Latest news with #WalterScott
Daily Record
3 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'.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Two Edinburgh restaurants win excellence awards at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2025
Two Edinburgh restaurants have been recognised with Awards of Excellence at this year's Afternoon Tea Awards. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The awards, which were held at Harrods in London, celebrate the 'best in afternoon tea service and creativity' with judging criteria covering the delicious selection of food, service, atmosphere, and overall experience. Twenty Princes Street, located inside Hotel Indigo Edinburgh, and One Square, located within the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Festival Square, both picked up awards for delivering 'the highest standards in afternoon tea service'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The two Edinburgh venues were the only Scotland businesses to pick up awards, with the majority of prizes going to London restaurants. Twenty Princes Street, located inside Hotel Indigo in Edinburgh was recognised with the Award of Excellence for the second year in a row | Hotel Indigo Twenty Princes Street in the city centre claimed the Award of Excellence for the second year in a row with judges praising the venue for its comfortable and ambient setting, its presentation and taste, and its fun and modern take on traditional afternoon tea. The annual awards are sponsored by and see a team of independent judges consider all aspects of afternoon tea experience, from making a booking, paying the bill, with a strong focus on the presentation and service. Twenty Princes Street was described as having an 'elegant and stunning setting that is sure to please even the most cosmopolitan of patrons with a seamless mix of traditional elegance and contemporary design.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The website added: 'Afternoon Tea is served in Twenty's stunning dining room, where literature comes to life in every bite. The menu features a delightful selection of sweet and savoury treats, that pay homage to literary classics; such as Tolkien's buttered scones, sandwiches inspired by Sir Walter Scott and Proust's petit madeleines to name a few.' NW One Square Brasserie was 'recognised for its relaxed yet sophisticated style and carefully crafted menus that champion the very best of Scotland'. The AfternoonTea website wrote: 'The dining space is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle' and features 'a playful Afternoon Tea inspired by the past four decades.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Leigh Ellis, director of sales and marketing at Hotel Indigo Princes Street said: 'We are thrilled to be recognised in the annual Afternoon Tea awards. We pride ourselves on providing our guests with an afternoon tea experience that can't be found anywhere else in Scotland, and being one of the only venues in the region awarded with an 'Award of Excellence' really cements our position and is a testament to the fantastic team at Twenty.' Keith Newton, managing director of added: 'I was delighted that our judges think that all our award winners offer good value for money. That value isn't just about the food on offer, but also the service and all the elements that go into making afternoon tea such a wonderful experience.'
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
After 50 years, is our comprehensive system still fit for purpose?
I have every sympathy for our schools. Staff and students are facing significant challenges – challenges aggravated by the demoralising effects of poverty punishing so many decent families. It is very much to the credit of our schools that they continue to have the positive support of parents and their local communities, conscious that they are trying their best in challenging circumstances. Things were so different when I started teaching in 1969. Yes, there were undoubted challenges but there was a sense of excitement that positive changes were on their way. In just a few short years, our old selective system with junior and senior high schools had changed to a national comprehensive system. New schools were being built; the school-leaving age was raised to 16 and a new system of examinations was introduced that was designed to offer national qualifications to students of all abilities. In addition, corporal punishment was abolished and supportive Guidance systems introduced. For young probationer teachers there was a network of invaluable support. Each secondary school was staffed with a team of subject principal teachers who really were the backbone of the school. They were the subject experts familiar with the curriculum and the various exam requirements; they offered encouragement to the members of their departments and used their experience to support the effective running of the school. The removal of these posts to save money was a serious mistake which has had a negative effect on academic results. In addition, the loss of these promoted posts has made teaching a less attractive career option for graduates. So what needs to be done? It seems that there is an administrative mindset at all levels of government that we don't need to look elsewhere for answers to our challenges. It's almost as though Johnny foreigner can't teach us anything. So for example, after over 50 years, is our comprehensive system still fit for purpose? Are there lessons to be learnt from different models of school organization? Our two grandchildren both attend their local schools in Japan. As grandparents my wife and I are impressed with what we have learnt about Japanese education. One feature that we should seriously consider is the emphasis in Japan on team work rather than here, where we still cling to the notion of child-centered education. Interestingly your education feature commented very positively on education in Finland ('Why Finland's real innovation is putting students first', May 17) Our son in Tokyo reports that there has been a recent visit from a team of Finnish educationalists to look specifically at the place of team work in Japanese schools. We really have to be honest rather than defensive when considering changes to our education system. Eric Melvin, Edinburgh. In defence of Sir Walter Scott Robin Dow's letter regarding Sir Walter Scott ('Great Scott? No, not really', June 11) needs a response. During the Covid period I decided to read all of Charles Dickens's novels. I thoroughly enjoyed this undertaking and revisited many well-loved characters. I then decided to do the same with Walter Scott's works, which are naturally very different in subject and style to Dickens. Having already read 10, I decided to go back to Waverley and to read the full opus in chronological order. Unlike Mr Dow, who says he has read many, I have now read the vast majority of the 27 works (only two to go!) so I think I have the right to esteem Scott. Also – unlike him, but like Rosemary Goring – I find Scott page-turning stuff. I find Mr Dow's comparison of other artistic figures somewhat unfortunate. For a start, Milton and Spenser lived in different centuries; Constable and Turner painted in different genres; and Handel was first and foremost an opera composer. Bach wrote none. Of course , personal taste along with some knowledge is the ultimate determinant. Linda Hoskins, Houston. Searching, sadly, sans success May I award Jody Harrison a gold medal for his most alliterative heading – 'Summer solstice sees searches spike for Scottish standing stones' (June 12)? I have, alas, failed in my search for a word beginning with 's' to replace Mr Harrison's 'for'. Something to concentrate the mind over my cornflakes. David Miller, Milngavie. Fuelling a debate over winter payment I have worked for the Department of Work and Pensions for 40 years, currently dealing with Pension Credit. I am paid the minimum wage of £12.21 per hour. I find it hard to understand why so many think that Paul McCartney, Baron Sugar, and indeed Brian Wilson ('A universal truth: not all pensioners deserve the winter fuel allowance. But U-turn is welcome', June 12) should get £200 every year in the winter fuel payment. Dougie Mac Nicol, Glasgow. Musk has blown his credibility Elon Musk has realised that he must be more careful with what he says, as his latest post admits: 'I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far.' Many people have regrets; some acknowledge them and a few do something about it beyond a cursory apology. The world's wealthiest man is attempting to restore his 'buddyship' with the world's most powerful man but it might be too late. It seems be a case of checking your parachute after you have jumped off a cliff: it's a bit too late. Musk has blown up his credibility and diminished his wealth while others are blowing up his Tesla vehicles. Oh well, he has about a dozen children that will take care of him in his dotage. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia.
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Steamship marks 125 years sailing on scenic Scottish loch
Departing with a long blast from the ship's steam whistle, the excited cheers of young voices marked the start of a weekend-long Steamboat Festival at Trossachs Pier. The festival is the centrepiece of a special anniversary year for the Steamship Sir Walter Scott, which was crowned Flagship of the Year 2025 by National Historic Ships UK in April. READ MORE: Historic steamship gears up for 125th anniversary celebration Historic ship begins 125th season on scenic Scottish loch SS Sir Walter Scott returns to Loch Katrine An actor portraying Sir Walter Scott joined the celebrations, honouring the poet whose 1810 masterpiece 'The Lady of the Lake' made him and Loch Katrine, where the poem is set, famous. Built in 1899 at Denny's Shipyard in Dumbarton on the Clyde, Steamship Sir Walter Scott was commissioned to replace the ageing and smaller Rob Roy steamer and help satisfy the huge demand for sailings from the large numbers of visitors flocking to the Trossachs. Tributes were also paid to Captain John MacKinnon, who steered the maiden voyage in 1900. A larger-than-life figure, Captain MacKinnon and his family played a defining role in the first half of the Steamer's life. He remained at the helm until his death, when his son Donald took over as captain. During both World Wars, John and Donald's daughters also cared for the ship. Highlights of this weekend's Steamboat Festival at Trossachs Pier include pirate-themed cruises aboard the Rob Roy Smuggler, complete with storytelling, face painting, and a treasure hunt, alongside a flotilla of classic and model steamboats sailing on the loch. There will also be live music, traditional games, appearances from costumed performers, local food and drink tastings, craft stalls, and fascinating heritage exhibitions. In a tribute to the vessel's enduring legacy, 125 local schoolchildren from local schools joined the cruise, recreating the historic maiden journey. (Image: Paul Saunders) James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of Steamship Sir Walter Scott said: "To see 125 schoolchildren aboard this morning's voyage, representing the future, on a vessel that has been sailing since their great-great-grandparents' time, was truly emotional. "This Steamer is more than a boat: she symbolises the Trossachs' unrivalled cultural heritage in Scotland. She was saved for the nation by incredible public support, and today she sails on, restored, celebrated, and loved. "As we mark 125 years, we do so with gratitude and pride. We invite everyone to join us at Loch Katrine this weekend to celebrate a remarkable past and a bright future for this Scottish treasure." The Steamboat Festival runs across the weekend, with Steamship Sir Walter Scott sailing three times a day in her anniversary year until October 26th.
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Scotsman
04-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
On reaching the third floor of the monument, you can feel the satisfaction of completing the climb, while taking in the beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and the National Gal
Footage shows the Scott Monument's Museum Room, which features four stained glass windows, along with the amazing panoramic views from the third floor of the monument. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... On previous visits to Edinburgh, climbing the famous Scott Monument was on my list of things to do, but was bumped off in favour of some of the more publicised activities in the city. However, when I eventually took the trip up the monument, the experience did not disappoint - offering unrivalled views of the Old Town and a chance to learn interesting nuggets of history from the knowledgeable and easy to listen to guides. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The construction of the Scott Monument George Meikle Kemp won a competition to design a monument to Sir Walter Scott following the Scottish writer's death in 1832 and construction of the monument began in 1840. The monument features 68 statues of characters from Sir Walter Scott's novels and Scottish poets , writers and royalty. Climbing the Scott Monument To reach the highest accessible platform on the monument, visitors have to walk up 287 steps, with stops on the way to take a break and explore. After paying our admission fee, we waited for the rest of our group to congregate, and made our way up the first set of the steps to the first floor and Museum Room. A view from the Scott Monument, with Edinburgh Castle visible in the background. | National World Here, we took a seat and rested our legs, while a guide talked us through who Walter Scott was, the construction of the monument and gave us an insight into more recent conversations around the monument, for example whether or not the stonework should be cleaned. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Museum Room has four incredible stained glass windows, and also holds artefacts such as a silver trowel presented by the then Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh to mark the laying of the monument's foundation stone. A view from the Scott Monument, with the Balmoral Hotel visible on the right. | National World After some time to walk around, and take in the view of the Old Town, we regrouped and walked up to the second floor. The platform on the second floor is quite small, however you can get a great birds-eye view of Edinburgh Waverley station - named after the Waverley Novels by Sir Walter Scott. On reaching the third floor of the monument, you can feel the satisfaction of completing the climb, while taking in the beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and the National Galleries of Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You can look along the entire one mile length of Princes Street, with the Balmoral Hotel clock tower visible to the east and, category A listed building, St John's Church to the west. How much does it cost to climb the Scott Monument? Tickets can be purchased from the Scott Monument kiosk on arrival. Prices are: adult - £9, child / concession - £7, family ticket - £26. What are the Scott Monument's opening times? The monument is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 3:30 pm (which is the last tour). It is closed daily for lunch from 12:30pm to 1:45pm. Have you got a video you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your footage will appear on our website.
