The stunning Scottish beach with cosy pub by the sand perfect for family day out
So far, June hasn't quite been the sunny start to summer we had hoped for. While there have been sunny days here and there, it is fair to say the season has been predictably changeable.
However, as we previously reported, hot and sunny weather may soon be on the way. With temperatures upwards of 20 degrees expected in some parts of the country, now is a great time to plan a beach trip.
Scotland has a seemingly endless list of scenic bays worth a visit, with the Daily Record previously rounding up some of the most beautiful in the country. One beach that is perfect for a summer day out is Elie Beach in Fife.
Situated in the picturesque seaside destination of Elie, the beach is found near the town's beautiful harbour. At low tide, it joins up with the adjacent Earlsferry Beach to form almost a mile of sand.
Whether you are headed to the beach with family or friends, you can easily while away a whole day sunbathing and paddling. It is also an RNLI lifeguarded beach, while facilities include toilets, first aid, disabled access, and parking.
Thanks to its sheltered location, Elie Beach is also a great destination for watersports. You can even rent out equipment and take part in activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Meanwhile, just a short walk from the beach is the popular and award-winning Ship Inn. Famous for its unique location and incredible views looking out over the bay, it is the perfect place to head for some food and drink after an afternoon on the beach.
Continue reading for some images of Elie Beach and The Ship Inn. For further travel inspiration, find some of the Daily Record's past Walks of the Week below:
The perfect Scottish Father's Day hike that ends at inn with delicious Sunday roast
The secret Scottish beach that was named 'best for dreamy holiday'
The serene secret garden tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh's bustling city centre
The little known Scottish beach that is 'jewel in the crown of secret coast'
The perfect Scottish beach near 'best fish and chips in the world'
The hidden gem loch just outside Glasgow near 'best fish and chips in Scotland'
More On
Fife
Discover Scotland
Walking and climbing
Food
Pubs, bars and nightclubs
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
UK holidaymakers warned of hefty £1,000 fine for collecting certain souvenirs
Experts advise against taking home a pebble, seashell, or even a handful of sand from a UK beach. With the summer holiday season fully underway, millions of Brits will be enjoying some well-earned rest, both in the UK and abroad. However, experts are keen to warn travellers of an innocent beach tradition which could land them in trouble. Scotland has been engulfed in hot temperatures and humid heat this week, meaning many families will be heading straight for the nearest beach to enjoy some sun, sea and sand, but did you know that taking some cute seashells and pebbles home from the beach could land you with a hefty fine up to £1000 What seems like an innocent keepsake, whether a handful of sand or a pretty seashell, could actually carry serious consequences. Visitors naturally instinctively scour and collect souvenirs from the shore, such as a pebble picked up along the coastline, a scoop of soft sand, or a pretty shell found by the water's edge. But taking these treasures home could violate environmental protection laws, and if caught, potentially lead to fines of up to £1,000, confiscation, and, in rare instances, prosecution. Under the Coast Protection Act 1949, it is illegal to remove natural materials from Britain's coastline. The legislation applies to shells, stones, driftwood, and other items commonly found on the shore. Ultimately, it exists to protect fragile habitats and prevent long-term erosion. Neil Atkinson, travel expert and owner of Luxury Group Stay, said: "The UK's coastline remains one of our most cherished national assets, drawing an increasing number of visitors opting for staycations close to a beach this summer. 'It's essential that holidaymakers understand how even small actions can have a significant impact. From many perspectives, taking shells or pebbles comes across as a harmless token to represent your trip, but these natural elements are vital for preserving our beaches and supporting local wildlife. "There's a surge in staycations, especially to seaside spots, so respecting regulations is hugely important to safeguard these stunning environments for years to come. The threat of fines reflects the need for responsible tourism and sustainable enjoyment of our coastlines." 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. In a recent reminder, Cumberland Council has warned visitors and residents alike to leave pebbles, shells, and sand on beaches or face fines up to £1,000 in line with the Coast Protection Act 1949. This warning highlights increasing concerns over the impact of souvenir collecting on fragile coastal environments. These materials are a vital part of the ecosystem. Empty shells often become homes for marine creatures such as hermit crabs, while pebbles and driftwood contribute to the natural defence of the coastline against the sea. Removing them on a large scale, even unintentionally, can damage biodiversity and undermine coastal stability.
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
The UK's £12 train journey where you can see polar bears from your seat
It's no secret that there are some pretty scenic train routes around the UK, showcasing everything from rugged Scottish countryside to the stunning Cornish coast. But did you know there's also a journey where you can see polar bears roaming about or taking a dip? No, we haven't lost our marbles. There really are polar bears in the UK and there are four that you can catch a glimpse of from behind train windows. To be in with a chance of seeing one, you'll want to head to London Liverpool Street and hop on a Greater Anglia train heading to Norwich. Or, if you're in Norfolk, you'll do the journey in reverse and take the train to London. There are several stops along the way, but it's specifically between Manningtree and Ipswich when you'll want to keep your eyes peeled. That's because the giant carnivores can be found at Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, just a few miles outside of Ipswich. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Their enclosure backs on to the main train line, giving passengers a prime viewing spot when the furry creatures are out and about. Owned and run by farmer and TV presenter, Jimmy Doherty, the park also doubles as Europe's largest polar bear reserve – although the 50-year-old claims he never planned to have these kinds of animals in his care. In 2022, Orsa Predator Park in Sweden closed and its unsold animals were at risk of being put to sleep, including a polar bear named Ewa. With alopecia and a broken claw, Ewa wasn't able to be released back into the wild, which is when Jimmy stepped in. He borrowed money from the bank to build an enclosure with a saltwater dipping pool plus two other lakes, two dens, a large natural woodland area and a state-of-the-art ventilated house and the bear was shipped from Sweden to Suffolk. Since then, she's been joined by Hope, who had also been at the Orsa Predator Park, as well as two other polar bears, Flocke and Tala who came from the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and are part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The London to Norwich train line is taken by numerous commuters each day, so for many the Polar Bears will be a familiar site, but for others, they'll be pretty unexpected. In a recent TikTok video @bradleyt_28 proclaimed the bears the 'best part' of the train journey and his clip of them quickly went viral, garnering over 819,000 views and more than 67,000 likes. In the comments people were baffled, with @saffarindia asking: 'What da hell is a polar bear doing in Ipswich, England?' Similarly, @alexlcfc02 posted: 'Why do we have polar bears in 17 degree England?' Others confessed they thought they'd been 'hallucinating' the first time they saw the bears, as @mythshroom7 wrote: 'Okay listen this is my Roman Empire. I told my friends I saw polar bears and nobody believed me for months. When they finally saw them I felt so good you don't understand.' For those curious as to how the Arctic bears manage without the snow and ice, Jimmy's Farm website states that summer temperatures in parts of the tundra reach highs of 26C and most bears 'do not reside on the ice throughout the year'. They add that the temperatures in Hudson Bay (polar bear country) can also get higher than those in Suffolk. More Trending The bears at the farm are able to regulate their temperature by going into the shaded woodland and swimming in the deep pool. In addition to polar bears, Jimmy's Farm is also home to arctic foxes, arctic wolves, brown bears, lemurs, zebra, raccoons, capybara and anteaters, among others. Those tempted to go polar bear spotting can take the London to Norwich train, with prices starting from £12 and the full journey along the line takes roughly an hour and 50 minutes, although their are fast 90 minute trains. This story was first published on July 29, 2025. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'Charming' city in Spain is a lesser-known gem with £40 flights and 'hardly any tourists' MORE: I've been to 9 Italian cities, but there's only one I keep going back to MORE: Move over Maldives – this genuine hidden gem is cheaper and closer to UK
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
£3m rescue deal saves historic George Hotel in Inveraray following administration
Administrators overseeing the sale of the historic 24-room Scottish boutique hotel have sold the hotel business, its contents and a residential dwelling to a duo of experienced hotel operators, Charlie Maclachlan and Sam Wignell of Fyne Hospitality, for £3.05m in a deal that will save up to 43 jobs in Inveraray. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... Kevin Mapstone and Kenny Craig of Begbies Traynor were appointed as joint administrators of the Inveraray Inn Ltd, which trades as the George Hotel, on 28 March this year. Thomas McKay, a Partner at Begbies Traynor, supervised operations at the hotel, trading the business during Administration, whilst a buyer was sought to save the award-winning venue, which employs 43 full and part-time staff. The George Hotel is situated on a one-acre site on the western shore of Loch Fyne and has won numerous accolades for its hotel services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The George Hotel is more than just a building, it's the beating heart of Inveraray, steeped in character and beloved by locals and visitors alike. With deep personal ties to the area and decades of combined experience in hospitality, we're incredibly proud to take stewardship of this iconic institution,' said co-owner Charlie Maclachlan. George Hotel, Inveraray 'Our vision is simple. Preserve the heritage, elevate the experience, and ensure The George remains a celebrated destination for generations to come. From its award-winning food, and vibrant pub atmosphere to its historic rooms and unbeatable setting on Loch Fyne, The George has all the ingredients of a world-class hotel,' added business partner Sam Wignell. Thomas McKay, a Partner at Begbies Traynor said: 'Our team successfully traded the hotel business, whilst our appointed agents delivered a marketing campaign which generated 51 interested parties across the UK in recent months. After considerable negotiation, Fyne Hospitality were the successful bid and progressed swiftly through the due diligence phase, demonstrating their ability to complete the transaction within the required timescales. 'We want to thank the Clark family, who owned the hotel for seven generations, for their integrity throughout and their contribution not only to Inveraray, but their openness and help with a challenging trading and sale process. We are also grateful to the customers and local community for their fantastic support and their loyalty to the venue over the last few months, and of course to the George Hotel staff for their ongoing hard work during the process of administration and the uncertainty that brings.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr McKay added: 'Both Charlie and Sam saved a seventh-generation business, a 165-year-old family hotel that is a major contributor to the local and regional economy and we are confident they will enjoy great success in the future. This deal opens a new chapter for the George Hotel as a historic venue, providing the best possible outcome in challenging circumstances and saving all jobs in the process.'' (L-r) Charlie Maclachlan, Thomas McKay, Partner, Begbies Traynor and Sam Wignell
