Latest news with #ChrisLawlor
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Tiny island off UK coast 'looks like Caribbean' with white sand beaches
Want to go to the Caribbean this summer but lack the budget? Turns out, there's an island much closer to home that offers similar views without the long-haul flight If you're on the hunt for an idyllic spot to visit this summer without breaking the bank on flights, travel expert Chris Lawlor suggests a hidden gem right off the coast of the UK he claims rivals much more exotic locations. "Did you know that in Scotland you can visit a tiny island that looks like the Caribbean with a white sandy beach and turquoise waters?" he began in a TikTok video, showcasing the stunning destination. The entire island is "explorable on foot", according to Chris, who ventured inland during his visit, as he detailed other activities life on the island benefits from. First, he visited a nearby "sacred abbey" offering coastal "tranquillity," and highlighted the "many other treasures" discovered along his walk. What's more, it's only a 10-minute boat ride from the Isle of Mull. In his clip, Chris recommended "soaking in the views" at Ailidh - a quaint coastal pizza takeaway that also serves local seafood and sweet treats. "Remember to respect this wee island called Iona," he concluded. "I've spent so much time in Scotland over the years, but completely missed this gem," one TikTok user confessed in response. "Thanks for sharing." Another person reminisced: "Visited here with family when I was about 11 I never forget this place because of how clear the water was looking over the side of the boat and seeing hundreds of little jellyfish fish." A third gushed: "One of the most beautiful places I've ever visited." Whilst a fourth shared their experience of the island, adding: "I was lucky enough to visit Iona during my time in Scotland. I stumbled upon an art store and bought a beautiful glass dish. Even on a cold, cloudy day it's beautiful." The island's official tourism website states online: "Iona, with its beauty and white sand beaches, has a time and place for everyone. From Dunbhuirg, the Iron Age fort, to the Marble Quarry, worked even in the 20th Century; from St Columba's Bay in the south, to the White Strand of the Monks in the north, many places have their stories to tell." It further highlights that Iona's wealth of activities include golf, fishing, shopping and dining out experiences and of course, its walks. "The joy of Iona is that everything on the island is happily reached on foot," Welcome to Iona continues. "And though relatively small, the island has a wide variety of places to enjoy from the beautiful beaches that surround Iona to the high point of Dun I which affords dramatic views of the surrounding islands." When it comes to dining, there are two hotel restaurants that offer meals throughout the day, and there is the Iona Heritage Centre Garden Café that offers light snacks and soups from late morning until late afternoon. "Each location has its own unique ambiance and style, and of course during the summer months they all be very busy," the website adds. "Hence, reservations are recommended - and are often essential for large parties."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Tiny Scottish island 'looks like Caribbean' full of 'treasures' to explore
A travel expert has highlighted a tiny island off the coast of Scotland that boasts stunning 'Caribbean-like' views with white sands and turquoise waters If you're looking for somewhere idyllic to visit this summer, the perfect solution may be much closer than you think. Travel expert Chris Lawlor claims there is an island right here off the Scottish coast that offers an experience like the Caribbean as well as a range of activities to keep you busy during your stay. "Did you know that in Scotland you can visit a tiny island that looks like the Caribbean with a white sandy beach and turquoise waters?" he began in a TikTok video. Sharing footage of the island of Iona as proof, Chris headed inland where he added that the whole island is "explorable on foot". Chris headed to a nearby "sacred abbey" that offers "tranquillity" by the coast, as he went onto highlight the "many other treasures" along his walk. "It's only a 10-minute boat ride from the Isle of Mull," he said. Before leaving, he suggested "soaking in the views" as you visit Ailidh - a small pizza takeaway on the coast, which also offers a variety of local seafood and sweet treats on its menu. "Remember to respect this wee island called Iona," he closed. "I've spent so much time in Scotland over the years, but completely missed this gem," one TikTok user admitted in response. "Thanks for sharing." A second person recalled: "Visited here with family when I was about 11 I never forget this place because of how clear the water was looking over the side of the boat and seeing hundreds of little jellyfish fish." A third gushed: "One of the most beautiful places I've ever visited." 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. Meanwhile a fourth added: "I was lucky enough to visit Iona during my time in Scotland. I stumbled upon an art store and bought a beautiful glass dish. Even on a cold, cloudy day it's beautiful." The island's tourism website adds: "Iona, with its beauty and white sand beaches, has a time and place for everyone. From Dunbhuirg, the Iron Age fort, to the Marble Quarry, worked even in the 20th Century; from St Columba's Bay in the south, to the White Strand of the Monks in the north, many places have their stories to tell." The site adds that Iona's wealth of activities include golf, fishing, shopping and dining out experiences and of course, its walks. "The joy of Iona is that everything on the island is happily reached on foot," Welcome to Iona continues. "And though relatively small, the island has a wide variety of places to enjoy from the beautiful beaches that surround Iona to the high point of Dun I which affords dramatic views of the surrounding islands."
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Daily Record
'Avoid getting on a plane and head to these stunning Scottish locations instead'
If you are looking for some stunning locations to explore this year, especially while the UK experiences some gorgeous weather, then you may want to skip getting on a plane and stay in Scotland instead A man has revealed that for those seeking breathtaking spots to visit this year, particularly during the UK's splendid weather spell, you might want to consider staying grounded and staying in Scotland instead. Chris Lawlor has taken to TikTok to showcase five spectacular Scottish locations that are likely new to many. His video is so compelling, it'll leave you itching to explore each destination. With many not wanting to go abroad this summer due to our gorgeous weather, there are many places in Scotland where the Scottish native recommend that you visit. They're all certain to take your breath away and leave you wondering why you've never visited before. 1. Whaligoe Steps, Caithness Describing the site, he mentioned it feels like "something from Game of Thrones" when you're there, a sentiment that's easy to share. The Whaligoe Steps carve their way down the cliffs just south of Wick in Caithness, situated on Scotland's northeasternmost shoreline. 2. Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis Nestled on the Atlantic coast of the Isle of Lewis, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village dates back to the 19th century and features nine meticulously restored traditional blackhouses. 3. Gateway, Edinburgh He explained: "This is called Gateway, within the grounds of Jupiter Artland". Gateway emerges as an art piece merged with a fully operational swimming pool and landscaped garden, located at the Jupiter Artland outdoor sculpture park, conceived by artist Joana Vasconcelos. 4. Cramond Island, Edinburgh He advised: "But to reach Cramond Island, cross the causeway two hours before low tide, walking along a line of concrete pillars during the safe times that are found online". Cramond Island sits amongst the cluster of islands in the Firth of Forth off the east coast of Scotland, a stone's throw from Edinburgh. It's crucial that if you do decide to make this journey, you visit during safe hours, otherwise you risk becoming marooned on the island. 5. Forvie Nature Reserve, Aberdeenshire He described the location as a "haven for wildlife," but cautioned that between April and August, visitors must "take extra care, following signs to protect breeding birds". Chris also emphasised the importance of giving seals "sufficient space" when encountering them. Forvie Nature Reserve spans nearly 1,000 hectares of sand dunes situated between the North Sea and the River Ythan estuary in Aberdeenshire. In the comments section, viewers revealed they had "never heard" of these locations previously, marvelling at their stunning beauty and expressing their desire to visit "ASAP". "I spent three weeks there and barely scratched the surface. A stunning country," one person gushed.
