logo
The Scottish 'whisky capital' with distilleries perfect for Father's Day visit

The Scottish 'whisky capital' with distilleries perfect for Father's Day visit

Daily Record11-06-2025
Sunday, June 15 marks Father's Day. The annual holiday is dedicated to dads and father figures throughout society.
Many people choose to take the opportunity to gift their dad a present. The Daily Record previously rounded up some of the best whiskies for a Father's Day gift.
However, if you really want this Father's Day to be special, you can go one step further. The Daily Record's latest Town of the Week is the Moray burgh of Dufftown, which is known as the 'malt whisky capital'.
Dufftown earned the nickname thanks to the presence of multiple iconic distilleries in the surrounding area. The town has a long history with Scotland's national drink, and to this day is among the top whisky-producing destinations in the country.
Out of the many distilleries around Dufftown, Balvenie is a definite must-visit for whisky lovers. Dating back to the late 19th century, the historic distillery's whisky has earned countless fans all over the world.
Visitors can step inside Balvenie's doors and discover how its whisky is made through detailed 2.5-hour tours. These allow enthusiasts to meet and speak with the distillery's whisky-makers and take part in an intimate group tasting.
Another distillery that definitely is not to be missed while in Dufftown is Glenfiddich. The legendary distillery's name comes from the Scottish Gaelic 'Gleann Fhiodhaich', which means 'valley of the deer'—referenced in its iconic stag logo.
Like Balvenie, Glenfiddich offers tours that let visitors see up close how the distillery's globally renowned whisky is produced—and take part in a tasting of several single malts. There are a number of different tours available, starting at 90 minutes and going up to four hours.
It isn't just whisky that Dufftown has to offer. It is also a great place for history buffs, with the ruined Balvenie Castle having origins all the way back in the 13th century.
Meanwhile, when it comes to food, the Whisky Capital Inn is a great choice. Its restaurant serves a wide range of pub classics in a laid-back environment, while its whisky bar is home to a collection of more than 300 whiskies.
Read on for some images showing why Dufftown is a great pick for a Father's Day day out. For more travel inspiration, find some of our previous Towns and Villages of the Week below:
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Five of Edinburgh's best walks to 'escape the crowds' this Fringe Festival
Five of Edinburgh's best walks to 'escape the crowds' this Fringe Festival

Daily Record

time08-08-2025

  • Daily Record

Five of Edinburgh's best walks to 'escape the crowds' this Fringe Festival

We've rounded up some perfect strolls to clear your head. The best walks in Edinburgh "to escape the crowds" during the Fringe Festival have been named. Five hikes and beauty spots in and around the bustling Scottish capital were singled out. With the Edinburgh Fringe well underway, many locals and visitors alike will be starting to become overwhelmed with all of the crowds and chaos. The Daily Record recently wrote about a secret garden in Edinburgh ideal for anybody looking to clear their head. Now, walking experts at AllTrails have shared a list of the top walks around the city for some peace and quiet. Known for its iconic landscapes and easily accessible green spaces, Edinburgh offers a range of routes perfect for recharging between shows. AllTrails UK Country Manager Gareth Mills commented: "In a place like Edinburgh, where you can explore a major city and so quickly enjoy views from the top of an extinct volcano, you've got to make time for a good walk. The city will be buzzing with performers and visitors, so these trails offer a perfect way to recharge while continuing the fun." Chief Medical Advisor at AllTrails, Dr Hackenmiller, added: "A walk through a green space can be a great way to take care of yourself. "Being in nature, even for a short walk, can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and boost mood. Those benefits can be especially useful in times when sensory stimulation is high, like at an event with crowds." Read on for the full list of the five best "walks to escape the crowds during Fringe". More information can be found on the AllTrails website. 1. Arthur's Seat Edinburgh's legendary extinct volcano is unsurprisingly a local favourite, and among AllTrails' most popular walks in the whole of the UK. The route offers panoramic city views, while the climb itself is moderately challenging. The summit is 251 metres high and is quite rocky and wild. Despite its central location in Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat feels like a proper getaway from the noise. 2. Hermitage of Braid Circular This is a circular route that will guide you through the idyllic forest of the Hermitage of Braid. Once the home of the de Brad family, the stunning estate was sold in the 18th century. In the years since, it has had a number of different owners. In 1937, the estate was gifted to the city to be used as a public park. 3. River Almond Walkway This there-and-back walk starts at Cramond Beach and will lead you along the shore before joining the riverside path along the Almond—passing historic sites and turning at the scenic Cramond Brig. Once you have returned to the beach, you can head out over the tidal causeway to Cramond Island. 4. Torduff Reservoir and Maiden's Cleugh Circular This gorgeous circular hike includes sights such as the Torduff Reservoir, the Clubbiedean Reservoir, Maiden's Cleugh, Phantom's Cleugh, and the Bonaly Reservoir. Unsurprisingly, it offers a huge variety of terrain to explore—with everything from woodlands to open fields and rolling hills. 5. Queen's Drive around Holyrood Park Finally, this route takes in Queen's Drive as it loops around the famous Holyrood Park. It offers lovely views of Edinburgh as you make your way around. The walk is mostly flat, and suitable for a large range of ages and fitness levels. Additionally, there are a number of extra paths for those looking to shorten or lengthen their hike.

The 'Scottish island' in Canada where most residents are Scots and people speak Gaelic
The 'Scottish island' in Canada where most residents are Scots and people speak Gaelic

Daily Record

time04-08-2025

  • Daily Record

The 'Scottish island' in Canada where most residents are Scots and people speak Gaelic

It has a fascinating history dating back hundreds of years. All over the world, there are people who have roots in Scotland. There are even some settlements in far-off countries that celebrate their Scottish heritage thanks to our huge diaspora. ‌ As recently reported by the Daily Record, there is a village in Italy that has a fascinating history. The residents of Gurro, which is nestled within the mountainous region of Piedmont, descended from a group of Scottish soldiers. ‌ However, there are many places even further afield that have amazing ties to Scotland. One of these is Prince Edward Island in Canada. ‌ Prince Edward Island is among eastern Canada's maritime provinces. It is located off New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (New Scotland), within the Gulf of St Lawrence. According to the Prince Edward Island website, the history of the island is "like a rope made of intertwined strands"—with many different cultures represented. One of these is Scotland, with the island having a strong and enduring Scottish heritage. Prince Edward Island is among Canada's oldest settled areas, with its population reflecting the origins of its early settlers. Hundreds of years ago, there was a large influx of Scots to the island. ‌ That resulted in the isle having the biggest proportion of Scottish immigrants in Canada—while today people of Scottish descent make up its largest ethnic group. As a result, Prince Edward Island became known for its thriving Scottish culture. Most of its Scottish population originated from the Highlands, with the settlers finding the island's terrain well suited to their Highland agricultural techniques. ‌ According to history website Electric Scotland, the settlers chopped down trees and planted potatoes amongst the stumps. They also allowed their cattle to graze all over the land. Prince Edward Island is even home to a number of Gaelic speakers. According to a tourism expert on the Prince Edward Island website, it has even been taught in some local schools. ‌ They wrote: "The latest information I could find states that 15 people were claiming Scottish Gaelic as their mother tongue in the 2016 census. In the 2011 census, there were only 10, with over 90 claiming to speak a Gaelic language. "Gaelic has been offered as part of some high school curricula in the past in Prince Edward Island and there is a Gaelic College in our neighbouring province of Nova Scotia." ‌ Today, the island is home to a heritage centre where visitors can learn all about its one-of-a-kind history. The Selkirk Scottish Heritage Centre is comprised of the Acadian Cemetery, The Croft House Museum, the historic Belle River Church of Scotland, and the Honourable J Angus MacLean memorial cairn. The replica Croft House is an information museum of Scottish heritage in the Big Belfast area of the island. Its roots date back to Lord Selkirk V and his 800 settlers who landed on Prince Edward Island in 1803. The museum is home to guides who can tell stories and explain genealogical records and artefacts. Meanwhile, it even hosts a ceilidh in June. ‌ Visitors can also visit its Scottish gift shop, which stocks jewellery and clan and tartan items. Also available are Scots dictionaries, maps, and a variety of books about Scotland and its history. In Scottish Gaelic, Prince Edward Island is 'Eilean a' Phrionnsa'. This translates to 'the Island of the Prince'.

Scotland's 'pickpocket capital' named as busy tourist trap tops list
Scotland's 'pickpocket capital' named as busy tourist trap tops list

Daily Record

time29-07-2025

  • Daily Record

Scotland's 'pickpocket capital' named as busy tourist trap tops list

Two cities in the country have been named the worst for pickpocketing. Scotland's"most pickpocketed" cities have been revealed, with one also named the second worst for pickpocketing in the UK after London. With the summer holidays in full swing and staycations on the rise, it is important that Scots are careful when out and about. If you are not mindful, it is easy to fall foul of light-fingered thieves and lose your valuables. On Tuesday, July 29, Ripe Valuables Insurance revealed the UK's top pickpocket hotspots. London dominates the national pickpocket rankings, but two Scottish cities appear on the list of hotspots outside of the English capital. Ranking as the number one pickpocket destination outside of London in the UK is Edinburgh. In particular, the Royal Mile was singled out as a hotspot for theft. The Royal Mile is the name given to the historic collection of streets that form the primary thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town. Dating back hundreds of years, it is a popular place to visit among tourists. The Daily Record previously reported that the Royal Mile is the "worst tourist trap" in Scotland. The historic destination is home to more than 70 shops, many of which are specifically catered to holidaymakers. Elsewhere, Glasgow placed at number five on the list of the UK pickpocket hotspots outside of London. The city's Buchanan Street was named as a particularly common destination for pickpocketing. Buchanan Street is one of the biggest and most famous shopping thoroughfares in Scotland's biggest city. Forming the central stretch of Glasgow's shopping district, it is home to many big-name brands and chains. Elsewhere, Market Street in Manchester came in at number two on Ripe Valuables' list. Rounding out the top five are The Lanes and Brighton Palace Pier—both in Brighton. To put together their roundup, the experts investigated thousands of Tripadvisor reviews. They compiled reviews that mentioned the word 'pickpocket' across tourist attractions nationwide. CEO of Ripe Valuables Insurance Alan Thomas commented: "We conducted this research to help travellers stay safe while enjoying the UK's attractions. "Whether you're visiting a museum, shopping district or historic landmark, protecting your valuables should be top of mind." The experts also shared a number of tips to help keep valuables safe when visiting Scotland's biggest cities. According to Ripe Valuables, holidaymakers should use anti-theft bags or backpacks, not flash expensive items, and avoid keeping everything in one place. See below for the full list of the UK pickpocket hotspots outside of London. UK pickpocket hotspots outside of London Royal Mile, Edinburgh Market Street, Manchester The Lanes, Brighton Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Buchanan Street, Glasgow Shambles, York Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store