Hotel bookings boost after re-opening confirmation

Crerar Hotels has reported a sharp spike in bookings following the announcement that travel restrictions would be lifted, and tourist accommodation able to re-open, on 26 April. The group, which boasts seven idyllic hotels and inns in some of Scotland’s most breath-taking locations, saw a 130 per cent week-on-week increase in booking revenues after Nicola…

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Working with an architect to get the best design possible

Every time I begin a new architectural project – whether it’s designing a new house, renovating a farmhouse, or rethinking a traditional shooting lodge – I go back to the basics of what a great building should be. A building is for now and for the future. It should uplift our spirits and create good…

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Tales of the unexpected from Aldi and Lidl

Peter Ranscombe discovers some surprises among the latest wines released by Lidl and Aldi. DRAW closer and let me tell you some tales of the unexpected. There’s the tale of the sauvignon blanc from Hungary. There’s the story of the sangiovese from Chile. And there’s the legend of the riesling – from Canada. Supermarket chain…

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Take a 360 degree virtual trip to the Culloden battlefield

The National Trust for Scotland has released a free virtual tour of the Culloden Battlefield for the upcoming 275th anniversary. The Battle of Culloden: The Jacobites’ Last Stand is a virtual 360 degree visit around the battlefield produced in partnership with Your Tour, the Trust and with funding from Innovate UK. Narrated by Outlander star…

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Tourism turmoil toll in Scotland’s first national park

Scotland’s first national park says there has been a half billion pound slump in Loch Lomond visitor spend on the horizon. A former tourist chief and current chair of a leading national park charity claims income generated from visitors in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is hurtling towards a massive drop of…

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A limited edition of 3000 for Bowmore 27-year-old

Bowmore has unveiled a limited edition 27-year-old whisky which is restricted to just 3000 bottles. The new addition joins its older age range of whiskies as part of the Bowmore Timeless Series. The Bowmore Timeless series balances smoke, exotic fruit and sea salt. With 3000 bottles available, Bowmore 27-year-old has been matured in sherry and…

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Covid costs Scotch whisky exports £1.1 billion in lost sales

Global exports of Scotch whisky fell by more than £1.1bn during 2020, according to figures released today by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). The export figures are the lowest they have been in a decade, as the combined impact of Covid-19 and the 25% tariff in the United States hit distillers hard. In 2020, the…

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An essential guide mapping out the Munros

The result of a labour of love – and many long walks and aching legs – this colourful compendium maps all 282 Munros in all their glory. Published to mark the centenary of the death of Sir Hugh Munro, this reference book serves as the ideal starting point for any aspiring hillwalker or self-confessed Munro…

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Auctioneer takes to slopes for poster sale

MISSING your January trip to the Alps? Auction house Lyon & Turnbull may hold the answer. The auctioneer is holdings its ski sale online on 27 January, featuring original lithographed posters focused on winter sports and travel. Ski resorts in Austria, France, and Switzerland – as well as Norway – are advertised by posters in…

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Inverness hotels share positive figures

RESIDENTS in the North of Scotland are being encouraged to discover “what’s on their doorstep” as Inverness’s hotels report brighter figures amid the covid gloom. Chris Taylor, regional leadership director at national tourism marketing agency VisitScotland, said: “Right now, we are encouraging local people in the Highlands to discover what’s on their doorstep, in line…

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