Tiny Scottish town that's home to two of the UK's best fish and chip shops
For lovers of fish and chips in Scotland, Stonehaven on the stunning Aberdeenshire coast is the ultimate destination. This town, known as the birthplace of the legendary battered Mars Bar, has secured its place in British culinary history.
Despite its modest population of just over 11,000, Stonehaven boasts four chip shops catering to locals, tourists, and day-trippers alike. Impressively, two of these were named among the UK's top 40 by the National Federation of Fish Friers, as reported by the Scottish Daily Express.
Redcloak Fish Bar and Carron Fish Bar both earned spots on the list, with customers praising the quality of their fare.
Redcloak, nestled away from the famous harbour, is famed for its particularly tasty fish, while the Carron claims to be the birthplace of the legendary deep-fried Mars bar, although it was known as Haven Chip Bar at the time, according to the Daily Record.
Google reviews suggest that the Carron shares the top spot in the town with Bay Fish and Chips, a firm local favourite that has collected more than 90 awards over the years. However, it is John Davie, the owner of the Carron, who is credited with first frying a Mars Bar there in 1992, reports the Express.
Even Meyden, the lesser-known chippie, boasts an impressive 4.2-star rating with numerous glowing five-star reviews.
Aberdeenshire is a haven for chip shops, boasting six of Scotland's top ten establishments as ranked by the National Federation, all nestled in or near Aberdeen.
Stonehaven isn't just famed for its excellent fish and chips. Its beach, a blend of sand and pebble, was honoured with a Keep Scotland Beautiful award earlier this year for its cleanliness, facilities, and accessibility.
The lively harbour invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll to burn off those extra calories, while the Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum on the waterfront provides a glimpse into the town's history.
Just a stone's throw away, the dramatic ruins of Dunnotter Castle perch atop a 160-foot rock, creating one of Scotland's most iconic views.
The cliffs surrounding Stonehaven are home to tens of thousands of seabirds, and the town becomes a hive of activity during the famous Stonehaven Fireballs event, which rings in the New Year with a fiery spectacle.
Located about 15 miles south of Aberdeen, Stonehaven can be reached by car from Glasgow or Edinburgh in roughly two and a half hours.
In other news, Scotland's favourite fish and chip shop was recently revealed in the eagerly awaited Deliveroo Restaurant Awards.
Sea Salt and Sole, with four outlets across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, in Dyce, Bridge of Don, Cove, and Ellon, scooped the title of Best Fish and Chips in Scotland 2025.
Famed for its use of fresh, locally caught fish and ingredients sourced from the surrounding area, Sea Salt and Sole has become a favourite among food enthusiasts thanks to its signature double-cooked chips that perfectly complement a variety of dishes. The menu is seasonally adjusted, with careful consideration given to every detail, from the type of potatoes used to the precise frying temperatures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
a minute ago
- Daily Record
Brits warned of 5 reasons their passport could be revoked this summer
The passport office can reject your application or even confiscate your current passport in certain circumstances. British travellers have been alerted to five situations where their passport application might be rejected. Furthermore, your current travel document could be revoked. A passport serves as an essential document that confirms your identity and nationality. While it's required for overseas travel, it can also function as proof of identity. Generally, requesting a passport is a simple procedure that can be completed either digitally or by mail. After submitting your passport application, it typically arrives within approximately three weeks. Nevertheless, particular circumstances may cause delays or completely stop you from obtaining a passport. The Government website states: "You can apply for a British passport if you have British nationality. "But there are some circumstances where your application can be refused or your existing passport can be retained." Yet, possessing British nationality doesn't guarantee you'll receive a passport. You're suspected of a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued A court order stops you having a UK passport or restricts your travel You're on bail and bail conditions mean you cannot leave the UK You've been brought back to the UK before at the government's expense and have not repaid what you owe You've received a European Union or United Nations order which restricts your travel A passport can also be cancelled or not renewed if it's for a child and there's a court order in place preventing the child from leaving the UK. adds: "Your eligibility and entitlement to a British passport will be considered when you apply. "Passports belong to the government and can be cancelled or withdrawn at any time." British nationality, in terms of a passport application, includes if you're a: British citizen British overseas territories citizen British overseas citizen British subject British national (overseas) British protected person How to apply To apply for a passport online, it costs £94.50. To apply with a paper form, it costs £107. You're a British national You're aged 16 or over (or will be in three weeks) You've never had a UK passport before You must also apply if your last UK passport was issued before 1 January 1994. You can use your child passport until it expires, even if you're over 18. An adult passport is valid for a decade. If your passport has expired or there isn't sufficient time left on it, you'll need to renew it before travelling. In the event of a lost or stolen passport, it's crucial to cancel it prior to applying for a replacement. If your passport is damaged, it must be replaced as it may not be accepted for travel. The HM Passport Office deems a passport as damaged if: You cannot read any of your details Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover The cover is coming away There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
Scotsman
3 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Inside the incredible Victorian time capsule home lovingly restored in Scotland
Jackie Sinclair and Dave Walker spent two years restoring Boloquoy on Sanday, Orkney, after discovering it had become a time capsule, from the 1880s. The family who had lived there had barely thrown anything away for two centuries. They found ancient rugs and furnishings, bird feathers, ancient clothes - and even unopened Christmas gifts from over a century ago. Jackie and Dave wanted to restore it "to show what life was like as a 19th century farmer on the edge of the world". The house, farm and water mill lie on the island's western coastline was owned and inhabited by the Fea family since 1762. The property was bought by Jackie and her husband Malcolm in 2013, but the former Boloquoy farmer and last member of the Fea family stayed in the farmhouse on a life tenancy until he left in 2023. The property then fell legally to Jackie and her family - even though she had never been in the house. The untouched historic items they unearthed in the property inspired them to preserve Boloquoy farm as a piece of island heritage, turning it into a museum and accommodation. Some of the items they discovered included an ancient Scottish ingrain rug, one of the first ever made in the late 1700s, as well as 18th and 19th century furnishings and clothes. Jackie said: "It is a frugal life living on an island farm - you couldn't just order something from Amazon, and it would arrive a few days later. "People kept everything just in case: it was common to fashion something new out of old things. "Inside the property, we were shocked to find out that the family had kept everything. "They had kept feathers from birds, had shredded all their old clothing to make rag-rugs, and they had taken the thread out of old clothing and threaded it into old bobbins. "None of their possessions had been thrown out either: everyone who had ever died, their entire belongings were put into a chest and then a barn. So, there were about eight to nine chests - which were a collection of peoples' lives. "They had done the same in the workshop, which contained the screws from everything the family had ever scrapped - all bundled up and kept for reusing. "There was so much history and heritage that we needed to preserve it as island heritage.' The pair decided to reset Boloquoy farmhouse to its original period state, using all its original contents. She said: "I knew if we could do this, then we could let people experience staying in it, as well as use the property as a local heritage resource and an immersive historical experience, and raise funds to preserve the mill on the site." Jackie loves buying and restoring properties with her business partner Dave, who is a keen interior designer. Together, they have purchased four holiday lets on Orkney, and have done them up in different styles, such as a mid-century theme and another with a heritage style. The pair knew this Boloquoy property was special, which is why they invested a year to "pull the derelict house apart" and another year to "put it back together". When they were renovating the house, Jackie said they found items which made her "burst with excitement". She said: "We found the most remarkable things. "In one of the bedrooms, when we were gutting them out, we found a piece of 1970s linoleum, then Edwardian linoleum and a piece of Victorian oilcloth. "These were samples of historic floor coverings. I found a layer on the bottom - which was a mushy brown thing that I later shoved in the washing machine, and when I pulled it out, I couldn't believe it - it was a yard-wide woven piece of woolen fabric with a beautiful Celtic knot design on it. "When we investigated further, we discovered that it was an ancient Scottish ingrain rug - one of the first carpets ever made in the late 1700s or early 1800s." The pair tried to restore as many of the items as they could, but some were unsavable - such as some of the original furniture which was ridden with woodworm. Local residents have also donated some of their old contents to help "fill in gaps". Jackie and Dave have now entirely gutted out the property - with the aim to transport their guests and visitors "to a bygone era". Guests can sleep in original Victorian beds, including a traditional Orcadian box bed, and be surrounded by authentic furnishings and décor meticulously recreating the original patterns and colors. Beyond the house itself, the farm is home to restored barns housing historic farm implements beneath traditional turf roofs, and heritage breeds of livestock, vegetables and crops. The nearby mill pond habit has also been revitalised in partnership with RSPB Scotland and now supports a greater diversity of waders and coastal birds. Future plans include bringing the unique water mill itself back to life. Jackie and Dave have said they have been getting 'brilliant feedback' on their renovation from professional historians, and Orkney museum want to work with them too. Jackie said this whole experience has taught her a valuable life lesson in sustainable living. She added: "It has changed the way I live my life. "I don't order stuff from amazon anymore - I use materials that are solid and that I can keep for years.' 1 . Time capsule home Two friends have transformed a remote farm into an authentic 19th century home Photo: SWNS Photo Sales 2 . Time capsule home They discovered the family who had lived there - one of the remotest farms in Britain - had barely thrown anything away for two centuries. Photo: SWNS Photo Sales 3 . Time capsule home Jackie and Dave spent two years restoring the old farm on The Orkney Islands Photo: SWNS Photo Sales 4 . Time capsule home Detail inside the home Photo: SWNS Photo Sales Related topics: ScotlandVictorianOrkneyPeople
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Friends transform remote Scots farm after finding 200 years of contents
Jackie Sinclair and Dave Walker spent two years restoring Boloquoy on Sanday, Orkney, after discovering it had become a time capsule, from the 1880s. Two friends have transformed one of Britain's most remote farms into an authentic 19th century hom e - after its owners left behind 200 years of contents. Jackie Sinclair and Dave Walker spent two years restoring Boloquoy on Sanday, Orkney, after discovering it had become a time capsule, from the 1880s. The family who had lived there had barely thrown anything away for two centuries. They found ancient rugs and furnishings, bird feathers, ancient clothes - and even unopened Christmas gifts from over a century ago. Jackie and Dave wanted to restore it "to show what life was like as a 19th century farmer on the edge of the world". The house, farm and water mill lie on the island's western coastline was owned and inhabited by the Fea family since 1762. The property was bought by Jackie and her husband Malcolm in 2013, but the former Boloquoy farmer and last member of the Fea family stayed in the farmhouse on a life tenancy until he left in 2023. The property then fell legally to Jackie and her family - even though she had never been in the house. The untouched historic items they unearthed in the property inspired them to preserve Boloquoy farm as a piece of island heritage, turning it into a museum and accommodation. Some of the items they discovered included an ancient Scottish ingrain rug, one of the first ever made in the late 1700s, as well as 18th and 19th century furnishings and clothes. Jackie said: "It is a frugal life living on an island farm - you couldn't just order something from Amazon, and it would arrive a few days later! "People kept everything just in case: it was common to fashion something new out of old things. "Inside the property, we were shocked to find out that the family had kept everything. "They had kept feathers from birds, had shredded all their old clothing to make rag-rugs, and they had taken the thread out of old clothing and threaded it into old bobbins. "None of their possessions had been thrown out either: everyone who had ever died, their entire belongings were put into a chest and then a barn. So, there were about eight to nine chests - which were a collection of peoples' lives. "They had done the same in the workshop, which contained the screws from everything the family had ever scrapped - all bundled up and kept for reusing. "There was so much history and heritage that we needed to preserve it as island heritage. "It is a listed farms - and one of the last traditional farms with all its innards intact. We had to work out a way of restoring it!" The pair decided to reset Boloquoy farmhouse to its original period state, using all its original contents. She said: "I knew if we could do this, then we could let people experience staying in it, as well as use the property as a local heritage resource and an immersive historical experience, and raise funds to preserve the mill on the site." Jackie loves buying and restoring properties with her business partner Dave, who is a keen interior designer. Together, they have purchased four holiday lets on Orkney, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland, and have done them up in different styles, such as a mid-century theme and another with a heritage style. The pair knew this Boloquoy property was special, which is why they invested a year to "pull the derelict house apart" and another year to "put it back together". When they were renovating the house, Jackie said they found items which made her "burst with excitement". She said: "We found the most remarkable things. "In one of the bedrooms, when we were gutting them out, we found a piece of 1970s linoleum, then Edwardian linoleum and a piece of Victorian oilcloth. "These were samples of historic floor coverings. I found a layer on the bottom - which was a mushy brown thing that I later shoved in the washing machine, and when I pulled it out, I couldn't believe it - it was a yard-wide woven piece of woolen fabric with a beautiful Celtic knot design on it. "When we investigated further, we discovered that it was an ancient Scottish ingrain rug - one of the first carpets ever made in the late 1700s or early 1800s." The pair tried to restore as many of the items as they could, but some were unsavable - such as some of the original furniture which was ridden with woodworm. Local residents have also donated some of their old contents to help "fill in gaps". Jackie and Dave have now entirely gutted out the property - with the aim to transport their guests and visitors "to a bygone era". Guests can sleep in original Victorian beds, including a traditional Orcadian box bed, and be surrounded by authentic furnishings and d cor meticulously recreating the original patterns and colors. Beyond the house itself, the farm is home to restored barns housing historic farm implements beneath traditional turf roofs, and heritage breeds of livestock, vegetables and crops. The nearby mill pond habit has also been revitalised in partnership with RSPB Scotland and now supports a greater diversity of waders and coastal birds. Future plans include bringing the highly unique water mill itself back to life. Jackie and Dave have said they have been getting 'brilliant feedback' on their renovation from professional historians, and Orkney museum want to work with them too. 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. Jackie said this whole experience has taught her a valuable life lesson in sustainable living. She added: "It has changed the way I live my life. "I don't order stuff from amazon anymore - I use materials that are solid and that I can keep for years. "It is a great lesson in how to live." Boloquoy Victorian Farmhouse and Mill is now open and welcoming visitors for tours and afternoon teas, and will be welcoming its first residential guests for a unique and deeply immersive experience in 2026. The story of Boloquoy, its history and its subsequent restoration feature in a new documentary film. The Sinclairs aim to make Boloquoy farmhouse a trust. They declined to reveal how much it cost to buy the farm or renovate it. The family are active farmers on the island who built up their farm business by buying smaller, neighbouring farms over time. The island of Sanday in Orkney is known for its Neolithic houses and, a recently-discovered 16th century shipwreck and whale strandings.
