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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scottish lochs named UK's top two spots for a wild swim this summer
Two iconic locations are top of the list when it comes to wild swimming spots. Scotland has made a splash in a new study celebrating the UK's most picturesque wild swimming spots, claiming not just the top two spots, but several other entries in the top 12. The rankings, compiled by football ticket marketplace LiveFootballTickets, looked at the number of Instagram hashtags linked to each location. And at number one, with a staggering 623,000 hashtags, is the iconic Loch Lomond, widely recognised as a symbol of Scotland itself, Scottish Daily Express reports. Just 45 minutes from Glasgow, Loch Lomond is the largest body of freshwater in Great Britain by surface area, covering 71 square kilometres. Its shimmering waters are flanked by deep forests, cascading waterfalls and majestic mountains. It's no surprise it has inspired centuries of songs, poems and stories. In second place, and no stranger to fame, is Loch Ness, racking up 556,000 hashtags. While many flock to the loch hoping for a glimpse of the legendary Nessie, others are drawn by its tranquil beauty. Just half an hour from Inverness, Loch Ness remains one of the most iconic destinations in the Highlands. It is also the largest body of water in Great Britain by volume, containing 7,452 million cubic metres of water - more than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. The list reveals that Scotland dominates the wild swimming scene, with multiple scenic spots featured throughout. Glen Etive claims sixth place with 55,500 hashtags. The remote Highland glen, known for its breathtaking scenery, famously appeared in the James Bond film Skyfall. Its River Etive winds into Loch Etive, offering a wild and cinematic spot for a refreshing dip. In joint tenth place is the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, with 28,300 hashtags. These natural pools near Glenbrittle are renowned for their crystal-clear, and icy, waters. Though most visitors come for photos, many do brave a swim in the famously brisk pools. Loch Katrine, steeped in Scottish history and literary legend, rounds out the top 12 with 25,800 hashtags. A popular day-trip from Glasgow and Stirling, it's long been associated with figures such as Walter Scott and Rob Roy. Since 1859, it has also served as Glasgow's main drinking water reservoir. The top 12 wild swimming spots based on Instagram hashtags: Loch Lomond – 623,000 hashtags Loch Ness – 556,000 hashtags Pen-y-Fan, Brecon Beacons – 192,000 hashtags Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire – 93,300 hashtags Fairy Glen, Lake District – 61,400 hashtags Glen Etive – 55,500 hashtags Overbeck Bridge, Wastwater – 49,400 hashtags Symonds Yat, Wye Valley – 35,700 hashtags Eskdale, Lake District – 28,700 hashtags Fairy Pools, Skye – 28,300 hashtags Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia – 28,300 hashtags Loch Katrine – 25,800 hashtags Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A spokesperson for LiveFootballTickets said: "With the UK's first heatwave for the summer expected to bring temperatures of above 30°C, people are bound to be looking for ways to escape the heat, so, how about a refreshing dip in cool water?" In a separate recent study, a spot in Scotland was also named the best place in the UK for wild swimming overall, thanks in part to its wealth of natural beauty and clean, cold waters. The west coast region of Argyll and Bute was singled out as a standout spot. The resort town of Oban in particular offers easy access to stunning swim locations like Ganavan Sands and the River Oude. Just a short ferry away, the Isle of Kerrera also boasts several inviting bays and coves. Fort William, in the heart of the Highlands, was highlighted too. Experts noted that the average water temperature in the area hovers around 12.57°C, which they described as 'optimal for swimming'.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Remote Scottish beach with pristine pink sands named best spot to avoid crowds this summer
A remote Highland beach has been named one of the best UK spots to escape the summer crowds With warm weather on the way, Scotland's beaches are expected to be packed this weekend as families and sunseekers head for the coast. But for those looking to avoid the crowds and discover something truly special, one remote Highland beach is offering an unforgettable escape. Sandwood Bay, tucked away in the far northwest of Scotland near Kinlochbervie, has been named one of the best places in the UK to dodge the summer rush, Scottish Daily Express reports. Travel experts Simply Sea Views singled it out as an ideal destination for those seeking peace, space and a wild, dramatic landscape. The beach is only accessible on foot via a four-mile walk from the nearest car park at Blairmore. The route cuts through moorland, lochans and rolling hills, and while it may require effort, the reward is a breathtaking scene of pink-tinged sands, towering cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves. 'It's utterly remote, with no facilities and no phone signal – just you, the sea, and the sky,' said Simply Sea Views. 'The reward for taking on the hike is a pristine stretch of pale sand and dramatic waves.' Stretching for a mile and a half, Sandwood Bay has been described by Undiscovered Scotland as 'the most magnificent beach in the UK'. It is also believed to be the country's most remote beach, and even, according to local legend, the site of a mermaid encounter. The scene is pure drama. Behind the beach, towering sand dunes roll down into the still waters of Sandwood Loch. In front, the full force of the Atlantic Ocean crashes against the shore, with the iconic sea stack of Am Buachaille rising from the waves. TripAdvisor reviews are also full of awe. 'Of course, summer sun brings out all the gorgeous colours,' wrote one visitor, 'but strong winds and raging seas show you nature in all her mighty power too.' Another added: 'I couldn't believe how quiet and secluded it was, it's an absolutely beautiful beach!' Today, Sandwood Bay remains a haven for wildlife. Seals and dolphins are often seen just offshore, further adding to its otherworldly charm. While there are no cafés, shops or restaurants nearby, hungry walkers can stop at the Old School Restaurant and Rooms on the way back, a converted schoolhouse that served the local community from 1879 to 1970 and now offers hearty meals and warm hospitality. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For those wanting to stay longer, the nearby crofting community of Kinlochbervie offers a mix of guesthouses and glamping accommodation, with prices ranging from £90 to £150 per night. The village is also home to a modern harbour and one of the largest fish-processing plants in the region. With no phone signal, no crowds and no distractions, Sandwood Bay offers a rare kind of coastal escape, just sea, sky, and the raw beauty of the Scottish wilderness.
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Spanish police probing murder of Scottish gangsters 'had clear image of suspect'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Police investigating the alleged murder of two Scottish gangsters at a bar in Spain had a suspect within hours, it has been claimed. Spanish police probing the double murder of Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr on Saturday, May 31, are said to have had a clear image of the shooter as he was captured on CCTV. The Glasgow pair were allegedly gunned down at Monaghan's bar in Fuengirola while watching the Champions League final in a bar packed with punters. The gunman reportedly got out a vehicle outside the bar before entering and opening fire, fatally wounding the duo. Lyons Jnr, 46, is understood to have been shot first, followed by Monaghan, 43. The Scottish Daily Express now reports how the shooter was supposedly caught on CCTV as he left the pub despite leaving within 25 seconds in what experts described as a "military-style killing." It is not yet known if the suspect was known to Spanish police or if they liaised with their counterparts back in the UK. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages One source told the Scottish Daily Express: "This was absolute dynamite for investigators. The fact his image was so clear provided them with a major breakthrough within a very short time. "It is apparent that they knew who they were looking for extremely quickly." Authorities in Fuengirola believe the killer was picked up a short distance from the crime scene and driven the 270-mile, three-hour trip across the border into Portugal. Once there, it is thought the man boarded a flight at Faro Airport back to the UK. On Friday, Merseyside Police detained a 44-year-old male on an international arrest warrant on behalf of the Spanish. Michael Riley was later transferred from Liverpool to London, where on Saturday morning, he appeared before Westminster Magistrates' in connection with the double killing. It is not yet known if the Liverpudlian will contest the application to return him to Spain. Within days of the murders Police Scotland issued a statement saying they were not in any way connected to the current ongoing gang war which has engulfed Scotland. Despite both victims being major players within the north Glasgow-based Lyons crime syndicate, the force said there was nothing to suggest the deaths have any link to the feud.
Edinburgh Live
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Lip reader spots King Charles discussing Prince Harry 'issue' with Queen Camilla
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info King Charles was overheard discussing a concern regarding Prince Harry with Queen Camilla during Trooping the Colour, according to a lip reader. As they rode in a carriage along The Mall, the royal couple greeted thousands of onlookers with smiles and waves. However, lip reader Nicola, on behalf of Fruity King, claims that the monarch, 76, and his wife, 77, were having a discreet discussion about an issue involving Harry. The exchange comes on the heels of Harry revealing to the BBC last month that the monarch refuses to communicate with him. According to Nicola, Charles instructed Camilla to "wave and smile so that we can keep talking" as they interacted with the crowd. Camilla then allegedly inquired: "Yes. What else did he want?" Charles responded: "He keeps dragging it all up, there seems to be another issue, right now." (Image: Chris Jackson, Getty Images) The lip reader asserted that the conversation was indeed centred around Prince Harry. Nicola also reported that Camilla asked her husband: "What are you going to do about it?". Charles replied: "We will tackle it sooner or later, it's all very messy and I will talk to Harry. That'll be fun." Camilla's alleged retort was: "Oh yes, problematic." Today's ceremony marks another year that Prince Harry has been absent from proceedings. The last time that the 40-year-old made an appearance at the event was in 2022. During another discussion between the King and Queen Camilla, lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the Scottish Daily Express that the King could be seen saying: "Absolutely crazy, disgrace, absolutely extraordinary." (Image: Getty Images) Later, the 76-year-old then reportedly said: "On my way out", before adding: "Meanwhile, not like me. That's the difference between me and him." While it is unclear as to exactly what or who King Charles was referring to, it comes amid an ongoing dispute between him and Prince Andrew about the future of the Royal Lodge. Despite the underlying tension, both King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared delighted at the event, an annual tradition commemorating the monarch's official birthday celebrations. Away from his discussions with Queen Camilla, the festivities passed without any noticeable hiccups, with King and Queen seen alongside their younger family members, including Prince William and Princess Kate, as well as their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Other members of the Royal Family present at the event included Princess Anne, Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward. The event wrapped up this afternoon with a magnificent flypast.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Real midsummer date confirmed as Scotland gears up for longest day of the year
Despite the dreich weather, midsummer is nearly here and by some counts, summer is already half over. It may come as a surprise to sun-starved Scots, but midsummer is just around the corner, even if it feels like summer hasn't quite got off the ground yet. With rain-soaked days and cool breezes more suited to October than June, it's been a sluggish start to the season. But despite the grey skies, by some traditional measures we are already nearing the halfway point of summer, Scottish Daily Express reports. Midsummer, often linked to ancient solstice celebrations, will fall this year on Tuesday, June 24. It typically lands a few days after the summer solstice itself, which in 2025 will occur at precisely 3.42am on Saturday, June 21. From that moment on, you're officially allowed to roll out the classic Scottish phrase: 'The nights are fair drawin' in.' Although we tend to think of summer as June, July and August, midsummer developed from much older traditions when the season was thought to begin with Beltane at the start of May. Stone circles scattered across Britain offer a lasting legacy of how deeply our ancestors revered this moment of the year, marking abundance, fertility and a sacred connection with the sun. While the solstice is often dubbed 'the longest day', it is in fact a single astronomical moment, the precise time when the Earth's tilt brings the northern hemisphere closest to the sun. What it does bring, however, is the longest stretch of daylight hours all year. Just how long that day lasts depends on where in the UK you are. Unsurprisingly, the further north you go, the more daylight you get. In Lerwick, Shetland, daylight on the solstice will last an extraordinary 18 hours, 55 minutes and 34 seconds. The sun will rise at 3.38am and won't dip below the horizon until 10.34pm. In Glasgow, the sun will make an appearance at 4.31am and set again at 10.06pm, delivering a daylight total of 17 hours, 35 minutes and four seconds. Over in Edinburgh, the day is fractionally longer at 17 hours, 36 minutes and 24 seconds thanks to a 4.26am sunrise and a 10.02pm sunset. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Further south, daylight begins to shrink. In Belfast, midsummer's day will last 17 hours, 16 minutes and 44 seconds, with the sun going down at 10.03pm. In Manchester, the total drops to 17 hours, one minute and 52 seconds, with sunset at 9.41pm. Londoners can expect the sun to rise at 4.43am and set at 9.21pm, clocking 16 hours, 38 minutes and 22 seconds of daylight. Meanwhile in Cardiff, daylight will last 16 hours, 38 minutes and 6 seconds, ending with a 9.33pm sunset. Right at the southernmost tip of mainland Britain, Land's End will have the shortest solstice day in the UK, 16 hours, 22 minutes and 53 seconds, with sunrise at 5.31am and sunset at 9.36pm. That's more than two-and-a-half hours less sunshine than Shetland. So, while you may not have broken out the BBQ just yet, the sun is certainly making its longest appearance. Whether summer decides to show up with it remains to be seen.
