<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Regions Archives - InsiderScotland</title> <atom:link href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/category/regions/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/category/regions/</link> <description>Sharing the REAL Scotland</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 16 Mar 2024 13:56:17 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <image> <url>https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-X_logo-1-32x32.jpg</url> <title>Regions Archives - InsiderScotland</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/category/regions/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Fly to Another World in Just 25 Minutes</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/fly-to-islay-in-just-25-minutes/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2020 12:15:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Argyll & Perthshire]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Highlands & Islands]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Islay]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Scottish islands]]></category> <category><![CDATA[whisky]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=4819</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>In these troubled times the idea of an escape has never been more alluring. When I want to escape, really escape, I head to an island and they don’t come much more appealing than Scotland’s Islay. The ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ tempts with sweeping beaches, a flurry of whisky distilleries, world class produce and those […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/fly-to-islay-in-just-25-minutes/">Fly to Another World in Just 25 Minutes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>In these troubled times the idea of an escape has never been more alluring. When I want to escape, really escape, I head to an island and they don’t come much more appealing than Scotland’s Islay. The ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ tempts with sweeping beaches, a flurry of whisky distilleries, world class produce and those spirit soaring big skies that make the Hebrides such a joy. And all this lies just 25 minutes away as I discovered on what proved a safe, reassuring escape from this Covid-19 ravaged world to an island that really goes that extra mile.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4822" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9737.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Robin at Glasgow Airport <em>© Robin McKelvie</em></figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Flying in the time of Covid-19</strong></h3> <p>My last flight was back from Naples in February just as the pandemic really kicked off. It was with a degree of trepidation I admit that I approached <a href="https://www.glasgowairport.com/">Glasgow Airport</a>, but I needn’t have worried. Everyone adhered calmly to the masks-on rule, there was hand gel aplenty and clear signage led the way. The staff throughout were superb, from Glasgow Airport’s own people, through to the <a href="https://www.loganair.co.uk/">Loganair </a>check-in and then the <a href="https://www.glasgowairport.com/at-the-airport/airport-services/lomond-lounge/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=googlemybusiness">Lomond Lounge</a>. Airline lounges really come into their own at the moment – I relaxed, with mask off when seated, as I looked out for our plane with a lovely bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee in hand.</p> <p>Soon I was smoothed through the airport and down to the gate to board our trusty <a href="https://www.loganair.co.uk/">Loganair</a> steed for our short hop to Islay – although it was timetabled as a 45 minute flight it only took 25 minutes. Again it felt a safe, secure experience. From my window seat I watched as left the urban sprawl and followed the Clyde west in search of the isles. Bute blinked back below, before the scenery went stellar with a spectacular approach around the rugged Paps of Jura. The final approach brought the long stretch of Big Strand – the longest beach on Islay – into view.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4821" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9752.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Loganair © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The northern distilleries beckon</strong></h3> <p>On this trip I’d chosen not to bring my own car so to explore the distilleries and sightsee in the north I hooked up with Hughie Currie of Currie Taxis. He knows the islands very well and eased me up the eastern coast to check out the new <a href="https://ardnahoedistillery.com/">Ardnahoe Distillery</a>. This spectacular new venture offers floor to ceiling windows that give its stills views out across the Sound of Islay to the mountains of Jura. It’s quite a spot and proved the ideal venue for a food and whisky pairing session. This delicious option in their café with views offered three small dishes separated by a palate cleanser that really worked as it helped make the dishes distinct and didn’t confuse the whiskies.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4823" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardnahoe.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Ardnahoe © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <p>Next up was <a href="https://bunnahabhain.com/">Bunnahabhain</a>. I’ve been here a few times and I was delighted to see they’ve invested in a new shop and reception area looking out over the water. I was here for a very special tasting and wasn’t disappointed. David – a man from Scotland’s west with a twinkle in his eye and liberal smattering of fine craic – took me through a glorious 16-year-old PX Noe, matured in a 30 year-old-sherry cask and an 11-year-old manzanilla malt, then pulled a few surprises including a peated – I never associate Bunnahabhain with peat – seven-year-old smoky malt.</p> <p>My last northern tasting had perhaps the most dramatic setting possible – the epic sands of Machir Bay. Here I was introduced to a tastebud tingling quartet of malts from <a href="https://kilchomandistillery.com/">Kilchoman</a> served right on the beach. It was a life affirming experience to savour malts alongside a lovely guy from southern England I’d just met – socially distanced of course – while the Atlantic surf pounded in the background and the sea salt filled our nostrils. My favourite malt here proved the sherry kissed Loch Gorm, a rich, peat infused sherry storm, though I love that the 100% Islay uses only local barley, making it the world’s only single farm produced malt.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4824" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kilchoman-beach-tasting.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Kilchoman beach tasting © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Exploring the north</strong></h3> <p>With wily old Hughie at the helm heading over to Islay’s western extremities and the old fishing village of Portnahaven wasn’t just a taxi journey. It was a journey back in time as he took me into a world of mysterious standing stones and a church with two doors. He pointed the way to a stone that legend has it would alleviate toothache if you bashed a nail into it. He has his own theory too on why there is a massive OK sign overlooking the harbour in Portnahaven – you’re going to have to take a tour with him to find out! Journey’s end came as Hughie introduced us to his pals, the friendly seals who splash around like Labradors in Portnahaven.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4825" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Portnahaven.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Portnahaven, Islay © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <p>I opted to split my time back on Islay between two abodes, using the first to tackle the north of the island and the second to focus on the south. First up was <a href="https://www.portcharlottehotel.co.uk/">Port Charlotte Hotel</a>, a gorgeous whitewashed historic hideaway right on the coast in the trim village of the same name. My room at this boutique hotel boasted a view out to the famous stark white lighthouse that gazes out over Loch Indaal. Islay boasts nine whisky distilleries and the hotel’s cosy bar is perfect for trying out a few drams. One morning here I got up early to watch the sun come up over the loch with just the seals and a brace of brave swimmers, who were enjoying the crystal clear waters.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4826" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morning-Port-Charlotte-2.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Early morning Port Charlotte <em>, Islay © Robin McKelvie</em></figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Onwards to the south</strong></h3> <p>It was time now to slip back south of Loch Indaal and into the welcoming arms of <a href="https://glenegedalehouse.co.uk/">Glenegedale House</a>. Husband and wife owners Graeme and Emma Clark have won awards for their plush abode, which is handily located within walking distance of Islay’s bijou airport. A wee treat is their afternoon tea in the cosy lounge room, which is alive with delicious homebaking. Another treat came later with a gin and tonic before dinner (more on that dinner later). It wasn’t just any gin, but the new heather-infused <a href="https://isleofislaygin.co.uk/about/nerabus-heather/">Nerabus Gin</a>, which is produced on Islay – you can visit the distillery. <a href="https://glenegedalehouse.co.uk/">Glenegedale </a>stocks an impressive range of gin and, of course, Islay whisky too!</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4827" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Glenegedale-seafood-platter.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Seafood platter at Glenegedale House, Islay © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <p><a href="https://glenegedalehouse.co.uk/">Glenegedale </a>also arranged for <a href="https://islayewheels.co.uk/">Islay E-Wheels</a> to deliver one of their new e-bikes. I set out on it to head south under those big skies in search of the might southern trio of distilleries. One rugged stretch of coastline less than three miles long hosts some of the biggest names in whisky – Laphroaig, <a href="https://www.malts.com/en-gb/brands/lagavulin">Lagavulin</a> and <a href="https://www.ardbeg.com/en-gb">Ardbeg</a>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Smoketastic!</strong></h3> <p>I tried two tastings here in the land of the mighty, smoky peat-drenched drams. First up <a href="https://www.malts.com/en-gb/brands/lagavulin">Lagavulin</a> gave me access to their warehouse for a very special tasting with the legendary whisky man Iain McArthur, who has worked in the industry since he was 15! He is now, er, a little more mature and there are very few people who know more about Islay malts than dry-humoured McArthur. I could have stayed here all day as Iain lulled me along with his tales and drams right here in the heart of <a href="https://www.malts.com/en-gb/brands/lagavulin">Lagavulin</a>. He surprised me by sneaking in a gorgeous eight-year-old whisky alongside the more mature expressions.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4828" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_9992.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Lagavulin, Islay © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <p><a href="https://www.ardbeg.com/en-gb">Ardbeg</a> sits right on the end of the ace three-mile walkway and cycle path that handily now connects the three distilleries with the village of Port Ellen – I saw a new cycle path from Port Charlotte-Bruichladdich being built too as Islay continues to go seriously green. Ardbeg’s ‘Old and Very Difficult to Find’ tasting was stellar and lived up to its name. I tried a superb selection with the highlight a 1975 Ardbeg straight from the cask in all its 45-year-old mellow marriage of sherry and peat. Gorgeous! It’s just not fair you cannot taste it anywhere but here <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f641.png" alt="🙁" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Reason to come back?</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4829" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ardbeg.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Ardbeg, Islay © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Islay’s not just about whisky</strong></h3> <p>Of course Islay is certainly not just about whisky – far from it. I’ve been out here six times now and I find new things to do every time. I’d never actually walked on Big Strand beach; Emma at <a href="https://glenegedalehouse.co.uk/">Glenegedale </a>insisted that had to change. So I cycled to Kintra and in seconds I was glad I had. This sandy oasis stretches out for miles, fronted by sand dunes and on the other flank backed by the cobalt Atlantic.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4830" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Strand.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Big Strand beach, Islay © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <p>I also cycled beyond the Kidalton Cross – a large Celtic Cross you must see on your visit if it’s your first time on Islay – and pushed on to Claggan Bay, going my own extra miles. Here I strolled the sands before yomping up to an old hillfort site that my OS map only marked as ‘dun’. I stood atop it gazing out to sea conjuring up the days when Vikings sailed these deeply historic waters and the legendary Lords of the Isles held sway over much of the Hebrides from their Islay stronghold at Finlaggan. From the dun I spotted another wee sandy cove and dropped down. En route I spied an otter working its way along the coast while in the bay a volley of seals were splashing around. Thus wee beach was a total surprise; Islay is full of those.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4831" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cycling-out-to-the-dun-and-secret-beach.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Cycling out to the dun and secret beach © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last but not least – the food!</strong></h3> <p>I couldn’t write a story on Islay and not mention the food. The island’s natural larder is second to none with a rich bounty of seafood landed here, both lamb and beef hailing from its rich farmland and generous game too. I sampled two heaving seafood platters, the sort you just cannot get in city restaurants: boat-fresh and brimming with Loch Gruinart oysters, Islay lobster and a whole host of maritime goodies. The first at <a href="https://www.portcharlottehotel.co.uk/">Port Charlotte Hotel</a> I savoured with a sea view, then at <a href="https://glenegedalehouse.co.uk/">Glenegedale </a>I feasted on seafood landed at 5pm and on my table at 7pm!</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4833" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter-150x200.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter-300x400.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter-696x928.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter-1068x1424.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Charlotte-seafood-platter.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption>Seafood platter at the Port Charlotte Hotel © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <p>I hadn’t eaten in the charming waterfront village of Port Ellen before and it offered two real surprises. <a href="https://theislayhotel.com/">The Islay Hotel</a> was just brilliant with engaging Nigel (things are very much first name terms on Islay) ushering me through a whisky with each of my three courses. The lobster mac ‘n’ cheese paired with a seriously peaty dram will linger long in my memory. <a href="https://www.seasalt-bistro.co.uk/">SeaSalt</a> meanwhile was also impressive. I didn’t realise until after I’d eaten that it is run by a friendly old face, Yan Wang, who used to run Yan’s in Port Charlotte. He also offered lobster, with some meaty treats too and pizzas if you want a real change. The range of choices and experiences on Islay is always impressive.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4832" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Port-Ellen.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Port Ellen, Islay <em>© Robin McKelvie</em></figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Islay – a safe harbour in the storm</strong></h3> <p>Oh, and what about Covid-19? Maybe it says it all that on Islay the pandemic was far from my mind and in writing this too. It’s not that Islay is ignoring Covid-19 – far from it; the islanders are dealing with Covid-19 in the calm, efficient way that they have dealt with everything thrown at them over the centuries. There are gel stations at every bus stop, signs gently flag up guidance entering every village and everyone sticks to the latest regulations. And they politely, quite rightly, remind visitors to if needed as well. Indeed I felt safer on Islay than shopping in my local supermarket! On Islay the locals have gone that extra mile at this tricky time, helping make it a deeply rewarding, life affirming time to visit the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4834" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013-150x200.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013-300x400.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013-696x928.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013-1068x1424.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0013.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption>Covid-19 safety signs on Islay <em>© Robin McKelvie</em></figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><u>Factbox</u></strong></h3> <p>For more information on Islay see <a href="http://www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk">www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk</a>. Make sure to pick up the free ‘Extra Mile’ brochure at Islay Airport or check out this post lockdown campaign on <a href="http://www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk">www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk</a>. For more information on Islay check out <a href="http://www.islayjura.com">www.islayjura.com</a>. For all travel to and around Scotland during the pandemic it is advisable to check with the latest Scottish Government guidance before travel <a href="http://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19">www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>*Robin was invited to travel to Islay on this trip by Wild About Argyll. All views and opinions expressed in the piece are his own.</p> <p>For Loganair’s ‘Simple Steps to Healthy Flying Measures’ click here: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://eur05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.loganair.co.uk%2Ftravel-help%2Ffly-safe%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C187904d151674ff3b5e608d86f64e956%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637381826481750244&sdata=Nhhgif%2FXjfyGB1VVHtWGOPQpnOMzV9XoXUT4NjZzQFM%3D&reserved=0">www.loganair.co.uk/travel-help/fly-safe</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/fly-to-islay-in-just-25-minutes/">Fly to Another World in Just 25 Minutes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Throw yourself into the Outdoor Capital of Scotland</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/throw-yourself-into-the-outdoor-capital-of-scotland/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2020 09:09:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Highlands & Islands]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=4778</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>It’s the first time I’ve bashed up rather than down a red mountain bike route, but then today is a day of surprises. Ahead is a paddle to discover the most romantic ruined castle in the Great Glen. Followed by a visit to a game-changing cinema with a vintage Lotus in the screening room in […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/throw-yourself-into-the-outdoor-capital-of-scotland/">Throw yourself into the Outdoor Capital of Scotland</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>It’s the first time I’ve bashed up rather than down a red mountain bike route, but then today is a day of surprises. Ahead is a paddle to discover the most romantic ruined castle in the Great Glen. Followed by a visit to a game-changing cinema with a vintage Lotus in the screening room in Fort William. Next comes a thrilling RIB ride where we race Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express along Loch Eil. Welcome to the Outdoor Capital of Scotland where no two days, nevermind no two visits, are the same.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bashing around mountain biking</strong></h3> <p>First up is that mountain bike adventure at the massive and massively impressive Nevis Range complex on the mountain slopes. I’ve been here a number of times and love the mountain bike routes and the high wire course, not to mention the mountain gondola and mountain restaurant.</p> <p>This time I’m trying e-bikes. These are no ordinary e-bikes, but top of the range Trek machines that anyone can hire. They are brilliant at making every ascent a breeze, but also perform superbly on the descents. They make working all the way to the top of the World Cup and World Championship runs easy. That is handy as a new blue route is currently being finished off that will snake over 10km down the mountain in an engaging sweep of berms and forest single track. I was lucky to be able to ride a section of it and it really is top class.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4780" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mountain_Biking_OC.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Mountian Biking in Scotland’s outdoor capital © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Big plans afoot at the Nevis Range</strong></h3> <p>There are more new moves afoot at the Nevis Range as Chris O’Brien, CEO of the Nevis Range explains: “We’ve got so much going on, it’s such an exciting time after a busy end to the summer. We’re working on a £2.3m development that will include 20 hotel rooms, carefully curated shops and public spaces. And then there is the new blue run and the our Zip line.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Canoeing with the Great Glen clans</strong></h3> <p>Delving deeper east into the Great Glen I hook up with <a href="https://www.activehighs.co.uk/">Active Highs</a>, active adventure socialists who offer everything form kayaking, through to canyoning and gorge walking. Guide Conner is just what I need, kitting me out and discussing what works best for our trip.</p> <p>We agree on a plan to eke down Loch Oich in search of Invergarry. We feel like a rival clan working away down this deep glacial glen in search of the mighty castle. Vaulting Highland peaks taller than skyscrapers dwarf us on either flank as the waters shimmer back. Undeterred we push on and secure our canoes on a wee beach. Then there it is poking through the trees, a mighty bolthole where once Clan MacDonell held sway over their patch of the Great Glen. We attacked with iPhones before beating a retreat back up the loch.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4784" width="301" height="225" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kayaking_2.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px" /><figcaption>Kayaking on Loch Oich, Scotland’s outdoor capital © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A brilliant new Highland cinema</strong></h3> <p>It’s into the lochside town of Fort William next, which nestles beneath the hulk of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles. The exciting new development here is the <a href="https://highlandcinema.co.uk/">Highland Cinema</a>. The mercurial local entrepreneurial owner behind it, Angus MacDonald, explains to me that this gorgeously designed building right in the centre is styled on a traditional bothy with stone walls and a red metal roof. It’s the poshest bothy I’ve ever seen!</p> <p>Inside the Highland Cinema are two plush screening rooms – one featuring that classic Lotus car- as well as genuine Neapolitan pizza oven in a spacious café that also comes with a cosy wood burning stove and floor to ceiling glass windows. It’s an impressive new cultural hub for Fort William that will screen classic Scottish films and more contemporary local creations alongside Hollywood movies and even live music.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4782" width="618" height="463" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-80x60.jpg 80w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC-265x198.jpg 265w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Castle_OC.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px" /><figcaption>Invergarry Castle, Scotland’s outdoor capital © Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Racing Harry Potter to the finish</strong></h3> <p>Last up on my action packed day in the Outdoor Capital of the UK is an adrenaline pumping RIB ride with <a href="https://fortwilliamseatours.co.uk/" class="broken_link">Fort William Sea Tours</a>. We zoom out of Fort William in search of dolphins and porpoises in Loch Linnhe. Not content with a thrilling wildlife boat ride we snake around into Loch Eil to await the arrival of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express, or, as she is officially known, the Jacobite.</p> <p>As Ben Nevis glowers high above against a starlit sky we go full throttle as the Jacobite approaches. As she whistles in recognition and her plume of steam rose into the heavens we rush to join her side, then spend the next few minutes thrillingly riding alongside her. It is a fitting end to a day in a corner of Scotland that offers something new at every turn; a fitting end to a day in the Outdoor Capital of Scotland.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Further Information</h4> <p>For more info on Fort William and surrounding Lochaber see the <a href="https://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/">Outdoor Capital website</a>.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Where to sleep</h5> <p>I stayed at the <a href="https://blacksheephotels.com/whispering-pine-home/">Whispering Pine Lodge</a> on the shores of Loch Lochy, a 20 minute drive to the east. It has a lovely lochside location and a great Scottish-Indian fusion restaurant plus a spa.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Where to eat</h5> <p><a href="https://www.limetreefortwilliam.co.uk/">The Lime Tree</a> is a welcoming, bright restaurant just back from the lochside. They do a mean Cullen Skink and a heaving array of delicious Highland goodies in their meat and cheese platter.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/throw-yourself-into-the-outdoor-capital-of-scotland/">Throw yourself into the Outdoor Capital of Scotland</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>BLiSS is a Quartet of Scottish Villages</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/bliss-quartet-scottish-villages/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2019 12:25:35 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Argyll & Perthshire]]></category> <category><![CDATA[activities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[attractions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hiking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[news]]></category> <category><![CDATA[regions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[see & do]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=3333</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Fancy visiting a village in Scotland that offers great food, superb outdoor activities, a sweeping range of places to stay and myriad visitor experiences? Well, how about a quartet of gorgeous villages that offer all this and much, much more? Welcome to Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans. This impressive quartet of villages are set […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/bliss-quartet-scottish-villages/">BLiSS is a Quartet of Scottish Villages</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Fancy visiting a village in Scotland that offers great food, superb outdoor activities, a sweeping range of places to stay and myriad visitor experiences? Well, how about a quartet of gorgeous villages that offer all this and much, much more? Welcome to Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans. This impressive quartet of villages are set amongst some of the country’s most deeply dramatic scenery.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3361" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3361" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3361" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Briar-Cottages-jetty-Lochearnhead-trout-fishing-15-March-to-6-October-Loch-Earn_640.jpg" alt="Loch Earn by Dave Murray" width="640" height="396" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Briar-Cottages-jetty-Lochearnhead-trout-fishing-15-March-to-6-October-Loch-Earn_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Briar-Cottages-jetty-Lochearnhead-trout-fishing-15-March-to-6-October-Loch-Earn_640-300x186.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Briar-Cottages-jetty-Lochearnhead-trout-fishing-15-March-to-6-October-Loch-Earn_640-150x93.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3361" class="wp-caption-text">Loch Earn (c) Dave Murray</figcaption></figure></p> <h3><a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail" class="broken_link">Award Winning BLiSS Trail</a></h3> <p>They may be split between Perthshire and Stirlingshire, but many things link these four dynamic communities. Not least the 2018 Scottish Thistle Award winning <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail" class="broken_link">BLiSS trail</a>. BLiSS stands for Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans, with the ‘i’ in the middle representing innovation and the world-renowned tourist information icon.</p> <p>The award winning <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail" class="broken_link">BLiSS trail</a> is an eclectic array of fun sculptures and ornamental installations that connect the four villages. There are a whopping 24 permanent structures spread across almost 50km, and it doesn’t end there with occasional visiting works and more planned. Handily an <a href="https://p9p6m.app.goo.gl/YyR1HepCRHQzwWik6">audio guide app for smartphones</a> is available to help you navigate between them and enjoy an immersive experience.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3362" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3362" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3362" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Vessels-at-Clachan-Cottage-Hotel-Lochearnhead_640.jpg" alt="Vessels at Clachan Cottage Hotel Lochearnhead" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Vessels-at-Clachan-Cottage-Hotel-Lochearnhead_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Vessels-at-Clachan-Cottage-Hotel-Lochearnhead_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Vessels-at-Clachan-Cottage-Hotel-Lochearnhead_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3362" class="wp-caption-text">Vessels at Clachan Cottage Hotel Lochearnhead</figcaption></figure></p> <p>You can see each installation from the roadside or <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-7/">Sustrans cycle route 7</a>, which also connects Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans villages. An artist’s name plaque and the useful <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com">www.robroycountry.com</a> URL can be found at each marker.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3341" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3341" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3341 size-full" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathyre_cycling_640.jpg" alt="Cycling along the shore of Loch Lubnaig" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathyre_cycling_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathyre_cycling_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathyre_cycling_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3341" class="wp-caption-text">Cycling around Loch Lubnaig (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3><a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail" class="broken_link">BLiSS Trail Highlights</a></h3> <p>The markers have been designed to encourage people to engage, smile and then spend more time in the villages. Highlights include a dragon bike, 3m steel thistles and a Lookout Cabin. The latter is often hidden by its reflection of lochs Doine and Voil, as well as the Braes of Balquhidder. Then there is a personal favourite of mine – a red telephone box that appeared in the film ‘The Thirty Nine Steps’, which now serves as a library offering a book and DVD exchange.</p> <p>The latest installations on the <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/blisstrail" class="broken_link">BLiSS trail</a> are the ‘Vessels’ series 1 to 4 by Alex Tedlie-Stursburg, the first international artist to work on sculptures on the trail. You can find these striking works at the Strathyre Village shop and The <a href="http://clachancottagehotel.co.uk/" class="broken_link">Clachan Cottage Hotel</a> on Loch Earn.</p> <p><figure style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3345" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BLiSS-Trail-Launch-3_640.jpg" alt="Sculptures and istallaitons on the award winning BLiSS Trail" width="640" height="360" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BLiSS-Trail-Launch-3_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BLiSS-Trail-Launch-3_640-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BLiSS-Trail-Launch-3_640-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Sculptures and installations on the award winning BLiSS Trail (c) LETi</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Year-round BLiSS</h3> <p>Moving beyond this eye-catching trail the location is ideal too and the slogan ‘Where Perthshire, Stirlingshire & The Trossachs meet in Central Scotland’ hits the nail on the head. We know the region as a year round holiday destination. Indeed we’ve made trips up here in all seasons. Earlier this year we spent a couple of nights at St Fillans with a stop off in Lochearnhead on the way home.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3342" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3342" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3342" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Robin-hiking-around-St-Fillans_640.jpg" alt="Robin hiking around St Fillans" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Robin-hiking-around-St-Fillans_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Robin-hiking-around-St-Fillans_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Robin-hiking-around-St-Fillans_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3342" class="wp-caption-text">Robin hiking around St Fillans (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>BLiSSful Accommodation</h3> <p>On our most recent visit to Perthshire we stayed at the <a href="https://www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk/">Four Seasons Hotel</a>. This cosy hotel was remarkable not just for its great views down Loch Earn, but also because the Beatles once stayed in the very chalets our family was happily bedded down in.</p> <p>There are plenty of great places to stay in this gorgeous part of Scotland. On hand are everything from campsites and B&Bs, through to self-catering escapes, restaurants with rooms, guest houses, hotels of all hues and even a luxury boutique hotel. As a family we’ve enjoyed a lovely weekend in a lodge with an outdoor hot tub at <a href="https://www.forestholidays.co.uk/strathyre/">Forest Holidays Strathyre</a> on the shores of one of our favourite lochs in Scotland, epic Loch Lubnaig.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3337" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3337" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3337" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathyre_640.jpg" alt="Forest Holidays Strathyre" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathyre_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathyre_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathyre_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3337" class="wp-caption-text">Forest Holidays Strathyre (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <p>My wife and I have also enjoyed a sumptuous romantic weekend wrapped in luxury and superb food at <a href="https://mhor.net/">Monachyle Mhor</a>. I’ve met Tom Lewis a number of times and he really is a true Scottish foodie icon and an inspiration. His focus on all things local and seasonal – they have their own kitchen garden and rear their own animals – shows impressive provenance and he’s a superb chef too. We’ve also stayed at their newer <a href="https://mhor84.net/">Mhor 84</a>, a sort of funky hipster motel that is great fun.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3339" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3339" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3339" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Monachyle-Mhor_640.jpg" alt="Monachyle Mhor" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Monachyle-Mhor_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Monachyle-Mhor_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Monachyle-Mhor_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3339" class="wp-caption-text">Monachyle Mhor (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>A BLiSSfull Welcome</h3> <p>What is consistent throughout all places to stay in and around Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans is good value and a warm local welcome. Everyone is friendly in these parts, from the smiling kids of Strathyre primary school through to more mature locals only too happy to pass the time of day with you.</p> <p>The locals are also great at dispensing advice on what to see and do. This is handy as there is just so much. We love scenic lochs like Loch Earn, Loch Lubnaig, Loch Voil and Loch Doine. Anglers meanwhile can indulge in some world-class fishing on the local lochs, rivers and burns. Hikers with the right gear (and experience) can tackle the area’s mountains and Munros. Local peaks of note include Ben Vorlich, Stuc A Chroin, Ben Sheann and Ben Ledi. Then there are the golf courses (including St Fillans, which one of Scotland’s greatest ever golfers, Sandy Lyle, rates as the best inland course in Scotland) and a brilliant network of cycle paths.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3343" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3343" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3343" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Hillwaking-on-Ben-Ledi_640.jpg" alt="Hill walking on Ben Ledi" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Hillwaking-on-Ben-Ledi_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Hillwaking-on-Ben-Ledi_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Hillwaking-on-Ben-Ledi_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3343" class="wp-caption-text">Hill walking on Ben Ledi (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>BLiSS in Nature</h3> <p>We also love the <a href="https://www.robroyway.com/">Rob Roy Way</a> long distance walk and have tackled a sections of it over the years. One of the great things about getting active in these parts is the sheer breadth of natural treasures you come across en route. There is bountiful attractive flora, with the native Scots pines a favourite of ours. On the fauna front there are red and roe deer, pine martens, badgers, red squirrels, black grouse and ospreys to admire. If you’d rather explore the stunning scenery in the company of a friendly and knowledgeable guide then <a href="https://www.aquilaecologyscotland.co.uk/wildlife-walks-and-tours">Aquila Ecology</a> will plan a walk just for you – they also offer a handy pick-up service.</p> <p>The imprint of man is striking too. We’ve heard intriguing stories of Scottish heavyweight champion, hotelier and tourism hero Ewen Cameron. As well as tales about the old Drover’s hostelries in Strathyre and the ‘miracle fortune’ telling fish in St Fillans. Then there is the fascinating Three Sisters history of Loch Earn.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3359" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3359" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3359" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pine-Marten_640.jpg" alt="Pine Marten" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pine-Marten_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pine-Marten_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pine-Marten_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3359" class="wp-caption-text">Pine Marten</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Festivals and Events in BLiSS</h3> <p>This rich culture and heritage is celebrated in a series of annual festivals and events that ripple through the region. These include the <a href="http://www.stucachroin5000.org.uk/">Stuc A Chroin Hill Race</a> where hardy souls can tackle the 20 km long trail with its 1500m ascent. A big favourite of ours is the foodie <a href="http://mhorfestival.net/">MHOR Festival</a> in May. The <a href="https://lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk/">Balquhidder Lochearnhead Strathyre Highland Games, </a>held every July, brings local clan history to the fore with the MacLarens and MacGregors pitting their strength against each other for the tug of war trophy.</p> <p>Regular readers know that we love hearing from you on social media. If you are lucky enough to visit this glorious corner of Scotland then make sure to share your photographs, videos and blog stories with us. You can do this on <a href="https://twitter.com/robroycountry">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LETinfo" class="broken_link">Facebook </a>with @robroycountry.</p> <p><figure style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3360" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Highland-Games-photo-Mel-Lewis_640.jpg" alt="Highland Games" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Highland-Games-photo-Mel-Lewis_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Highland-Games-photo-Mel-Lewis_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Highland-Games-photo-Mel-Lewis_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Highland Games (c) Melanie Lewis</figcaption></figure></p> <p>*The post comes in conjunction with <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com">LETi</a>, a group of 46 tourism businesses, formed in 1994 to promote the retail and commercial services around Loch Earn. In its 25th year, <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com">LETi </a>has evolved from a village discussion group to an award-winning area network engaging with visitors, businesses, communities, associations, DMOs and the public sector – representing Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, St. Fillans and Strathyre in accommodation, hospitality, outdoor activities, shopping, therapies and events.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/bliss-quartet-scottish-villages/">BLiSS is a Quartet of Scottish Villages</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Never More Reason to Clip ‘n Climb</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/never-more-reason-to-clip-n-climb/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2019 09:49:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Edinburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[See & Do]]></category> <category><![CDATA[activities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Clip 'n Climb]]></category> <category><![CDATA[edinburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[EICA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gear reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[see & do]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=3419</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The first time we visited Clip ‘n Climb when it opened three years ago I knew we’d be back. Not just because mum and dad were impressed, but because out two girls absolutely insisted on it! If you’ve never been, or just not been for a while, then read on to see why you should […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/never-more-reason-to-clip-n-climb/">Never More Reason to Clip ‘n Climb</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The first time we visited<a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb"> Clip ‘n Climb</a> when it opened three years ago I knew we’d be back. Not just because mum and dad were impressed, but because out two girls absolutely insisted on it! If you’ve never been, or just not been for a while, then read on to see why you should soon.</p> <h3>Family-fun</h3> <p>There are so many things that impress us about the <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena">Edinburgh International Climbing Arena</a> at Ratho. It’s not just that it is the largest oasis of its kind in Europe or that it offers climbers, from first timers to experts some serious thrills. It does do that, but the <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena">EICA</a> has also managed the neat trick of keeping all of the family happy and if you have wee ones you will know exactly how hard that is to do.</p> <p>For youngsters up to the age of 10 the revamped <a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/indoor_adventures_scrambles_soft_play/">Scrambles</a> is brilliant – check out <a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/indoor_adventures_scrambles_soft_play/">our blog on this top notch venue</a> where children can let off steam and adults can chill in the cafe. We recommend the homemade cakes! Now that our kids are that bit older they also love the <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb">Clip ‘n Climb</a>, which anyone from children through to adults can enjoy.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3423" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3423" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3423 size-full" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC2.jpg" alt="Going Face to Face at Clip 'n Climb, EICA: Ratho, with the Vertical Drop Slide and the Climbing Arena in the background" width="640" height="853" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC2.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC2-150x200.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC2-300x400.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3423" class="wp-caption-text">Going Face to Face at Clip ‘n Climb, EICA: Ratho, with the Vertical Drop Slide and the Climbing Arena in the background (c) Jenny McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Brilliantly Simple</h3> <p>The idea of <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb">Clip ‘n Climb</a> is brilliantly simple. Our kids took to it straight away the first time around and did this time too. It has been designed in such a way that even if you’re only experience of climbing is walking up the stairs you can still enjoy a session here.</p> <p>There are 15 climbing elements to <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb">Clip ‘n Climb</a>. It looks like one of these adventure challenge games you see on TV, or the old ‘It’s a Knock Out’ if you’re of a slightly more mature age like us. It’s all brightly coloured stacks, climbing walls and weird and wonderful looking inventions that just beg to be tackled.</p> <p>It’s great that there so much choice of what to take on depending on how brave you are feeling. We like too that you are always clipped on so it’s super safe. The challenges all have different names and it’s great watching the wee ones explore them all.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3425" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3425" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3425" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC7-768x1024.jpg" alt="Nearing the top of the Stairway to Heaven, Clip 'n' Climb, EICA: Ratho " width="640" height="853" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC7-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC7-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC7-150x200.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC7-300x400.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC7-696x928.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC7-1068x1424.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC7.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3425" class="wp-caption-text">Nearing the top of the Stairway to Heaven, Clip ‘n’ Climb, EICA: Ratho (c) Jenny McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Freedom to Climb</h3> <p>You can start off on an easy self-belaying route. The Belaymate is a great system that I hadn’t seen anywhere else when we first visited. It’s a high spec connection device that allows individuals to clip themselves on (after a wee training session from an experienced member of staff of course) and then they are tackling climbing walls. It’s great not having to rely on a mate to help you out and our wee ones love the freedom it gives them. Our two girls couldn’t believe the first time that they just got to scoot up the walls without parents and instructors getting in the way.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3430" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3430" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3430" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC3.jpg" alt="Racing ahead on the Speed Climb at Clip 'n Climb, EICA: Ratho" width="640" height="853" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC3.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC3-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC3-150x200.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC3-300x400.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3430" class="wp-caption-text">Racing ahead on the Speed Climb at Clip ‘n Climb, EICA: Ratho (c) Jenny McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Daring Challenges</h3> <p>The climbing walls are great fun, and there is real diversity among the climbing stations. Do you fancy taking on the Speed Climb in a race against the clock and your friends and family? What about stepping up on the mighty Stairway to Heaven, or lighting the board up playing Checkenplate? You can even set yourself the adrenaline pumping challenge of the spectacular Vertical Drop Slide. We love the appropriately named Leap ‘n Laugh, a senses defying ascent up some big thin tubes that gives wee ones a real sense of achievement if they can make it all the way to the top. The choice at the <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena">EICA</a> is always gloriously yours.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3424" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3424" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3424" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC4.jpg" alt="Conquering the Leap 'n Laugh at Clip 'n Climb, EICA: Ratho" width="640" height="853" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC4.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC4-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC4-150x200.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CnC4-300x400.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3424" class="wp-caption-text">Conquering the Leap ‘n Laugh at Clip ‘n Climb, EICA: Ratho (c) Jenny McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Experience it Yourself</h3> <p>We could wax lyrical about <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb">Clip ‘n Climb</a> all day, but you really need to <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb/book" class="broken_link">book a session</a> to experience it for yourself. Your kids will thank you and will no doubt insist on a repeat visit even before you’ve left the <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena">Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.</a> We’ll leave the last words to our girls on what they reckoned about their return visit:</p> <p>Emma, aged 8: “I like climbing up all the cheeses on the walls that you stick your hands and feet on. I like that I get to do it on my own and it doesn’t matter if I fall off as the rope catches me. Next time I want to bring all my friends for my birthday!”</p> <p>Tara, aged 11: “I enjoyed <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb">Clip ‘n Climb</a> even more this time as I didn’t have any worries about going on as I’d been on before. It’s really fun and is much easier than climbing outside. I like that you can go really, really high and not worry about falling off. I like racing my sister too as I always win!”</p> <h3>What you need to know</h3> <p>Booking ahead is the best option for securing a slot at <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb">Clip ‘n Climb</a> ,and the great news is that extra slots have been made available of the school summer holidays.</p> <p>For more information and to book click on <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb">www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb</a>. Or if you have any questions call 0131 333 6333.</p> <p>Prices are £10 for a junior (4-17 years old); £15.50 for an adult (18+); and £43 for a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 juniors).</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena">EICA</a> also offers climbing, abseiling, a well stocked adventure gear shop, two great cafes and that wonderful soft play <a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/indoor_adventures_scrambles_soft_play/">Scrambles</a>.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Clip 'n Climb at EICA Ratho" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/340616491?dnt=1&app_id=122963" width="696" height="392" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p>*This post comes in association with <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/">Edinburgh Leisure</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/never-more-reason-to-clip-n-climb/">Never More Reason to Clip ‘n Climb</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Barnbougle Castle – Scotland’s Unique Exclusive Use Venue</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/barnbougle-castle-scotlands-unique-exclusive-use-venue/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2019 11:26:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Edinburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[attractions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[castles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[edinburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[exclusive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[news]]></category> <category><![CDATA[review]]></category> <category><![CDATA[venue]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=3397</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>There is simply no venue quite like Barnbougle. A rugged castle that adorns a prime spot overlooking the Firth of Forth. It is awash with antiques and was refashioned by a British Prime Minister whose family still preside over its regal charms. Then there are the Robert Burns first editions and one of Scotland’s grandest […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/barnbougle-castle-scotlands-unique-exclusive-use-venue/">Barnbougle Castle – Scotland’s Unique Exclusive Use Venue</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is simply no venue quite like Barnbougle. A rugged castle that adorns a prime spot overlooking the Firth of Forth. It is awash with antiques and was refashioned by a British Prime Minister whose family still preside over its regal charms. Then there are the Robert Burns first editions and one of Scotland’s grandest dining rooms, where that British Prime Minister once practiced his speeches. All this is handily located on the bucolic waterfront fringes of Edinburgh.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3405" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3405" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3405" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Barnougle-Castle-exterior_640.jpg" alt="Barnougle Castle " width="640" height="427" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Barnougle-Castle-exterior_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Barnougle-Castle-exterior_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Barnougle-Castle-exterior_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3405" class="wp-caption-text">Barnougle Castle (c) Rosebery Estates</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>A name shrouded in mystery and romance</h3> <p>The name itself is shrouded in mystery and romance. Written records call it everything from Barnbughall or Barbogle, right through to Pronbugele. It is largely thought to have come from ‘brinn bugel’, or ‘shepherd’s hill’, which is part of the wider Dalmeny Estate – itself spectacularly located on the banks of the Forth. Another version comes from the legend that when one of the Earls of Rosebery is about to pass away a man appears at nearby Hound Point with a bugle to sound his death knell.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3399" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3399" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3399" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2916c_640.jpg" alt="The McKelvies and the Roseberys meet" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2916c_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2916c_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2916c_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3399" class="wp-caption-text">The McKelvies and the Roseberys meet</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>The story of Barnbougle</h3> <p>The story of Barnbougle goes way back to the 13th century, when it was built as a fortified tower house – though it has been much modified over the following centuries. A lot of what you see today is the result of major revamp in 1881 by the 5th Earl of Rosebery, a luminary who served as Britain’s Prime Minister from 1894-1895. The Scots Baronial revamp came courtesy of James Maitland Wardrop, of Wardrop & Reid. Today this grand old treasure chest is a category A-listed building.</p> <p>The three-storey castle had fallen into disrepair, before being brought back as an exclusive use venue. We were at only the second ever event to be held at Barnbougle Castle. On the evidence of our spectacular night there will be many, many more to come. I’d get in early if you want to book a celebratory gathering or corporate event, as this magnificent fortification will – as one of Scotland’s most striking and deeply historic exclusive use venues – be in high demand.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3400" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3400" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3400 size-full" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2926c_640.jpg" alt="Our group in the Scottish Library at Barnbougle Castle" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2926c_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2926c_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2926c_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3400" class="wp-caption-text">Our group in the Scottish Library at Barnbougle Castle (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>A stunning venue</h3> <p>Our evening kicked off on the ground floor with cocktails in the Scottish Library. As well as the grandeur of the room the tomes of history that adorn its bookcases, we appreciated the outdoor space. Space that would work very well as a break out area. A break out area with epic views towards the Forth Bridges to the west and back east towards Edinburgh. To the far east the Forth’s islands twinkle and the North Sea tempts.</p> <h3>Magnificent banqueting hall</h3> <p>The highlight for us was the grand 60 foot long Banqueting Hall where we savoured a superb seven-course dinner. One of its most startling features is the Minstrels’ Gallery, where the soon-to-be Prime Minister practised his formal speaking. The author John Buchan hailed him as “without doubt, the greatest living orator”. The current Lord Dalmeny followed in his illustrious footsteps with a warm, welcoming speech to declare this most unique of events firmly open.</p> <p>The hall is awash with eye-catching features, from stained glass windows and epic period furniture through to Italian white alabaster carvings and a remarkable Victorian silver mantel clock. The devil is quite gloriously in the detail at Barnbougle. Then there are the portraits – we’ll let the family and staff fill you in on the engaging stories behind these when you visit.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3401" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3401" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3401 size-full" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2948c_640.jpg" alt="Robin enjoying dinner in the Banqueting Hall at Barnbougle Castl" width="640" height="658" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2948c_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2948c_640-292x300.jpg 292w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2948c_640-150x154.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_2948c_640-300x308.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3401" class="wp-caption-text">Robin enjoying dinner in the Banqueting Hall at Barnbougle Castle (c) Jenny McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Devil in the detail</h3> <p>The real glory of Barnbougle for many visitors will be in the precious artefacts and priceless antiques that burst forth at every turn – consider for a second that there are over 10,000 books in the castle alone! We’ve listed some of the highlights below to pique your interest even more:<br /> • A bronze bell in the entrance porch made by George Watt in 1784.<br /> • An intriguing 17th-century statue of the satyr Pan – who is half-human and half-goat – on the circular staircase.<br /> • The “Barnbougle boneshaker” bicycle, which was invented in France in 1867.<br /> • A striking Louis XVI mahogany cylinder bureau and a George IV mahogany hunt table locatd in the Top Parlour.<br /> • A bath with a sea water inlet tap.<br /> • Portraits of various luminaries of the times including Oliver Cromwell, the Duke of Lauderdale, Robert Burns, William Gladstone and Nell Gwyn.<br /> • Painting by the Maestro del Ridotto.<br /> • Family portraits – the fascinating stories behind which help bring the castle’s history to life.</p> <h3>Spectacularly re-energised</h3> <p>One of the things we love about Barnbougle is that new life has been given to what was a disused time warp. It has been injected with a sense of fun too. Wait until you see the surreal, but hilarious toilets on the ground floor. We won’t spoil the surprise for you! You will see them for yourself when you book your own special event or wedding in this truly unique castle, located gloriously on the banks of the Firth of Forth on the fringes of Edinburgh.</p> <div class="youtube-embed" data-video_id="GruDnJDO92U"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Banqueting Hall, Barnbougle Castle, Rosebery Estates, Edinburgh" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GruDnJDO92U?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p> </p> <p>*This post comes in association with Rosebery Estates</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/barnbougle-castle-scotlands-unique-exclusive-use-venue/">Barnbougle Castle – Scotland’s Unique Exclusive Use Venue</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Indoor Adventures at Scrambles Soft Play</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/indoor_adventures_scrambles_soft_play/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2019 13:47:13 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Edinburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[See & Do]]></category> <category><![CDATA[activities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[edinburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family fun]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[see & do]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=3252</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Looking for somewhere to keep the wee ones occupied, whilst steering them towards being active and healthy? Somewhere where you can enjoy a decent coffee and a delicious slice of cake? How about somewhere to watch your kids enjoying themselves as you take a well earned break? You just found it at the newly revamped Scrambles soft play at […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/indoor_adventures_scrambles_soft_play/">Indoor Adventures at Scrambles Soft Play</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Looking for somewhere to keep the wee ones occupied, whilst steering them towards being active and healthy? Somewhere where you can enjoy a decent coffee and a delicious slice of cake? How about somewhere to watch your kids enjoying themselves as you take a well earned break? You just found it at the newly revamped <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena/activities">Scrambles </a>soft play at <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena">Edinburgh’s International Climbing Arena</a> . . .</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3258" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3258" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3258"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3258" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-768x1024.jpg" alt="Junior Zone, Scrambles soft play" width="640" height="853" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-150x200.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-300x400.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-696x928.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-1068x1424.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_130228042-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3258" class="wp-caption-text">Junior Zone, Scrambles soft play (c) Robin McKelvie; www.robinmckelvie.com</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Impressive Revamp</h3> <p>The impressive revamp at this <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk">Edinburgh Leisure </a>soft play facility has been done with both little ones and their parents in mind. If, like us, you visited the old Scrambles, the first thing you will notice is the feeling of space and light. The room has really been opened up by the relocation of the play structures and cafe, with daylight now also flooding in through the cafe windows.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3266" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3266" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3266"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3266" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831-1024x684.jpg" alt="Junior Zone, Scrambles soft play (c) Chris Watt; www.chriswatt.com" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831-150x100.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831-696x465.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0831.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3266" class="wp-caption-text">Junior Zone, Scrambles soft play (c) Chris Watt; www.chriswatt.com</figcaption></figure></p> <p>The highlight is the massive climbing frame in the Junior Zone, which is geared up for kids aged 4-10. It has been rebranded and expanded to offer more thrills for older children. There are slides and things to bounce off and jump on, as well as things to swing on, to clamber on and to scramble over and through. Real thought has gone into what kids like and a tablet computer, which was integrated into the soft play set up, caught our wee girl’s eye.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3257" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3257" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3257"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3257" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-1024x768.jpg" alt="All smiles at Scrambles soft play (c) Robin McKelvie; www.robinmckelvie.com" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_7366-265x198.jpg 265w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3257" class="wp-caption-text">All smiles at Scrambles soft play (c) Robin McKelvie; www.robinmckelvie.com</figcaption></figure></p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena/activities">Scrambles</a> soft play also caters to really little ones, with a dedicated area for babies and a smaller toddler frame for 1-3 year olds. The soft play also has a new superhero in the form of Skye and her mountain friends, Owl and Stag, who catch the eye of kids and brighten up the space.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3254" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3254" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3254"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3254" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897-1024x684.jpg" alt="Toddler Zone, Scrambles soft play (c) Chris Watt; www.chriswatt.com" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897-150x100.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897-696x465.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0897.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3254" class="wp-caption-text">Toddler Zone, Scrambles soft play (c) Chris Watt; www.chriswatt.com</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3255"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3255" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318-1024x684.jpg" alt="Baby Zone, Scrambles softplay (c) Chris Watt; www.chriswatt.com" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318-150x100.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318-696x465.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_2318.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Baby Zone, Scrambles soft play (c) Chris Watt; www.chriswatt.com</figcaption></figure></p> <p>Our kids were big fans, with the main frame challenging enough to engage our ten year old. Seven year old, Emma, enthused: “It’s great fun. I like the slides the best and the tablet. The cakes were nice too,” she enthused.</p> <h3>Cafe Refresh</h3> <p>On to those cakes. The expanded Cafe Refresh is now shared with the climbing arena; and the range of food and drinks has also broadened. We loved the paninis and homebaking with a delicious gluten free chocolate brownie and vanilla cheesecake the stars for us. The much larger cafe now caters for 130 people so there is plenty of space for everyone to relax. We really appreciated the extra ceiling lighting, which has really helped to brighten up the café.</p> <h3>Further Information</h3> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena/activities">Scrambles </a>soft play is open from 0900-1700 daily with prices varying depending on age and length of session. If you’re looking for a seriously fun softplay with a great café then you’ve just found it. Enjoy!</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena">Edinburgh International Climbing Arena: Ratho</a><br /> South Platt Hill, Newbridge, EH28 8AA<br /> <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena">www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena</a></p> <p><figure id="attachment_3265" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3265" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3265"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3265" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-1024x768.jpg" alt="Scrambling through tunnels at Scrambles soft play (c) Jenny McKelvie" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-150x113.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-696x522.jpg 696w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_20190103_133830193-1920x1440.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3265" class="wp-caption-text">Scrambling through tunnels at Scrambles soft play (c) Jenny McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <p> </p> <p>*This post comes in association with <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/">Edinburgh Leisure</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/indoor_adventures_scrambles_soft_play/">Indoor Adventures at Scrambles Soft Play</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Top 9 Things to See and Do in Ayrshire and Arran</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/top-9-things-to-see-and-do-in-ayrshire-and-arran/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2018 12:26:14 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Highlands & Islands]]></category> <category><![CDATA[See & Do]]></category> <category><![CDATA[attractions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[regions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[see & do]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=1948</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>From the pleasant coastal towns that dot the shores of the Firth of Clyde, to rugged Galloway and the charming islands, Ayrshire and Arran is awash with attractions. The region is also renowned for the quality of its golf courses, as well as a raft of opportunities to get active outdoors (both on land and […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/top-9-things-to-see-and-do-in-ayrshire-and-arran/">Top 9 Things to See and Do in Ayrshire and Arran</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>From the pleasant coastal towns that dot the shores of the Firth of Clyde, to rugged Galloway and the charming islands, Ayrshire and Arran is awash with attractions. The region is also renowned for the quality of its golf courses, as well as a raft of opportunities to get active outdoors (both on land and on the water). A bountiful natural larder and a range of first-rate cultural attractions complete the region’s appeal. We’ve drawn up a list of the top 11 things to do, to help you plan your visit!</p> <h3><strong>1. Burns </strong></h3> <p>Ayrshire’s most famous son was, of course, Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns. His legacy is evident across Ayrshire, but nowhere more so than his birthplace. In Alloway you can visit the <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/robert-burns-birthplace-museum/highlights/burns-cottage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cottage</a> where he was born or learn more about his life and works at the superb and modern <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/robert-burns-birthplace-museum" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Robert Burns Birthplace Museum</a>.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3035" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3035" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BrigODoonAlloway_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3035"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3035" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BrigODoonAlloway_640.jpg" alt="Brig O Doon & Burns Monument, Alloway" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BrigODoonAlloway_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BrigODoonAlloway_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BrigODoonAlloway_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3035" class="wp-caption-text">Brig O Doon & Burns Monument, Alloway (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3><strong>2. Food and Drink </strong></h3> <p>Ayrshire and Arran are renowned for the quality food and drink that is produced in the region and on the island. Think stunning bacon and bountiful dairy produce – including mouthwatering ice-cream and cheese. The area’s seafood is excellent too. Savour the region’s wares in a growing number of great cafes and restaurants.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3036" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3036" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/A-Taste-of-Arran_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3036"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3036" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/A-Taste-of-Arran_640.jpg" alt="A Taste of Arran" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/A-Taste-of-Arran_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/A-Taste-of-Arran_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/A-Taste-of-Arran_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3036" class="wp-caption-text">A Taste of Arran (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3><strong>3. Castles </strong></h3> <p>Ayrshire & Arran boast myriad castles from world famous <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culzean" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Culzean Castle</a> (which needs a whole day to visit the castle and grounds), through to the ruins of Robert the Bruce’s little visited old bolthole at Turnberry and on to stately <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodick-castle-garden-country-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brodick Castle</a> on Arran.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3037" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3037" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Brodick-Castle-blog.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3037"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3037" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Brodick-Castle-blog.jpg" alt="Brodick Castle, Isle of Arran" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Brodick-Castle-blog.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Brodick-Castle-blog-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Brodick-Castle-blog-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3037" class="wp-caption-text">Brodick Castle, Isle of Arran (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3><strong>4. Cumbrae</strong></h3> <p>Ten minutes away by ferry from the mainland Cumbrae is a wee gem that can be cycled around in a few hours, with beaches aplenty, the <a href="https://www.nationalcentrecumbrae.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae</a> for watersports and the relaxed island capital of Millport.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3038" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3038" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Robin-Dinghy-Sailing-at-Sportscotland-National-Centre-Cumbrae-2-blog.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3038"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3038" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Robin-Dinghy-Sailing-at-Sportscotland-National-Centre-Cumbrae-2-blog.jpg" alt="Robin at the National Watersports Centre, Cumbrae " width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Robin-Dinghy-Sailing-at-Sportscotland-National-Centre-Cumbrae-2-blog.jpg 660w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Robin-Dinghy-Sailing-at-Sportscotland-National-Centre-Cumbrae-2-blog-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Robin-Dinghy-Sailing-at-Sportscotland-National-Centre-Cumbrae-2-blog-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3038" class="wp-caption-text">Robin at the National Watersports Centre, Cumbrae (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3><strong>5. Arran</strong></h3> <p>Less than an hour by ferry from the mainland <a href="https://www.visitarran.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arran </a>– appositely dubbed ‘Scotland in Miniature’ – has it all. On e eating and drinking front it has a lip smacking food trail, an excellent brewery and a first-rate distillery. Then tr is its glorious scenery, adventure sports, sandy beaches and world-class walking and cycling routes.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3039" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3039" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Arran-a-paradise-for-walkers-blog.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3039"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3039" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Arran-a-paradise-for-walkers-blog.jpg" alt="Walking on Arran" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Arran-a-paradise-for-walkers-blog.jpg 680w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Arran-a-paradise-for-walkers-blog-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Arran-a-paradise-for-walkers-blog-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3039" class="wp-caption-text">Walking on Arran (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3><strong>6. Walking</strong></h3> <p>This fertile ‘corner’ of Scotland boasts myriad great walking routes. Whether you want to Arran’s majestic glens and mountains, enjoy a leisurely stroll through a country park or take on the epic Ayrshire Coastal Path (147.5km) there will be a walk to suit you.</p> <h3><strong>7. PS Waverley</strong></h3> <p>This historic gem – now in her early 70s – was built in 1946. Today she is the last seagoing (passenger carrying) paddle steamer in the world. Enjoy a scenic tour of the Ayrshire coast on a truly unique and beautiful vessel. <a href="https://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk</a></p> <p><figure id="attachment_3041" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3041" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PSS-Waverley_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3041"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-3041" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PSS-Waverley_640.jpg" alt="On board the PSS Waverley" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PSS-Waverley_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PSS-Waverley_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PSS-Waverley_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3041" class="wp-caption-text">On board the PSS Waverley (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h3><strong>8. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory</strong></h3> <p>Situated on the fringes of the <a href="https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Galloway Forest Park</a>, the <a href="https://scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">observatory</a> gives visitors the chance to see some of the darkest skies in the UK.</p> <h3><strong>9. Dumfries House</strong></h3> <p>A walled garden, adventure playground, maze, arboretum and estate walks are just some of the things that make <a href="https://dumfries-house.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dumfries House</a> a great place for a family day out. Then of course there is the chance to tour the striking Palladian country house itself.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/top-9-things-to-see-and-do-in-ayrshire-and-arran/">Top 9 Things to See and Do in Ayrshire and Arran</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>AquaDash – Edinburgh’s Brilliant New Family Attraction</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/aquadash-edinburghs-brilliant-new-family-attraction/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:16:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Edinburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[See & Do]]></category> <category><![CDATA[activities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[edinburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[see & do]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=3017</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>An aquatic assault course at one of Scotland’s most famous swimming pools – designed to ensure kids and big kids alike have a whale of a time. I was intrigued – and I’ll confess a little bit apprehensive – when we were invited to take the kids along to check out the new AquaDash inflatable assault […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/aquadash-edinburghs-brilliant-new-family-attraction/">AquaDash – Edinburgh’s Brilliant New Family Attraction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>An aquatic assault course at one of Scotland’s most famous swimming pools – designed to ensure kids and big kids alike have a whale of a time. I was intrigued – and I’ll confess a little bit apprehensive – when we were invited to take the kids along to check out the new <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AquaDash</a> inflatable assault course at Edinburgh Leisure’s Royal Commonwealth Pool. It sounded fabulous and the photos looked great, but I was unsure if it would have enough to keep my hard to please nine-year-old Tara interested and whether six-year-old Emma – who is not a strong swimmer – would manage the course.</p> <p>The children didn’t have any such doubts. Tara and Emma grinned from ear to ear when I asked them if they wanted to go along to a trial session and could scarcely contain their excitement long enough to sit still during the short car ride into Edinburgh.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3019" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3019" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash2_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3019"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3019 size-full" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash2_640.jpg" alt="AquaDash, Royal Commonwealth Pool Edinburgh" width="640" height="401" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash2_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash2_640-300x188.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash2_640-150x94.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3019" class="wp-caption-text">AquaDash (c) Edinburgh Leisure / Chris Watt – www.chriswatt.com</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>A Brilliant Floating Obstacle Course</h3> <p>We’ve been fans of the ace Commonwealth Pool for years, but this was something different. Very different. Once at the pool we were kitted out with buoyancy aids and given a quick safety briefing, which put all our minds at ease. We were all desperate to hit the water.</p> <p>Soon we were plunging into the water and laughing as we slid, climbed, bounced and whooped our way around the <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AquaDash</a> course. Like the other participants we followed a set route, but were able to set our own little family challenges, like who could cross over the ‘stepping stones’ first; and who would be the first to fall into the water. It was like one of those shows you see on TV my kids adore.</p> <p>In all we tackled nine exhilarating challenges – with the zany names like ‘bonkers bridge’, ‘wacky wiggle’ and ‘adventurous action tower’, giving clues about what each entailed and capturing the sheer fun of clambering all over these giant inflatables. It is a completely immersive experience – sometimes literally – as you all lose yourself in a world of water and beaming smiles.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_3020" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3020" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash3_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3020"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3020 size-full" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash3_640.jpg" alt="AquaDash, Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh" width="640" height="438" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash3_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash3_640-300x205.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash3_640-150x103.jpg 150w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash3_640-218x150.jpg 218w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3020" class="wp-caption-text">AquaDash (c) Edinburgh Leisure / Chris Watt – www.chriswatt.com</figcaption></figure></p> <p>Our 50 minute session flew past and we all had a great time bonding and playing together as a family. That’s my ideal for a family day out. Even young Emma rose to the challenge without the slightest hesitation, showing that the <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AquaDash</a> course really is suitable for anyone aged six and over.</p> <p>The real test of how the day went came when I asked Emma if she enjoyed herself. Without pausing she enthused: “I loved it. I really liked sliding into the water.” She also asked: “Can we come back with my friends?” Tara, meanwhile, was already planning a repeat visit for her forthcoming tenth birthday. High, but deserved, praise indeed!</p> <h3>Further Information</h3> <p>The latest addition to Edinburgh Leisure’s smorgasbord of family activities, the <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AquaDash</a> is the first of its kind in Scotland. It opens to the public at the beginning of the local school holidays on <strong>12 February 2018</strong>. Based on our fun-filled dash, it is bound to be a massive hit, so in order to avoid any disappointment we recommend that you<strong> <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">book a session in advance</a></strong>.</p> <p>There are <strong>a maximum of 50 places</strong> in each <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AquaDash</a> session. Sessions last 50 minutes (including a 10 minute briefing) and participants can use the pool afterwards for a swim.</p> <p><strong>Price:</strong> £7.50 adult; £5.00 child (6+).</p> <p><strong>The following adult to child ratios must be observed:</strong> children aged 6-8 years old – 1 adult to 2 children; children aged 9+ can do the AquaDash without an adult.</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AquaDash</a> launches on <strong>Monday 12 February 2018</strong> and will be available at these times:</p> <p><strong>School Holidays</strong><br /> Monday and Friday: 11.00, 12.00 and 13.00hrs<br /> Sunday: 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00 and 15.00hrs</p> <p><strong>Term Time</strong><br /> Saturday and Sunday: 13.00, 14.00 and 15.00hrs</p> <p><strong>Book online at: <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash</a></strong></p> <p><figure id="attachment_3021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3021" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash4_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-3021"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3021 size-full" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash4_640.jpg" alt="AquaDash, Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh" width="640" height="494" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash4_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash4_640-300x232.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AquaDash4_640-150x116.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3021" class="wp-caption-text">AquaDash (c) Edinburgh Leisure / Chris Watt – www.chriswatt.com</figcaption></figure></p> <p>*This blog comes in association with <a href="https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Edinburgh Leisure</a></p> <p>Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghLeisure" class="broken_link">@EdinburghLeisure</a><br /> Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Ed_Leisure">@Ed_Leisure</a><br /> Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ed_leisure/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="broken_link">@ed_leisure</a></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/aquadash-edinburghs-brilliant-new-family-attraction/">AquaDash – Edinburgh’s Brilliant New Family Attraction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Speyside Whisky</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/speyside-whisky/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 2018 20:30:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Highlands & Islands]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[whisky]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=1240</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>If – like us – you’ve fallen in love with Scotland’s sublime single malt whiskies – there is one place in Scotland that you really must visit. We’re huge fans of the peaty wonders distilled on the magical island of Islay, but in terms of sheer variety you really can’t beat Speyside. This glorious part of Scotland- think the mighty River Spey, […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/speyside-whisky/">Speyside Whisky</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If – like us – you’ve fallen in love with Scotland’s sublime single malt whiskies – there is one place in Scotland that you really must visit. We’re huge fans of the peaty wonders distilled on the magical island of <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/scotlands-whisky-isle-the-ultimate-guide-to-islay-whisky/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Islay</a>, but in terms of sheer variety you really can’t beat Speyside. This glorious part of Scotland- think the mighty River Spey, rolling hills and lush forests – is also home to around half of the country’s distilleries. The striking stills and pagodas of the distilleries themselves simply magnify the region’s charm.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_2975" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2975" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2975"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2975" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_640.jpg" alt="Craigellachie Bridge, Speyside" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2975" class="wp-caption-text">Craigellachie Bridge, Speyside (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>Craigellachie Hotel – A Brilliant Speyside Base</h4> <p>For single-malt aficionados there is possibly no better place to stay than <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/craigellachie-hotel-scottish-highlands/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Craigellachie Hotel</a>. A grand old dame – she dates back to 1893 – that sits majestically on the banks of the River Spey. Not only does the hotel offer real old-world charm, but she is also home to one of the best whisky bars on the planet. Whisky bottles from around the globe line the walls of the Quaich Bar whose collection runs to more than 900 single-malts. A wee dram here will set you back anywhere from £2.20 to hundreds of pounds.</p> <h4>Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival</h4> <p>A tour of Speyside reads like a who’s who of Scottish single-malts. Many of the big names in the word of whisky – like <a href="https://www.theglenlivet.com/en-UK" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="broken_link">Glenlivet</a> and <a href="https://www.glenfiddich.com/uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glenfiddich </a>– are based here. Most distilleries offer some kind of tour, often on a walk-in basis for standard tours. It’s worth planning ahead if you want to enjoy a more in-depth tastings, or to time you visit with a special event. The biggest festival on Speyside’s festival is the <a href="https://www.spiritofspeyside.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival</a> which is held in late Spring.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_2973" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2973" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Robin-at-Glenfiddich_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2973"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2973" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Robin-at-Glenfiddich_640.jpg" alt="Robin at Glenfiddich" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Robin-at-Glenfiddich_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Robin-at-Glenfiddich_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Robin-at-Glenfiddich_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2973" class="wp-caption-text">Robin at Glenfiddich (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>Glendronach Distillery – One of Scotland’s Oldest</h4> <p>Deciding which distilleries to visit can be daunting for the uninitiated. If you’re looking for a characterful distillery with a long history, then <a href="https://glendronachdistillery.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GlenDronach</a> – on Speyside’s eastern fringes – is a good option. This charming Aberdeenshire distillery was founded back in 1826. Highlights in GlenDronach’s single-malt collection include its core 12, 15 and 21 year olds; each of these expressions has the distillery’s trademark subtle sherry finish.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_2976" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2976" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_Way_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2976"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2976" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_Way_640.jpg" alt="Speyside Way" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_Way_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_Way_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Speyside_Way_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2976" class="wp-caption-text">Speyside Way (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h4></h4> <h4>Speyside Beyond Whisky</h4> <p>There if of course much more to Speyside than its wealth of first-rate whisky distilleries. The region is home to a wealth of historic buildings and structures, including the magnificent <a href="https://www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ballindalloch Castle</a>, The River Spey, meanwhile, is renowned for the quality of its fishing. While those who want to be more active can kayak on the river, or walk or cycle along stretches of the 65 mile Speyside Way – one of <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/scotlands-world-famous-long-distance-walks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scotland’s world famous long distance walks</a> . Another great way to explore the area is on the historic <a href="https://www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keith to Dufftown Railway</a>. This historic routes stretches 11 mile from Keith to Dufftown. The latter – the self-proclaimed ‘Whisky Capital of the World’ – has more distilleries than any other Scottish town.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_2974" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2974" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Ballindalloch_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2974"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2974" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Ballindalloch_640.jpg" alt="Ballindalloch Castle" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Ballindalloch_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Ballindalloch_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Ballindalloch_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2974" class="wp-caption-text">Ballindalloch Castle (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/speyside-whisky/">Speyside Whisky</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Top 12 Things to See and Do in Fife</title> <link>https://www.insiderscotland.com/top-12-things-to-see-and-do-in-fife/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:36:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Central Scotland]]></category> <category><![CDATA[See & Do]]></category> <category><![CDATA[attractions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[regions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[top 10s]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.insiderscotland.com/?p=1938</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The Kingdom of Fife sits proudly on the north side of the Forth and Firth. Visitors have long been impressed with the diversity of its attractions, with unspoiled sandy beaches, first-class golf course and world class seafood all part of the mix. Then there are its wealth of historic buildings and wonderful views of the […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/top-12-things-to-see-and-do-in-fife/">Top 12 Things to See and Do in Fife</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Kingdom of Fife sits proudly on the north side of the Forth and Firth. Visitors have long been impressed with the diversity of its attractions, with unspoiled sandy beaches, first-class golf course and world class seafood all part of the mix. Then there are its wealth of historic buildings and wonderful views of the trio of Forth Bridges and back across the river estuary to Edinburgh.</p> <h4> 1. <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Falkland-Palace/">Falkland Palace</a></h4> <p>This imposing 16th-century palace was once the country residence and hunting lodge of eight Stuart monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Unsurprisingly it oozes history! If you’re ticking off Outlander locations, it doubles up as mid-20th century Inverness in the TV show.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Falkland-Palace/">www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Falkland-Palace</a></p> <p><figure id="attachment_2915" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2915" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Falkland-Palace_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2915"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2915" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Falkland-Palace_640.jpg" alt="Falkland Palace" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Falkland-Palace_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Falkland-Palace_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Falkland-Palace_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2915" class="wp-caption-text">Falkland Palace (c)</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>2. <a href="https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dunfermline-abbey-and-palace/">Dunfermline Abbey and Palace</a></h4> <p>Commissioned in the 12th century by David I the nave at <a href="https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dunfermline-abbey-and-palace/">Dunfermline Abbey</a> is the one of the best example of Romanesque architecture in Scotland. It is the final resting place of Scottish royalty, the most famous of who – Robert the Bruce- was interred here back in 1329. Kids love roaming about the palace ruins.</p> <p><a href="https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dunfermline-abbey-and-palace/">www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dunfermline-abbey-and-palace</a></p> <p><figure id="attachment_2916" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2916" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Dunfermline_Abbey_Palace_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2916"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2916" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Dunfermline_Abbey_Palace_640.jpg" alt="Dunfermline Abbey and Palace" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Dunfermline_Abbey_Palace_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Dunfermline_Abbey_Palace_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Dunfermline_Abbey_Palace_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2916" class="wp-caption-text">Dunfermline Abbey and Palace (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>3. Fish ‘n’ Chips</h4> <p>Fife is renowned for the quality of its seafood and this includes great fish ‘n’ chips. <a href="https://www.welcometofife.com/destination/anstruther">Anstruther </a>boasts two great chippies – the multi award-winning <a href="https://www.anstrutherfishbar.co.uk/">Anstruther Fish Bar</a> and The Wee Chippy, which many locals rate just as highly.</p> <h4>4. <a href="https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/">Fife Coastal Path</a></h4> <p>One of Scotland’s great long distance walks, the <a href="https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/">Fife Coastal Path</a> hugs a spectacular stretch of coastline that runs from the Forth Bridge to the Tay Bridge. The epic scenery en route includes beaches, cliffs and cute villages.</p> <p><a href="https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/">www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk</a></p> <p><figure id="attachment_2917" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2917" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/View-of-the-Forth-from-around-Aberdour-Castle-blog.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2917"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2917" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/View-of-the-Forth-from-around-Aberdour-Castle-blog.jpg" alt="Looking across the Firth of Forth from Fife" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/View-of-the-Forth-from-around-Aberdour-Castle-blog.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/View-of-the-Forth-from-around-Aberdour-Castle-blog-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/View-of-the-Forth-from-around-Aberdour-Castle-blog-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2917" class="wp-caption-text">Looking across the Firth of Forth from Fife (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>5. <a href="https://www.welcometofife.com/region/east-neuk">East Neuk</a></h4> <p>The pretty seaside villages in the charming corner of Fife mesmerise visitors with their whitewashed houses and narrow stone streets. The East Neuk is also home to a thriving artistic communities, with small galleries, potteries and boutiques selling handcrafts dotted around the villages of <a href="https://www.welcometofife.com/destination/anstruther">Anstruther</a>, <a href="https://www.welcometofife.com/destination/elie-and-earlsferry">Elie</a>, <a href="https://www.welcometofife.com/destination/pittenweem">Pittenweem</a>, <a href="https://www.welcometofife.com/destination/crail">Crail </a>and <a href="https://www.welcometofife.com/destination/st-monans">St Monans</a>.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_2918" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2918" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Ellie_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2918"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2918 size-full" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Ellie_640.jpg" alt="Elie, Fife" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Ellie_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Ellie_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Ellie_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2918" class="wp-caption-text">Elie, Fife (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>6. <a href="https://www.deepseaworld.com">Deep Sea World</a></h4> <p>Enjoy the thrill of sharks swimming over you head as you travel through the longest underwater tunnel in the UK. Seals, a great collection of amphibians and a touching pool are among the other highlights. Then there are the piranhas, colourful reef fish and elegant seahorses. Great family fun.</p> <p><a href="https://www.deepseaworld.com">www.deepseaworld.com</a></p> <h4>7. <a href="https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/isle-of-may-national-nature-reserve-p333901">Isle of May</a></h4> <p>The<a href="https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/isle-of-may-national-nature-reserve-p333901"> Isle of May</a> is alive with all manner of seabirds, with the unbelievably cute puffins the biggest lure for many visitors. Incredibly there can be as many as 250,000 birds nesting on the island – up to half of which could be puffins. You’re also highlgy likely to see seals and even porpoise or dolphins. <a href="https://www.isleofmayferry.com/">Anstruther Pleasure Cruises</a> run trips from 1 April to 30 September.</p> <p>Scotland’s National Nature Reserves: Isle of May <a href="https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/isle-of-may-national-nature-reserve-p333901">www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/isle-of-may</a></p> <p>Anstruther Pleasure Cruises <a href="https://www.isleofmayferry.com/">www.isleofmayferry.com</a></p> <h4>8. <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Culross/">Culross</a></h4> <p>Outlander fans will know it as Cranesmuir – home to Geillis Duncan. Whether you’re a fan of the cult TV show or not, 16th-century Culross is one of Fife’s most historic and most attractive towns.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Culross/">www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Culross</a></p> <p><figure id="attachment_2913" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2913" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Culross_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2913"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2913" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Culross_640.jpg" alt="Culross, Fife" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Culross_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Culross_640-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Culross_640-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2913" class="wp-caption-text">Culross, Fife (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>9. St Andrews</h4> <p>For many the handsome town of St Andrews will need no introduction. It is after all the ‘home of golf’ and the location for one of the most prestigious universities in the UK (and the world). The gorgeous West Sands beach, a host of historic attractions and a vibrant eating and drinking scene also await.</p> <p>www.visitstandrews.com</p> <p><figure id="attachment_2919" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2919" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St_Andrews_Castle.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2919"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2919" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St_Andrews_Castle.jpg" alt="Overlooking the Forth from St Andrew's Castle" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St_Andrews_Castle.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St_Andrews_Castle-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St_Andrews_Castle-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2919" class="wp-caption-text">Overlooking the Forth from St Andrew’s Castle (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>10. <a href="https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/community-life2/parks,-allotments,-core-paths/pittencrieff-park">Pittencrieff Park</a></h4> <p>Known locally as ‘The Glen’, <a href="https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/community-life2/parks,-allotments,-core-paths/pittencrieff-park">Pittencrieff Park</a> is a wonderful respite from Dunfermline’s bustling town centre. Gifted to the town by Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist’s legacy entertains families with it playparks, gardens, woodland and walking trails.</p> <h4>11. <a href="https://www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com/">Kingsbarns Distillery and Vistor Centre</a></h4> <p>This youthful distillery has been garnering rave reviews on TripAdvisor for its warm welcome and informative tours The early focus has been on Darnley’s Gin, which is also distilled here. Exciting times are afoot as their first single malt (a 3 year old) will reach maturity in early to mid 2018.</p> <p><a href="https://www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com/">www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com</a></p> <p><figure id="attachment_2920" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2920" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kingsbarns_640.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2920"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2920" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kingsbarns_640.jpg" alt="Robin at Kingsbarns Distillery" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kingsbarns_640.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kingsbarns_640-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kingsbarns_640-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2920" class="wp-caption-text">Robin at Kingsbarns Distillery (c) InsiderScotland</figcaption></figure></p> <h4>12. <a href="https://www.standrewscheese.co.uk/">St Andrew’s Farmhouse Cheese Company</a></h4> <p>Jane Stewart is the very embodiment of the idea that (albeit with a lot of hard work) you can achieve whatever you want to. Not only did Jane learn how to make cheese, but she produces award-winning Anster cheeses. The milk for the cheese comes from the farm’s own Holstein Friesian cows – you can’t get much more local than that!</p> <p><a href="https://www.standrewscheese.co.uk/">www.standrewscheese.co.uk</a></p> <p><figure id="attachment_2914" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2914" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St-Andrews-Farmhouse-Cheese-Company-blog40.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2914"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2914" src="http://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St-Andrews-Farmhouse-Cheese-Company-blog40.jpg" alt="St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company" width="640" height="480" srcset="https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St-Andrews-Farmhouse-Cheese-Company-blog40.jpg 640w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St-Andrews-Farmhouse-Cheese-Company-blog40-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.insiderscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/St-Andrews-Farmhouse-Cheese-Company-blog40-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2914" class="wp-caption-text">St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company (c) Robin McKelvie</figcaption></figure></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com/top-12-things-to-see-and-do-in-fife/">Top 12 Things to See and Do in Fife</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.insiderscotland.com">InsiderScotland</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>