Latest news with #AberdeenAirport
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Scottish road trip through rugged terrain and picturesque coastline that rivals the NC500
The North East 250 is a quieter 250-mile Scottish road trip that rivals the famous NC500 with stunning scenery Scotland's famed North Coast 500 has long been a magnet for adventurers, drawing visitors from across the globe eager to tackle its 500-mile circuit of breathtaking Highland landscapes. But while it may dominate the headlines and bucket lists, another road trip is quietly making waves, offering a scenic, crowd-free alternative with just as much charm. Introducing the North East 250, a 250-mile circular route through some of Scotland's most captivating terrain. Since launching in 2017, it last year earned a place on Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel List, celebrated as one of the world's top 500 unmissable travel experiences. From the wild beauty of the Cairngorms and the windswept coastlines of the Moray Firth to the whisky-soaked glens of Speyside, the NE250 is a journey packed with wonder. The route begins in the Cairngorms National Park and loops around the northeast coast before curving back down through whisky country. It's ideal for cars, campervans and even bicycles, with popular stopovers in towns like Peterhead, Banff, Buckie, Aberlour and Ballater. Travellers can choose to start at three convenient locations: Glenshee, Aberdeen Airport or Ballindalloch. While not as well-known as the NC500, that's part of its appeal. The NE250 offers a quieter, more peaceful road trip without sacrificing the spectacular views or local flavour. As more tourists flock to the north, this lesser-known gem allows you to sidestep the crowds and still enjoy a truly Scottish adventure. When to go Scotland's weather can be unpredictable, but spring through autumn, roughly early April to late September, is the best time to explore the route. Winter is the only real exception, as snow can cause road closures in higher parts of the Cairngorms. How long does it take? The North East 250 can be completed in two to three days, but taking it slow over three to four days will allow time to soak up the scenery and make the most of its many stops. Highlights of the NE250 From towering peaks and ancient castles to whisky tastings and dolphin sightings, the route is packed with unforgettable moments. Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms Start with Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family's beloved Scottish retreat, and the nearby village of Ballater, a charming Victorian spa town brimming with character. Just a short distance away lies Crathie, home to Scotland's own pyramid, a unique granite memorial on the Balmoral Estate. Aberdeen and the Coast The northeast coast offers dramatic seascapes and hidden gems. Near Portknockie, Bow Fiddle Rock juts out of the water like a natural sculpture, a must-see for photographers and dolphin watchers alike. In Fraserburgh, the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses tells the story of over 200 beacons that have safeguarded Scotland's shores, while the haunting ruins of Slains Castle, said to have inspired Dracula's castle, stand dramatically on the clifftop near Cruden Bay. 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. Speyside As you reach Speyside, the whisky trail begins. Visit Ballindalloch Castle and Distillery, where you can admire stately architecture before sampling a dram next door. Glenfarclas Distillery, a family-run operation, is known for its rich traditions and detailed tours. Aberlour is another favourite, with its Walkers shortbread shop and the nearby Linn Falls, a picturesque waterfall tucked in the woods just a short walk from the village. At the Speyside Cooperage, visitors can witness the ancient craft of barrel-making firsthand, watching skilled coopers prepare casks destined for some of the world's finest whiskies. And don't miss Elgin Cathedral, a magnificent medieval ruin often referred to as the 'Lantern of the North.' Built in the 1200s, its soaring arches and intricate stonework are a poignant reminder of Scotland's ecclesiastical history.
The National
3 days ago
- The National
Electric bus service linking Aberdeen Airport and Inverness revealed
The route will start from either Inverness's Union Street or the Bridge of Don Park and Ride in Aberdeen, with tickets between the two cities costing £13.70. The service will stop at Aberdeen Airport, Blackburn, Kintore, Inverurie, Keith, Elgin and Nairn. READ MORE: Scottish travel firm puts 10 buses up for auction after closing 'out of the blue' Ember also announced plans to add more stops later this summer. Tickets must be pre-booked but can be purchased mere minutes in advance or within weeks. In a post to social media, Ember said: 'New route time…next up, Ember are launching the E7 route connecting Aberdeen to Inverness! 'We'll be launching the E7 on Thursday, June 5, with some key first stops on the route including Aberdeen Airport, Blackburn, Kintore, Inverurie, Keith, Elgin and Nairn. 'Many more stops will be added to a full timetabled route later on in the summer. 'We can't wait to extend Ember's services to so many new communities in the beautiful Highlands.' The earliest bus leaving Bridge of Don Park and Ride on a weekday departs at 4.04am, arriving at Inverness at 7.25am, with the latest bus leaving the Granite City at 6.04pm and arriving in Inverness at 9.28pm. Meanwhile, the earliest bus leaving Inverness Union Street on a weekday leaves at 8.35am and arrives at its final destination at 12.23pm, with the last bus leaving Inverness at 10.38pm, and arriving at the final stop at 1.40am.
Press and Journal
4 days ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
Ember announce new electric bus service between Aberdeen and Inverness
Bus firm Ember has announced a new electric bus route between Aberdeen and Inverness. The E7 service will launch on June 5, with tickets from the Granite City to the Highland Capital costing £13.70. The route will start both from Inverness's Union Street or at the Bridge of Don Park and Ride. And there will be convenient stops at Aberdeen Airport, Blackburn, Kintore, Inverurie, Keith, Elgin and Nairn along the way. Later in the summer, Ember say they are set to add more stops. Tickets must be pre-booked, whether it's weeks or even minutes before. The full route with stops can be found here. In a post to social media, Ember said: 'New route time…next up Ember are launching the E7 route connecting Aberdeen to Inverness! 'We'll be launching the E7 on Thursday June 5, with some key first stops on the route including Aberdeen Airport, Blackburn, Kintore, Inverurie, Keith, Elgin and Nairn. 'Many more stops will be added to a full timetabled route later on in the summer. 'We can't wait to extend Ember's services to so many new communities in the beautiful Highlands.' The earliest bus leaving Bridge of Don Park and Ride on a weekday departs at 4.04am, arriving at Inverness at 7.25am. The latest bus leaves at 6.04pm and arrives in Inverness at 9.28pm. Meanwhile, the earliest bus leaving Inverness Union Street on a weekday leaves at 8.35am and arrives at its final destination at 12.23pm. And the last bus leaves Inverness at 10.38pm, arriving at the final stop at 1.40am. Ember added that if you would like to be the first to try the route, tickets are now on sale. They are available on the Ember website. Ember was started in 2019 as the world's first all-electric intercity bus operator. The founders say: 'By using electric vehicles, we can reduce our impact on the planet while also offering a better customer experience. 'We're based in Edinburgh and have a local office in Dundee.'
Press and Journal
24-05-2025
- Press and Journal
'John was a hero and loved deeply by so many': Man named following fatal crash on Dyce Drive in Aberdeen
A man who died after being hit by a car on Dyce Drive in Aberdeen has been named as 34-year-old John Hutcheson from Oldmeldrum. The fatal crash happened around 10.45pm on Thursday 15 May and involved a black Citroen C1 and a pedestrian. Emergency services responded, but Mr Hutcheson was pronounced dead at the scene. Police Scotland has confirmed his identity and shared a statement from his family, who said they were 'heartbroken' by the loss. In a tribute released by his sisters Denise, Karis and Eileigh, they said: 'None of us have ever experienced this level of grief and devastation in our lives. Our hearts are broken and will never fully heal from a loss so significant. 'John was a loving son of Shelley and Eddie, a brother to Denise, Karis and Eileigh, a father of Leah and JJ and a friend to so many. 'John was a hero and loved deeply by so many. He was fiercely loyal and protective of the ones he loved dearly. 'His humour and energy was something that is unmatched, and we will continue to remember this in all of our hearts. 'As a family, we would like to thank everyone for their continuous support and thoughts at this devastating time. Please know this means so much to us.' Police have launched an investigation into the crash on Dyce Drive, a busy route near Aberdeen Airport. Sergeant Sarah Ritchie, of the North East Road Policing Unit, said: 'Our thoughts remain with John's family and friends at this difficult time. 'Our investigation is ongoing and I would like to thank everyone who has contacted us so far. 'Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to us should contact officers through 101, quoting reference number 4124 of 15 May 2025.' Officers are appealing for dashcam footage and eyewitness accounts from the time of the incident to help establish the full circumstances. Dyce Drive was closed for several hours following the crash to allow crash investigators to examine the scene.
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Scotsman
The best & worst airport hotels in Scotland, according to travellers
For those boarding flights in the early hours of the morning or landing late in the evening, spending the night in an airport hotel can help relieve some of the stress of travelling. Aircraft taking off into the sunset at Edinburgh Airport | Mark Howarth / Adobe Stock But there is nothing worse than ending up sleeping somewhere that isn't exactly as advertised, especially when it is accompanied by hours of travel, uncomfortable seats and buzzing airport terminals. After surveying more than 1,600 people, consumer champion Which? have found the best – and worst – airport hotels around the UK and Scotland. Covering accommodation close to Scottish airports including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, travellers ranked each hotel based on factors including customer service, cleanliness and value for money. Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: 'Staying in a hotel near the airport the night before an early flight can really ease the stress of travelling, and we found you don't need to pay a fortune to get a great stay. 'Both the properties and the price impressed customers at Premier Inn and Thistle, while guests and our undercover inspectors thought the Doubletree by Hilton was good value for money. We also found that some airport hotels offer on site parking that is cheaper than parking in the airport itself.' With a transfer time of 30 minutes or less, here are the best and worst airport hotels in Scotland. 1 . Doubletree by Hilton — Edinburgh Airport With an Edinburgh Airport location, the best overall airport hotel chain according to Which? is Doubletree by Hilton. Costing on average £147 a night, the hotel scored five stars for cleanliness, bed comfort and location, with a total score of 80%. | Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Premier Inn — Aberdeen Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport Premier Inn has the second best airport hotels in Scotland, with locations close to Aberdeen Airport, Edinburgh Airport, and Glasgow Airport. With an overall score of 79%, Premier Inn hotels earned five stars for their bed comfort and location, with an average price of £77 per night. | Google Maps Photo Sales 3 . Holiday Inn Express — Aberdeen Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport Holiday Inn Express airport hotels were also ranked highly, receiving a customer score of 76% in Which?'s survey. With airport hotels in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, the chain received mostly 4-stars across all categories – with the exception of food and drink. On average, a stay at a Holiday Inn Express airport hotel will cost you £151 per night. | Google Maps Photo Sales 4 . Crowne Plaza — Aberdeen Airport With a total score of 73%, Crowne Plaza – which has a location close to Aberdeen Airport – was ranked highly by visitors for its cleanliness, bedrooms, comfort, and location. On average, across all UK airport hotels, it cost £118 per night. | Google Maps Photo Sales Related topics: ScotlandHotelAirportsParkingPeople
