Latest news with #IsleOfHarris
The Independent
7 hours ago
- The Independent
Simon Calder's top 11 UK beaches to head to for summer sun
After months of rain and miserable weather, it's finally here: the Great British heatwave. With reports that temperatures could reach as high as 33C, it's all systems go to make the most of the sun, and what better way to do that than by visiting one of the many beaches we Brits have been blessed with? With nearly 8,000 miles of coastline (some estimates even say 11,000), there are many places to enjoy the heat in peace and quiet – so no need to squeeze yourself into a sun lounger on Brighton beach... From picturesque shores along the Scottish coast to vibrant spots stretching from Durham to Scilly, these are some of best areas to pay a visit. So don that sun hat, fire up the disposable BBQ and slap on that sun screen: it's time to hit the beach. To be alone and at one with the elements, aim for the beach at Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris. The outer shore of the Outer Hebrides is the raw edge of Britain, where the soundtrack rumbles with the weary roar of an ocean at the end of a 3,000-mile journey. You'll find turquoise water of implausible clarity and ice-white sand, sculpted into unworldly shapes by the west wind. Ballycastle, County Antrim This is a broad beach with a view. The hills of County Antrim subside into the sea, and beyond the tumbling cliffs, through the mist, stands the Mull of Kintyre, that bulky punctuation at the end of Scotland's Argyll Peninsula. And at the end of the day, if you wish, you can sail across to Campbeltown on the 4.30pm ferry – watching Northern Ireland retreat in your wake. St Agnes, Scilly I count this fickle stretch of sand as the southernmost in Britain – and given the difficulty in reaching this corner of the kingdom, you can expect to enjoy the place in relative solitude. If you don't have your own yacht, take a boat from Penzance or a plane from one of several southwest airports to St Mary's – then a local boat across to St Agnes. Paignton, Devon The morning sun brings Torbay to life, with Paignton shining brightest. A traditional resort with the benefit of an interesting hinterland: fishing-village Brixham to the south, post-Fawlty Torquay to the north, and the gorgeous River Dart just southwest. Ryde, Isle of Wight Two retro transport options earn the otherwise unremarkable beach at Ryde its place: Britain's last surviving hovercraft roars off to Southsea several times an hour, while an ancient former Tube train rattles down the pier, the opposite end of the railway spectrum from the Trans-Siberian. Rhossili, Gower Peninsula The Welsh mainland has a ridiculous number of excellent beaches, but this is my favourite: the sweep of sand that bookends the Gower Peninsula, with a wild, western aspect that makes it ideal at the end of a warm summer afternoon. Aldeburgh Bay, Suffolk For sheer diversity, head to England's easternmost county. On the 'Suffolk Heritage Coast' between Aldeburgh and Southwold, you find rich flora and birdlife; the Sizewell B nuclear plant; the artists' colony of Walberswick; Alain de Botton's 'balancing barn', a short way inland; and miles and miles of beaches that face the dawn. Blackpool, Lancashire For many of us, the beach is just an excuse for a collection of indulgences – and Blackpool vies with Brighton for the crown of Britain's most hedonistic resort. The Lancashire town wins thanks to having proper sand, not shingle, as well as the Tower and the Pleasure Beach. Seaham, County Durham Lord Byron married Annabella Milbanke at Seaham Hall two centuries ago, and the cliff-top residence is now an elegant spa hotel. In the intervening years, Seaham was the heart of the coal industry, with shafts extending deep beneath the North Sea and a hinterland desecrated by development. Now, nature is reclaiming the shore. Knoydart, Scotland Want a sweep of shoreline to yourself? Find your way on foot or by sea to the Knoydart Peninsula, Britain's last great wilderness. Western Scotland has more appealing sands (notably in the Outer Hebrides), but while Knoydart is part of the mainland, it offers even more isolation. Tynemouth The name describes the location: where the river through Newcastle reaches the North Sea. The setting is spectacular, with a rugged, crumbling castle marking the end of a handsome town with great places to eat. None is more rewarding than Riley's Fish Shack, down on the sand with deckchair dining. The beach curves gracefully north, inviting a swim regardless of the chilly North Sea.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Two castles and a prison on RIAS best buildings list
Eleven buildings have been named as winners of the annual Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) awards. The buildings include two restored castles, a road bridge, a whisky distillery and Scotland's newest prison and young offender 11 winners will now become the "longlist" for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland shortlist will be announced in July ahead of the winner being revealed in November. Aldourie Castle, Loch Ness, by Ptolemy Dean Architects The Category A-listed Aldourie Castle has been conserved and all the surrounding estate buildings restored as well as new ones added, including farm buildings, an energy centre, a boathouse and a pedestrian bridge. The judges admired how the project reconnected the disparate buildings to their romantic setting. Caoghan na Creige, Isle of Harris, by Izat Arundell The stone-clad building blends into the rugged Hebridean landscape, giving the home the appearance of a modern-day blackhouse. The judges described the project as a testament to what can be achieved through patience, skill and a profound respect for place. Ellengowan Regeneration, Dundee, by Collective Architecture Ellengowan Regeneration replaces 124 deteriorating flats with 130 affordable is a mix of housing including accessible flats, cottage flats, family terraced houses and a corner shop. The judges praised the project's inclusive approach which balances modern needs with heritage preservation. Fairburn Tower, Muir of Ord, Highland by Simpson & Brown Architects Built in the 16th Century and added to in the 17th, this remote Category A listed structure had fallen into a ruinous state. The judges described Fairburn Tower as an exemplar project, where restoration and reconstruction are beautifully accomplished, while also delivering characterful holiday accommodation. Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge, Gairnshiel, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects The Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge provides a new route over the River Gairn, eliminating the lengthy detours and delays caused by frequent structural damage to the 18th Century crossing as it was no longer suitable for modern-day traffic. The judges described the project as a fine example of how to integrate a modern vehicular bridge into a sensitive landscape. HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Stirling by Holmes Miller Architects The building is billed as a "fundamental rethinking of custodial environments in Scotland".It supports women in custody through spaces that are intended to promote dignity, equality and meaningful judges praised it as a model of how public buildings can be both operationally robust and deeply humane. Kinloch Lodge, Lairg, by GRAS Kinloch Lodge is a "light-touch" conservation project which aims to maintain the charming and idiosyncratic nature of the original mid-19th Century lodge and its said each has been lovingly, painstakingly and respectfully restored exactly as they were found, using traditional methods and judges said the architects' involvement is refreshingly understated and thoroughly respectful of the original buildings. The Nucleus Building, University of Edinburgh, by Sheppard Robson The building is described by RIAS as a new heart for the University of Edinburgh which unites teaching, learning and social spaces. The judges described the Nucleus Building as a deftly executed piece of civic architecture. Riverside Primary School, Perth, by Architype Riverside Primary School is the first Passivhaus-certified school in judges described it as an exemplary project, which will serve as an inspiring model for the design of schools in Scotland and across the UK. Rosebank Distillery, Falkirk, by MLA The Rosebank Distillery had been considered lost but it has been carefully jury was impressed by the design team, who navigated complex constraints including contamination, conservation, coal mining risk and listed structures. They said the retention and restoration of the chimney, lockkeeper's cottage and red-brick buildings reflect a commitment to memory and place. Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen, by Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design RIAS said this transformation of a long-neglected civic space reclaimed Union Terrace Gardens as Aberdeen's green heart. The judges praised the project as a benchmark in public-realm regeneration, demonstrating the power of sensitive, people-centred design to transform a city's sense of place.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Isle of Harris Distillery offered Scottish government support
The Scottish government says it will 'do everything it can' to help Isle of Harris Distillery and its workers after the company announced redundancies. The maker of Isle of Harris Gin and single malt whiskies employs 50 director Simon Erlanger said the spirits industry was facing "challenging headwinds" and having to make difficult Minister Richard Lochhead said the Scottish government was paying close attention to the situation and working with the Western Isles-based company. The Moray SNP MSP told BBC Scotland News "volatility in the global market" had impacted on commercial decision-making in the whisky industry. But he said the Scottish government was confident the market would "pick up" in the development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has asked Isle of Harris Distillery for clarity on its situation, and its implications for the workforce. Ministers said redundancy initiative - Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) - was also ready to offer free advice and support to people affected. Isle of Harris Distillery said it welcomed any further government said it was supporting staff who had applied for voluntary redundancy to secure future employment. 'Deeply regrettable' In April, Isle of Harris Distillery said it would reduce its production and workforce as part of a restructuring distillery opened in 2015 with just 10 employees. Scotland's whisky industry previously warned tariffs imposed by the US - its most important overseas market - would be a "huge blow".Last week, the UK and US governments reached a deal on some areas of international trade, but President Donald Trump's blanket 10% tax on imports still applies to most goods entering the managing director Simon Erlanger said restructuring was needed to safeguard the future of the said voluntary redundancy was being offered to staff following cost-cutting measures, with compulsory redundancy to follow if reduction targets were not met. Mr Erlanger said the move was "deeply regrettable", adding that the distillery represented more than £20m investment in the island's week, trade body The Scotch Whisky Association described a UK-India deal, which would half tariffs on gin and whisky, as a landmark moment for the industry. In 2022, the Harris distillery secured £10m in funding from HSBC to pay for a new export drive to distribute its gin to more than 20 markets around the includes the US, Canada, France and Germany.
