Latest news with #BridgeOvertheAtlantic
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Daily Record
Stunning photos show Scots 'Bridge over the Atlantic' covered in rare flowers
The rare fairy foxgloves bloom naturally in only a few Scottish locations for a short time each May. A Scots snapper has captured stunning photos of a bridge adorned with a rare display of purple flowers, drawing widespread admiration online. Photographer Colin Mackie visited the Clachan Bridge on Seil Island, off the Argyll coast, in 2023 to document the breathtaking sight. Known locally as the 'Bridge over the Atlantic' due to its crossing over the Clachan Sound, which links the Atlantic Ocean at both ends, the 18th-century masonry bridge was covered in swathes of delicate purple blooms. Colin identified the flowers as the rare fairy foxglove, which only bloom naturally in a handful of places in Scotland for a few brief weeks each May. Sharing his photos on Facebook, he wrote: "Rare things. The one and only 'Bridge Over the Atlantic'. Clachan Bridge, Seil Island, looking so good with its annual display of the rare fairy foxglove. The bridge is one of the few places in Scotland where it grows naturally every May for a few short weeks." The post quickly gained over 2,000 likes and more than 160 comments, with many people praising the images and the natural beauty of the bridge. One viewer shared: "Drove over it in an 18-tonne lorry for work yesterday and it looks just as beautiful in your pics as it does with my own eyes." Another added: "Saw this for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Just magnificent - and excellent pictures." Other comments reflecting the widespread appreciation for the enchanting floral display, with someone else saying: "So pretty, wonderful share," and another adding: "Just beautiful,"
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Daily Record
Scotland's top four 'hidden coastal gems' named ahead of summer
The picturesque seaside villages are dotted all over the country. Scotland's top "hidden coastal gems" have been named. Four secluded seaside destinations have been singled out on a new expert list. With summer just around the corner, people across Scotland and beyond will be on the hunt for scenic staycation destinations. If you are wanting to avoid the crowds, there are little-known coastal villages dotted around the country worth a visit. As the weather continues to warm up, new data from Insure4Boats has unveiled the UK's top hidden coastal gems to visit. Four locations in Scotland are featured in the UK-wide top 15. The highest-placing Scottish destination is Collieston in Aberdeenshire, coming in at number nine on the overall list. It is a small former fishing village along the North Sea coast. Collieston is home to fishermen's houses that overlook a picturesque pier and harbour. Meanwhile, the Forvie National Nature Reserve that is popular amongst hikers and birdwatchers alike borders the village and is open around the year. The most popular feature of Collieston is Collieston Beach, which is sheltered from the North Sea by the village's pier. As a result, the water is very calm—making it ideal for families and children. Elsewhere, following behind as the second-best coastal hidden gem in Scotland is Scourie in Sutherland. Historically spelled 'Scoury', the village placed at number 13 on Insure4Boats' list. Formerly a Clan Mackay stronghold, Scourie is renowned for its unspoilt and rugged beauty. It is also home to a number of popular hotels and bed and breakfasts, such as the four-star Scourie Hotel and the Scourie Guest House. Like Collieston, the main feature of Scourie is its spectacular beach. Scourie Beach features wide sand divided by rocks and is a popular location to spot seabirds. Following behind in third place for Scotland on the experts' list is Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute. The small island village placed at number 14 on the UK-wide roundup. Situated in the south of Bute in the Firth of Clyde, Kilchattan Bay is easily accessible by both car and public transport. Known for its Victorian villas, the village is nestled along the edge of a picturesque bay. Sharing its name with the village, the mostly east-facing bay offers sweeping views out to the island of Great Cumbrae. At low tide, there is a sandy beach to explore and even some rock pools to investigate. Finally, Ellenabeich in Argyll and Bute is the final Scottish destination to feature on Insure4Boats' list of the UK's top coastal hidden gems. The small village, situated on the isle of Seil, placed at number 15. Ellenabeich is the biggest settlement on Seil, and is linked to the mainland by a small bridge humorously known as 'The Bridge Over the Atlantic'. The village features a unique beach covered in shards of slate, while there are regular boat rides out to the tiny island of Easdale just off of the shore. CEO of Insure4Boats Alan Thomas commented: "With so many of us looking to escape the crowds and discover something new this summer, our research shines a light on the UK's most overlooked coastal spots. Whether it's a peaceful harbour town, a sun-soaked bay, or a wildlife-rich cove, these destinations offer a quieter, more authentic alternative to the usual seaside haunts." To put together their list, the experts analysed online search volumes of more than 250 UK coastal towns, cities, villages, and resorts. The data was then shortlisted to 15 locations with less than 5,000 monthly searches. Each location was then scored on its attractiveness to visitors. Factors considered included the number of local attractions, social media engagements, Blue Flag status, and even the chance of sun and rain. See below for the full list of the UK's top coastal hidden gems. More information can be found on the Insure4Boats website. The UK's top coastal hidden gems Trearddur, Anglesey Salcombe Regis and Goodrington, Devon Lydd-on-Sea, Kent and Mwnt in Ceredigion Crimdon, County Durham Ynyslas, Ceredigion Port Erin, Isle of Man Whitepark Bay, County Antrim Ferryside, Carmarthenshire Collieston, Aberdeenshire Llanddona, Anglesey Llandanwg, Gwynedd Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall Scourie, Sutherland Kilchattan Bay, Isle of Bute Ellenabeich, Argyll and Bute
