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Times
14 hours ago
- Times
Life on the farm has never looked as good as this
Mossy dry stone walls have an indescribable charm. Perhaps it's their quiet defiance, the way these ancient feats of engineering have stood long enough to be claimed by nature. As you leave Kirkcaldy, driving up into the patchwork of ancient fields above the Firth of Forth, their charm is heightened by the way the town — best known for its linoleum — suddenly melts into a landscape where these walls seem to be the only human fingerprints. Heading past rolling fields, with spring poking its head above the parapet and only the occasional russet of a Highland cow catching the eye, it feels as if there is nobody else here. Then, rounding a bend, my friend Anna and I happen upon Banchory Farm. Here, dotted around a warm pink farmhouse where owners Jane and Jonathan Manifold live with their two children, six farmhands' cottages have been converted into luxury rental cottages. Our home for the weekend is The Grieves, a two-bedroom cottage named after the farm manager, or 'grieve', who once lived here. A beautiful vase of hyacinths and tulips, as well as a basket groaning with seasonal produce, welcome us in an impeccably appointed, brass-knobbed deVOL kitchen. Cottagecore floral wallpaper, marble bathroom tiles — you'd never guess that The Grieves, now impeccably restored, had rising damp and no central heating a few years ago. Jane explains how they've also installed air source heat pumps, planted 4,500 trees and rewilded field edges around the cottages. We make porcini mushroom pasta from our welcome basket ingredients, run luxurious baths in the master bedroom then slip into linen bedding in our high-ceilinged but cosy double rooms to sleep the sort of sleep you get only after swapping city for deep, dark countryside. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast (again courtesy of the cornucopian gift basket), we follow the Manifolds' helpfully detailed guidebook to Falkland, former seat of Stuart kings and perhaps the most handsome of Scotland's royal burghs. The village, about 30 miles away at the foot of the Lomond Hills in the lovely Howe of Fife, has been frequently used as a filming location for Outlander. Fans of the show will know it as a stand-in for the Highlands where Frank Randall and Claire Beauchamp go on their honeymoon. • Falkland Palace — who can resist the draw of the world's oldest tennis court? After peeking up charming cobbled streets and briefly exploring Falkland Palace, the royal hunting lodge favoured by Mary, Queen of Scots, we tackle East Lomond, site of a prehistoric hillfort that the Picts chose as their lofty seat of power. The final 150 metres have us wedging toes into footholds but the sweeping summit views down over forest, field and the Firth of Forth mean we quickly forget the strain. Back at Banchory, Jane has arranged for Lesley Brown, a touring masseuse, to work out the kinks from our walk. The rest of the day drifts by in a haze of indulgence — a wander around Loch Leven, where we pause to spy on birds from a hide and browse the farm shop on its banks, a dinner of scallops and halibut at the family-run Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry, then Bananagrams in The Grieves' snug sitting room. • 16 of the most beautiful places in Scotland On our final night, which comes far too fast, Anna and I find ourselves in the garden in front of a crackling fire pit. The books, which we really did intend to read, are cast aside in favour of simply sitting in the cool, relaxing air. We are backlit by the warm light from the kitchen of our home-from-home, snug under the blue tartan rugs left thoughtfully in the boot room. We sit there as night falls, looking out beyond the wall at the foot of 'our' garden, laughing and swapping stories until the fire dies to embers and we retreat indoors. It's the kind of night that stays with you. As we pack up the next morning, we lament how quickly the trip has gone. Some places just make you want to linger, gathering moss like those old stone walls above Kirkcaldy. Lottie Hayton was a guest of Banchory Farm ( which has one night self-catering for two from £120
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
'It shows anything is possible' - Hibs go from relegation worries to Europe
On the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, one man walks on water. Metaphorically speaking of course, but perhaps he should give it a try knighted by Hibernian supporters, 'Sir' David Gray's name was indelibly chiselled into Easter Road folklore on the 21 May Liam Henderson's corner beyond Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham in second-half stoppage time ended 114 years of Scottish Cup misery for Edinburgh's green and white, ensuring legendary status in Leith forever manager, Gray is threatening to write a new chapter in his Hibs' story after spectacularly turning his and the club's season around as they finished third in the Premiership and sealed a return to the 23 November 2024, that appeared fanciful and an awkward moment was creeping into were beaten 4-1 by Dundee at Dens Park, a result which left them without a win in eight and anchored to the bottom of the legend was in apparent trouble. A man the Hibs fans were desperate to succeed seemed to be on the precipice."I think it would be very naive of me to say I thought everything was going to be all right," Gray told BBC Scotland."You know that when you sign up for the job but I also know more than anybody else the expectation and demands of this football club."I was responsible for the results, that's my job. So, at that point our return in points for the amount of games we'd played wasn't good enough."I was consistent with my messaging to the players but also I was constantly speaking to the board about why I believed it was going to turn and the support was always there."Clearly, that was a real low point in the season and there were conversations after that game, of course there was. I think even my staff were feeling it. That bus journey back from Dundee was certainly a sore one."But we knew we had Aberdeen three days later and we had to get the players back in the right train of thought for that."What followed almost broke the Hibs' record scored twice in stoppage time to salvage a 3-3 draw in that Aberdeen game and didn't really look defeat in 20 league games including an unbeaten run of 17, reeling in a 23-point deficit to eventually leapfrog the Dons, going on to finish in the top three for just the third time this century. From relegation candidates to the Europa League. It was some journey and one of the best runs by a team outside of the big two in Glasgow that we have seen."I've spoken to the players to remind them of the size of the achievement," Gray said."But also because of where we'd been and how the season started, the adversity at the start and when you think back to just before Christmas, we were still bottom of the league."So, to then turn it round and finish third shows an incredible run of form and it shows anything is possible and anything is achievable."The players deserve all the credit for that. That togetherness throughout the whole piece and the magnitude of the achievement."Due to Aberdeen's Scottish Cup win, Hibs will start in the second qualifying round of the Europa League with a place in the third qualifying round of the Conference League as a safety net."It's not something this club has done enough," he added."Finishing third, with the power of the big two in Scottish Football is almost like winning the league."European football is a genuine opportunity which will have its own challenges but it's brilliant, it's what everyone wants."You have to have a squad that is able to deal with that. But, it's brilliant for the football club."Next season, as the club celebrates its 150th year, could be another special one for Gray personally with the tantalising prospect of managing Hibs to the Scottish Cup on the 10th anniversary of his greatest moment."I'd certainly take it," he said."It would be a brilliant achievement. Top six, European football, but can you win a trophy?"I've been very fortunate to experience it. It is a genuine opportunity and ambition. It is a target and goal every single pre-season."We were very unfortunate to draw Celtic away in both cups so that was a bit of a blow."Winning cups are the extra special moments that this football club can provide."And 'Sir' David would to David Gray's interview with Liam in full on Saturday's Sportsound, BBC Radio Scotland, from 14:00 BST.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Dry spell leaves Scottish rivers on low level alert
More than half of Scotland's rivers have been placed under a low water alert following a long spell of dry Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said 23 areas surrounding major bodies of water including the Clyde, Dee, Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay were experiencing some level of water Council has urged those on private water supplies to use them responsibly due to lower than normal water comes as the UK as a whole experiences its driest spring conditions so far for 130 years. Just 80mm of rain has fallen over the entire spring recording Water said reservoir levels were running at about 81% of capacity – down 10% on the average for this time of year. Scotland marked its hottest day of the year on Tuesday, with temperatures of 25.5C recorded in South Ayrshire and began warning of water scarcity at the beginning of March after below-average rainfall last winter followed on from a particularly dry said it was not likely to rain in Scotland for the next seven Johnston, Sepa's senior manager in the water industry and rural economy, said that would lead to drier than normal ground conditions and decreased river said: "We have been warning since the start of spring that continued drier weather could disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability."Prolonged water scarcity can also impact local ecosystems, lower water quality and place additional pressure on native flora and fauna." Ms Johnston added that those who use water for business or agricultural purposes should "use it wisely" to avoid Sepa imposing said: "Several industries across Scotland rely on natural water resources, whether it's for food and drink production, hydropower or maintaining world famous golf courses. "The next few weeks and months are a crucial time of year for water demand and those who take water from our environment must manage it wisely, minimising the need for restrictions to be imposed."Highland Council said homes with private supplies should check for leaks or contamination include any properties without a Scottish Water mains local authority's environmental health team said those homes should boil water before drinking or using it if the supply is emergency scheme to provide bottled water is being set up, they Water said reservoir levels were down about 3% on last said they were monitoring water resources across the country. Are we heading for a record dry spring? With 18 days to go in the spring recording period, Scotland, and the UK as a whole, is on track to break a 132-year record for dry 80mm of rain has fallen this spring, making the 107.2mm that fell in 1893 look like a washout by last time spring was this dry in the UK, Queen Victoria was on the Scotland weather presenter Kirsteen MacDonald said conditions look to turn more unsettled towards the end of next week, with signs of a move to wetter, Atlantic-driven weather. Low levels of rain were predicted for parts of central and southern Scotland earlier in the week, but forecasters are now confident the country will not see any rain for the next seven in Fife could claim to be the driest place in the UK, the parched ground not seeing a drop of rain for 25 puts it about 499 years and 340 days away from reaching the record for parts of the Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest nonpolar region on Earth where rain is last thought to have fallen at some point in the 16th is unlikely Scotland will have to wait quite that long for the deluge to come, however the spring recording period ends on 31 May.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
9 impressive Edwardian homes that offer tons of space
The Edwardian era only lasted from 1901 to the start of the First World War in 1914 but coincided with a boom in housebuilding. Homes from this period are typically bigger and brighter than their Victorian predecessors, with fewer but larger rooms, wider hallways and good-sized gardens, making them ideal for families. They are often set back from the road, and may incorporate stained glass windows, mock-Tudor beams, panelling and other decorative details. Here's our pick of the best on the market. A four-bedroom, 2,000 square foot semi-detached house with views over the Firth of Forth. The versatile accommodation includes an eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room, a first floor drawing room, a downstairs morning room — currently used as bedroom four — and original features such as fireplaces, tiles and ornate cornices. From Stevenson Marshall via ESPC. Oaklands is a sensitively renovated, feature-filled detached house that's only had three owners since it was built in 1904. It comprises four double bedrooms, a kitchen/breakfast room with a utility area, a living room, dining room and snug, a bathroom fitted with a freestanding tub and separate shower cubicle, a WC and a cloakroom. There are two adjacent outbuildings — one a double garage and the other an office. From Baker Wynne Wilson. Read more: 8 intriguing homes with links to World War Two The epitome of Edwardian elegance, this three-storey, semi-detached house is in Banbury town centre and in walking distance of the station. It's fully restored and includes a sitting room and dining room, a kitchen/breakfast room at the back, five ensuite bedrooms and a mainly walled garden. Stained glass windows, ceiling panelling and wooden floorboards are among the original features. Find out more from Strutt & Parker. With over 3,300 feet of accommodation, Barbourne House is already very spacious and planning permission has been granted to add a first floor extension. Nestled in a peaceful but central conservation area, it currently has six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception rooms, an open plan kitchen and living area, an office and two conservatories plus a mature, secluded garden. By Morgan Aps. Tucked behind a gated driveway, this detached house boasts six bedrooms, a split level kitchen/dining room, a living room, conservatory, a first floor games room and bar and lots of period features. A one-bedroom annexe with its own entrance and direct access to the main house's utility room — which also acts as a kitchenette — would suit an independent relative. Through Fine & Country. Read more: 9 homes to savour near Michelin-starred restaurants It's hard not to be seduced by Sandells, as this substantial house is packed with character and charm and convenient for schools, shops and commuting into London. The ground floor includes two main reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a study and an office, which doubles as a playroom. One of the four first floor bedrooms opens onto a roof terrace. Three more bedrooms, a kitchen and living area occupy the top floor, and the mature garden has sweeping lawns, a dedicated play area and a vegetable patch. Find out more from Jackson-Stops. This double-fronted house is on one of the area's best roads, moments from shops and cafes, and has been tastefully renovated by the current owners. Along with off-street parking — a rarity for the location — it has a 42-ft long dual aspect kitchen, dining and sitting room, two further reception rooms, five bedrooms and four bathrooms, with wooden floors and fireplaces throughout. The landscaped garden faces south east and contains a useful office/gym. Via Hamptons. Read more: 10 quirky homes with secrets to reveal If you're hunting for a home with lots of land, Kings Warren may well be be the perfect fit. This rural estate, centred around an Edwardian manor house, comes with over 78 acres of lush landscaped gardens, fields, woodland and a lake. The recently restored house has a 28-foot kitchen/breakfast room, six double bedrooms and a heated outdoor pool with an adjoining changing room and gym. A two-bedroom, self-contained coach house could potentially generate income as holiday let. Get in touch with Carter Jonas. Perched on the banks of the Thames, Tudor Revival style Lex house is looking for new owners who are happy to modernise and personalise it. They can expect three well-proportioned reception rooms with views of the river, six bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus a games room and playroom with their own entrance and a bathroom that could be turned into accommodation for guests or an au pair. The property has a private mooring, and Michelin-starred restaurants The Waterside Inn and The Fat Duck in nearby Bray can be reached by boat. Contact Savills. Read more: Home renovation mistakes and how to avoid them How higher house prices are impacting young people's finances 10 home upgrades that don't need planning permissionSign in to access your portfolio
