Scotland
NHS heroes enjoy weekend hotel stays
MORE than 380 health service workers and their families stayed at Crerar Hotels’ seven venues for free last weekend as part of the “Scottish Hospitality for NHS Heroes” initiative. Paddy Crerar, the company’s founder and chairman, took some guests on boat trips, while others tucked into locally-sourced food and drink. The chain spent more than…
Read MoreCastles, museums and distilleries continue to reopen
MORE of Scotland’s historic landmarks have announced dates for reopening as the coronavirus lockdown continues to ease. Blackness Castle will reopen on Monday, followed by Inchcolm Abbey, Huntly Castle and Melrose Abbey on Wednesday, and Elgin Cathedral and Caerlaverock Castle on Friday. Doune Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle and Linlithgow Palace will then reopen on 26 August,…
Read MoreCalls for ‘North Highland Growth Fund’
BUSINESSES have called on the UK and Scottish governments to create a “North Highland Growth Fund” to help communities recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The North Highland Initiative – the body set up in 2005 with support from Prince Charles – has coordinated a letter from business leaders to cabinet office minister…
Read MoreSplash of colour as The Balmoral reopens
THE Balmoral in Edinburgh marked its reopening on Saturday with flowers lining the steps to the hotel’s front door. General manager Richard Cooke and his team welcomed guests back from just before 9am. Members of staff waved saltires from the windows to mark the return of the landmark venue. A veritable rainbow of colours adorned…
Read MoreTrossachs e-bike trail map hits the road
A NEW map showing six e-bike trails through the Trossachs has been launched. The routes take in sights like Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine, Duchray Castle, Stonachlachar Pier and Strathyre Forest. The map has been assembled by Loch Lomond & Trossachs Countryside Trust and Forth Valley & Lomond Leader. Routes range from the 12.5km Rob Roy…
Read MorePlanning a five-star staycation in Perthshire?
WITH many Scottish families holidaying at home this year, luxury self catering properties that can accommodate extended families are in great demand. For some families, the staycation can be a way of reconnecting with family members that they were not able to see during lockdown. Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course at Kenmore,…
Read More‘Wellbeing manager’ sets sail on Fingal
FLOATING luxury hotel Fingal has appointed its first “wellbeing manager” as it prepares to reopen on 22 July. Mari-Nel Scorer will be responsible for ensuring that “overnight guests, and local diners, continue to enjoy a unique, luxurious and seamless experience onboard”. Scorer will take on the new role in addition to her duties as front-of-house…
Read MoreScots dream of parks, history and Outlander as tourism and hospitality reopen
GARDENS, views and television series Outlander are just some of the themes about which Scots have been dreaming during lockdown, according to the early results of tourism agency VisitScotland’s #HameTownTourist campaign. As many of Scotland’s restaurants, bars and tourist attractions begin to reopen today, the marketing bureau has shared some of the social media posts…
Read MoreScottish ships throw down the gangplank
SCOTLAND’S ships are getting ready to welcome guests back on board – both at the dockside and on the high seas. Fingal, the former lighthouse tender that was turned into a luxury floating hotel, will reopen at its berth in Leith docks on 22 July. The ship will offer overnight stays, afternoon tea and dinner.…
Read MoreTiso prepares to ride outdoor activities wave
OUTDOOR equipment retailer Tiso has almost doubled the size of its camping equipment and water sports ranges as travel restrictions for recreation are eased. The Edinburgh-based company has introduced hand sanitiser, distance makers, and capacity restrictions at its stores. The cafés inside its shops in Aviemore, Inverness and Perth also remain open to serve takeaways.…
Read More