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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Fraser Suites serviced apartments offer luxury living and capital views
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I'VE always had a foot in both of Scotland's two biggest cities — I'm a Glasgow girl through and through, but a part of me has always loved Edinburgh. I studied there, got my degree there, visit the Christmas Markets every year, and made countless memories on nights out and weekends away. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The views from the Fraser Suites apartments in Edinburgh are incredible Credit: FRASER SUITES 7 The room was massive, and the bed was super comfortable Credit: FRASER SUITES 7 We loved looking out the window and relaxing as we took in the views Credit: FRASER SUITES 7 Ryan and I had the most relaxing stay Credit: Paige Beresford One of the things the capital city beats Glasgow on, however, is the stunning, iconic views from virtually anywhere in the city centre. And you'd struggle to find better views than those from our window in the Fraser Suites. There are hundreds of hotels and apartments to choose from in Edinburgh, but these four-star apartments have got to be among the best. My fiancé Ryan and I had booked to stay for a couple of nights, and we were beyond excited. When we arrived, we were greeted by a stunning stone building surrounded by beautiful greenery, bushes, and trees — it looked like we had just stepped into an exotic hotel somewhere in Europe. Inside, that feeling continued; the whole place exuded luxury, even the reception desk, which sat between bright white pillars with golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. But it was our room that completely knocked it out of the park. We were lucky enough to bag ourselves the Courant Suite on the second floor. It was gorgeous, incredible and massive. Walking through the door, the first sight that met us was the beautiful seating area with gold and cream wallpaper, floor-to-ceiling windows and a huge grey Chesterfield sofa, where we instantly plumped ourselves down and drank in that view. Scots holiday park named one of best in world There was a fab wee mini kitchen area, complete with a dishwasher, oven, sink and hob where you could make dinner or whip up a delicious breakfast if you wanted — great for longer stays or for those with kids I'd imagine but cooking was definitely not on my mind, not with the fabulous places Edinburgh has to eat out. Even the bathroom suite was huge, tiled floor to ceiling with an incredible waterfall shower over the bath. The bedroom's king-size bed, with a massive padded headboard, faced a huge TV. Late night viewing was a must — as was catching up with the world next morning, cuppa in hand, enjoying a lazy Sunday morning. Still in our jammies, we eventually dragged ourselves out of the bliss-like bed to drink in more of the incredible views of the castle from the windows. GO: EDINBURGH PRICES at the 48 Fraser Suites in Edinburgh are from £235 a night in June and July. See I could have sat there all day just people watching, but the allure of the city beat us into submission, and we headed out to enjoy all the capital had to offer. We wandered up the Royal Mile to the castle, stopping at a restaurant we'd never tried on the way back for a lovely, laid-back lunch. That's the thing about Edinburgh — no matter how often I come through, I always find a charming new place that surprises me. We then relaxed in what was a rare sunny afternoon in Princes Street Gardens, popped into a lovely wee bar in George Street for a coffee and browsed a few of the city's lovely independent little shops. When we got back to the room, we enjoyed a couple of drinks on that huge sofa. It was so comfortable that we decided to stay in, get cosy and just relax. Then we enjoyed another incredible sleep in that amazing big bed. I was out like a light, and in the morning, I woke up with the sound of bagpipes playing in the distance. I honestly can't remember the last time I felt as refreshed as I did after staying at the luxurious Fraser Suites. 7 Ryan and I had an incredible sleep on our nights away Credit: Paige Beresford 7 The suite even had its own little mini kitchen Credit: FRASER SUITES


Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Daily Record
Real reason snipers were seen during parade crash in Liverpool revealed
Title celebrations were cut short in the city after the vehicle was seen driving through crowds on Water Street. Police snipers spotted in Liverpool were not there because of the car crash that left a number of people injured, it has been confirmed. Title celebrations were cut short in the city after the vehicle was seen driving through crowds on Water Street. More than 50 people were taken to hospital and officers said in a press conference this afternoon that a 53-year-old white British suspect has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. The incident is not being treated as terror related - however, as reported by the Echo, questions were raised as to why a sniper presence was spotted at the scene following the incident. Footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media and eyewitness accounts said people "were flying into the air" as they were hit by the car. A video of what appeared to be a police sniper team on the Queensway Tunnel Ventilation Tower has circulated on social media, with people questioning "did the police expect an incident?" The decision to deploy rooftop sniper teams in the city centre was, however, "purely planning for a major event", our sister title understands from sources. Merseyside Police had an armed presence in the city centre due to the scale and magnitude of Liverpool's title-winning parade. This included the Project Servator team, which contains high-visibility armed officers. The decision to deploy sniper teams is reportedly taken at any event of this significance and size. Previously armed police have been deployed to events in the city including the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool, last year, the Grand National, and even at Liverpool's Christmas Markets. 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. The parade celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win saw crowds gather along the 15km bus route to catch a glimpse of the stars. However, the scenes of joy quickly turned to horror when a car was driven into the crowd. Merseyside Police is carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the circumstances leading up to the incident, with questions being asked about how the car was able to access a key city centre road that had been closed to traffic because of the parade. At this afternoon's press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the brave members of the emergency services who were on the scene of yesterday's incident within a matter of seconds. "Following such a shocking incident, they immediately ran towards an extremely uncertain and potentially dangerous situation in an effort to protect members of the public and fellow emergency responders from harm. "Merseyside Police continues to work with other emergency services, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool City Combined Regional Authority, local hospitals and health providers and Liverpool Football Club collectively in response to this incident. "An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing, and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online."


Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Police snipers spotted during Liverpool parade crash
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a car crash left dozens of people injured during Liverpool's title celebrations in the city centre Police snipers spotted in Liverpool city centre were not there because of the car crash that left a number of people injured, it has been confirmed. Liverpool's title celebrations were cut short after the vehicle was seen driving through crowds on Water Street. More than 50 people were taken to hospital. Officers said in a press conference this afternoon that a white British suspect, 53, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. The incident is not being treated as terror related. Following the incident, questions were raised as to why a sniper presence was spotted at the scene, reports the ECHO. Footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media and eyewitness accounts said people "were flying into the air" as they were hit by the car. A video of what appeared to be a police sniper team on the Queensway Tunnel Ventilation Tower has circulated on social media, with people questioning "did the police expect an incident?" However, the decision to deploy rooftop sniper teams in the city centre was "purely planning for a major event", the ECHO understands from sources. Merseyside Police had an armed presence in the city centre due to the scale and magnitude of Liverpool's title-winning parade. This included the Project Servator team, which contains high-visibility armed officers. The decision to deploy sniper teams is reportedly taken at any event of this significance and size. Previously armed police have been deployed to events in the city including the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool, last year, the Grand National, and even at Liverpool's Christmas Markets. The parade celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win saw crowds gather along the 15km bus route to catch a glimpse of the stars. However, the scenes of joy quickly turned to horror when a car was driven into the crowd. Merseyside Police is carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the circumstances leading up to the incident, with questions being asked about how the car was able to access a key city centre road that had been closed to traffic because of the parade. At this afternoon's press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the brave members of the emergency services who were on the scene of yesterday's incident within a matter of seconds. "Following such a shocking incident, they immediately ran towards an extremely uncertain and potentially dangerous situation in an effort to protect members of the public and fellow emergency responders from harm. "Merseyside Police continues to work with other emergency services, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool City Combined Regional Authority, local hospitals and health providers and Liverpool Football Club collectively in response to this incident. "An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing, and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online."
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Travel + Leisure
26-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This 8-day Cruise Takes You to Some of Europe's Most Festive Christmas Markets—and You Can Buy Tickets Now
While the holidays might seem far away, it's never too early to plan a yuletide escape—yes, even before the start of summer. This holiday season, Abercrombie & Kent invites travelers on a luxurious journey through the heart of Europe with its "Christmas Markets on the Rhine" cruise. For eight festive days, passengers sail along the scenic Rhine River, stopping in storybook towns aglow with twinkling lights and the holiday spirit. From charming market stalls to historic squares decked with seasonal splendor, this itinerary offers a convenient way to experience Europe's most beloved Christmas traditions. Beginning in Strasbourg, France, known as the "Capital of Christmas," guests can wander through one of Europe's oldest and most popular Christmas markets, set against a backdrop of timber-framed houses. A highlight of Strasbourg is a visit to the Cave des Hospices, the city's oldest wine cellar, where guests can sample local vintages and learn about the region's winemaking heritage. From Strasbourg, the cruise makes its way to Freiburg in Germany's legendary Black Forest. Here, market stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, traditional nutcrackers, and the irresistible aromas of bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and steaming cups of spiced glühwein (mulled wine). The route also winds through several quaint villages in the Alsace wine region. In Heidelberg, Germany, guests are transported to a fairytale holiday setting, nestled beneath the romantic ruins of the town's historic castle. Notable activities include an exclusive cocktail reception and a gourmet chef's table dinner, with plenty of time to visit the festive holiday markets that line the city's cobbled streets. In Rüdesheim, travelers can explore the famed Drosselgasse, a picturesque street lined with charming shops, and take a guided walking tour of the medieval town of Koblenz. In the evening, the Captain's Gala dinner provides a celebratory event on board with fine cuisine and Rhine River views. Next, the itinerary leads to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. A visit to the Beethoven-Haus Museum offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the legendary composer. The cruise concludes in Cologne, home to one of Germany's most awe-inspiring cathedrals and some of its most beloved Christmas markets. After exploring the Cologne Cathedral, guests can meander through festive stalls and try lebkuchen —the spiced gingerbread holiday favorite. This exciting eight-day trip, starting from $7,995 per person, runs from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 and includes a one-night hotel stay before and after the cruise. Guests will sail aboard the luxurious and modern Amadeus Star , enjoying hotel-style comforts, gourmet cuisine, and private small-group excursions led by an experienced resident tour director. For more information, visit


Metro
19-05-2025
- Metro
'Full of life' capital city to get new UK flights for just £87
The weather might be hotting up, but if you're after a coolcation, this city in Iceland is getting brand new flights from the UK. Icelandair is launching a new route between Edinburgh and Reykjavik, starting on September 12, 2025. The airline said they will operate this seasonal service 'either three or four flights a week' until 12 April 2026. Currently, there are tickets on sale on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the cheapest flights costing just £87.24 one way. @kelseyinlondon 🇮🇸 9 best things to do in Reykjavik ⬇️ ❄️ 1. Perlan Museum Walk through a real ice cave, marvel at the Wonders of Iceland exhibit + catch the sunset from the restaurant that has a rotating floor! 🍕 2. Lunch at Ráðagerði A sensational Italian restaurant right near the Grótta Lighthouse. Deffo get a peach spritz and their delicious pepperoni and hot chilli honey pizza. 💦 3. Sky Lagoon Try the 7-step spa ritual and soak in the warm geothermal lagoon with views across the Atlantic. 🌌4. View the Northern Lights Head to Aurora Basecamp for one of the best spots to see the northern lights in the Reykjavik area. 🎄5. Hafnarfjörður Christmas Markets Only 25 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, Hafnarfjörður is home to charming festive markets & magical light installations in Hellisgerdi. 🖼️ 6. National Gallery of Iceland Spend an hour or two checking out their current exhibitions of Icelandic art – which you can get for free with your Reykjavik City Card. ⛪️ 7. Hallgrimskirkja The tallest church in Iceland where you can get a lift up to the tower for incredible views over Reykjavik. 🍣 8. Dinner at Sushi Social Treat yourself to the freshest seafood Nigiri and the best sushi in Reykjavik at this vibey restaurant. 🎵 9. Harpa Concert Hall Reykjavik's dazzling glass concert hall by the harbour is a must-visit for its stunning architecture & cultural events. I highly recommend getting this city card for free access to lots of museums, galleries & fun activities in Reykjavik as well as unlimited bus travel within the city. For more Reykjavik recommendations + a detailed 2 day itinerary, head to my blog (link in bio) for more info! AD – part of a partnership with @Visit Reykjavik 🇮🇸 Reykjavik in December. Reykjavik food. Reykjavik Christmas market. Reykjavik winter activities. Reykjavik restaurant. Reykjavik places to go. Reykjavik itinerary. ♬ original sound – Kelsey💗London Travel Creator The new flight, which will take around two and a half hours, will be Icelandair's second destination in Scotland, with an already existing service in Glasgow. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Reykjavik is an increasingly popular city-break choice for those travellers looking for somewhere a little different. The capital city has been called 'full of life', with a staggering 60% of the country's population living there, and is praised for it's 'laid-back' vibe. From world-class restaurants to awe-inspiring natural scenery, there's plenty of reasons to add Reykjavik to your 'must-visit' list. If you're heading to Iceland in September, when these new flights launch, you're going to want to try and see the elusive Northern Lights. While the city's light population makes them a little trickier to witness than in other parts of the country, they're best viewed from The Grotta Lighthouse. Set against a rugged landscape and the Atlantic Ocean, the lighthouse is free to enter, and is just a 10 minute drive from the city centre. You'll want to get there early though, as it's a popular spot for those chasing the aurora. And of course, no trip to Reykjavík would be complete without a dip in the Blue Lagoon, named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic. The man-made geothermal spa is part of a sprawling complex, where you can get massages, cocktails and a delicious meal, but the highlight is relaxing in the turquoise waters, which are said to have healing properties. Be sure to book in advance, the cheapest packages are currently advertised at around £57. For culture, you can't miss the Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church that towers over the city. There's also the Reykjavík Art Museum and the nearby Photography Museum for the art-buffs. Be sure to take a trip to the vibrant Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, where you'll find colourful murals and street art. The main street also intersects with Klapparstigur Street, which gets painted in rainbow colors during Pride month. More Trending And if you're a foodie, Reykjavík is the city for you. Coffee culture is alive and well here, and be sure to order a delicious pastry on the side. Be sure to try and Icelandic love ball (or ástarpungar), a fried pastry similar to a donut, but with no hole, and raisins inside. For fine dining, Brut and DILL both offer world-class seafood, and be sure to try the city's famous hot dogs, which have been dubbed 'the best in the world' by none other than Bill Clinton and Kim Kardashian. The hot dogs are said to be stand-out due to the blend of lamb, pork and beef sausages, and the best are found at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a stand which has been selling them since 1937. Metro's Assistant Lifestyle Editor, Jessica Lindsay, recently spent three days in Iceland's capital city. She shares her top tips for those planning a city break. Jess says: ' Everybody goes to the Blue Lagoon, and it can feel quite touristy and crowded, so I'd reccommend trying some different options. 'Hvammsvík Hot Springs is a stunning alternative if you want to be at one with Iceland's natural beauty, while Sky Lagoon is best if you're after a pamper. 'The Northern Lights is also likely to be on your Reykjavík to-do list, but if the skies don't play ball, don't be disheartened: head to the Perlan Museum's domed planetarium and you can enjoy an immersive Aurora Borealis that's almost as good as the real thing. 'From the Punk Museum to the Phallological Museum, there's plenty to see on foot. If you can though, schedule in a whale-watching boat trip, and consider hiring a car to explore the country's jaw-dropping landscapes – including waterfalls and ice caves featured in Game of Thrones.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I spent 48 hours in Europe's most affordable city — 'nobody knows where it is' MORE: Spain rocked by anti-tourist protests disrupting holidays for thousands of Brits MORE: Teenager arrested after another boy was stabbed to death at beach party