky whirlwind of an adventure, featuring shapeshifters, enchanted bicycles, and a whole host…

Read More

There’s unusual places to stay Down on the Farm

Glamping – donning a pair of muddy wellies, lighting a roaring campfire and cuddling up to enjoy a hot chocolate and an oozing toasted marshmallow is an increasingly popular pastime. Understandably, switching off those familiar ‘pings’ of modern technology that compel us to direct our attention to a blue screen holds great appeal to many.…

Read More

Time to tee off National Afternoon Tea Week

This week is National Afternoon Tea Week – and there’s a ‘tee’ with a difference in Ayrshire. Running from 13–19 August, the five-star Trump Turnberry served up the ultimate ‘tee’ on the spectacular greens of The Ailsa golf course. Overlooking the iconic Turnberry lighthouse, the unique take on this great British tradition – complete with…

Read More