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The Courier
a day ago
- The Courier
Top 5 things to do in Kinross & Loch Leven
Just south of Perth, and only 30 minutes from Edinburgh, the beautiful area of Kinross and Loch Leven is the perfect base for holidaymakers in the heart of Scotland, or an ideal spot for enjoying a day out of the city. Some Courier online content is funded by outside parties. The revenue from this helps to sustain our independent news gathering. You will always know if you are reading paid-for material as it will be clearly labelled as 'Partnership' on the site and on social media channels, This can take two different forms. This means the content has been paid for and produced by the named advertiser. This means the content has been paid for and approved by the named advertiser but written and edited by our own commercial content team. The town itself is one long street, full of gorgeous independent shops and cafes, selling everything from books to bangles! You'll also find a host of tasty tearooms, restaurants and cafes selling freshly prepared meals and a mouthwatering selection of home baking. Venture a little further and you will discover a town steeped in history, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and offering a generous mix of activities and attractions. We've pulled together our top five ideas for planning your trip to this gorgeous wee corner of Scotland. Small but perfectly formed, Kinross High Street offers a wonderful selection of independent retailers and specialist shops, ranging from a traditional haberdashery to second-hand books, a proper little pet shop and fabulous gifts, jewellery and clothing. Loch Leven's Larder. Just three miles out of town, this unique family-run farm, restaurant, deli and retail experience is an unexpected shopper's haven in a scenic rural setting. Take a break from shopping with a stop at one of the cafés, bars, hotels and restaurants. From big breakfasts to flavourful Indian meals and authentic Italian pizza, you'll find a warm welcome from the many cooks, chefs and servers ready and waiting to keep you fuelled and happy. Unorthodox Roasters Coffee Shop, where carefully selected coffee beans are roasted right there in front of you before being supplied to many of the other cafes on the street. Extra points for delicious home baking! A huge expanse of open water, Loch Leven provides an ideal home for countless birds. Watch the quiet persistence of tufted duck and teal dabbling for food or marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of the summer ospreys. Keep your nose alert too, and it may lead you to the sweetly scented holy grass, an ancient form of incense. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) runs a visitor centre on its section of the reserve which has a shop, café, educational facilities, toilets, and marked trails leading to three bird hides that look out over the wetlands. Loch Leven Castle holds much in the way of historical significance as the tower house where Mary Queen of Scots was held. Built in the 1300s, it is one of Scotland's oldest fortresses. See the tower house rooms where Mary was held against her will and the 16th-century Glassin Tower (a charming residential extension), and enjoy the quiet island setting. Take a boat ride over to the castle and follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce. Running daily from 10am to 4.30pm during April to September, pick up is at Kinross Ferry. The Gin Laboratory is the perfect place for gin aficionados to have fun, learn and create their own gin. Take your place in the centre of the laboratory, which is full of metal, glass and copper distilling gizmos where you can sample over 40 botanicals, distilled one-at-a-time. : Book a Gin Experience for you and up to seven friends and during the 90-minute hands-on class you will blend three personalised gins to enjoy with tonic and leave with a 25cl bottle of your own recipe gin. To discover more Kinross shops, eateries and attractions, visit the Kinross and Loch Leven section on the Perth City and Towns website.
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Daily Record
Historic Scottish border town rich in legacy and once home to Mary Queen of Scots
A picturesque town long seen as Scotland's historic gateway, it is rich in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. A Scottish town steeped in turbulent history and surrounded by spectacular countryside has become a favourite destination for visitors seeking both beauty and heritage. Jedburgh, the largest town in the Scottish Borders, lies on a tributary of the River Teviot, around 48 miles from Edinburgh and just 10 miles from the England–Scotland border. Its strategic position once made it a flashpoint for centuries of cross-border conflict, adding to its rich historical significance, Express reports. The town's legacy as a frontier stronghold can still be felt today through its architecture, ruins and commemorative plaques. Picturesque streets wind through the centre, where independent shops and cosy eateries create a welcoming feel. It's a dream spot for walkers too, with trails stretching into the surrounding hills and valleys. But it's the remnants of the past that continue to define Jedburgh's character. Jedburgh Abbey, founded by King David I in 1138, is the town's most iconic feature. The red sandstone ruins remain a stunning landmark. It's said that the high altar and west end were aligned using two sticks at sunrise on or near the spring equinox for religious purposes. Nearby once stood Jedburgh Castle, now demolished, but it played a major role in the town's history. Mary Queen of Scots also left her mark, staying in the town in 1566. The house where she lodged is now a visitor centre celebrating her extraordinary life. The town's past is chronicled through a trail of blue plaques marking key people, places and moments. They offer visitors the chance to explore Jedburgh's deeply layered history at their own pace. History aside, VisitScotland recommends enjoying a riverside walk or browsing the colourful renovated buildings in the Market Place and Canongate. Just outside town, visitors can explore the 16th-century Ferniehirst Castle, ancestral seat of Clan Kerr, which opens to the public each July. A short drive away is Monteviot Gardens, a hidden gem offering beautifully landscaped grounds with views across the River Teviot. It's an ideal stop for nature lovers and those looking to soak in the area's peaceful charm. If you're up for exploring further, VisitScotland also suggests the Ale Water Valley, nestled between Selkirk, Hawick and Jedburgh. It's packed with outdoor activities like cycling, horse riding and golf, and dotted with charming pubs, cafés and restaurants to refuel after a day out. 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. Spring is considered the best time to visit, with wildflowers blooming across the countryside and gardens at their most vibrant. Many agree Jedburgh is at its finest in May. "A truly unique place that is effectively the actual border between England and Scotland with beauty and history everywhere," said one review on TripAdvisor. Another added: "This town is so so pretty with countless spots to admire the views which on a fine or clear day are spectacular and beautiful." "It's very symbolic as being the border between England and Scotland with its beauty and activities here making it one of the best Scottish towns to experience," wrote another.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New exhibition at V&A Dundee celebrates Ninewells Hospital
A new free exhibition celebrating Dundee's role in medical design and innovation has opened at V&A Dundee. Ninewells Hospital: Care, Community and Innovation explores the breadth of design at Ninewells, from the architecture of the hospital itself to the groundbreaking, life-changing innovations developed within its walls and across Tayside. As the first hospital in the UK to embed a medical school within its design, Ninewells Hospital, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, pioneered a forward-thinking approach to healthcare. Its innovative architecture allowed for future expansion and, remarkably, ensured every floor had ground-level access thanks to its slope-side location. Told through an interactive, visual timeline dating back to 1798, the free exhibition also highlights some of Dundee and Tayside's broader medical milestones, alongside the breakthroughs and contributions of visionary individuals. The timeline showcases globally significant advancements in personalised medicine, education, and research – from keyhole surgery and smear tests to innovations in cancer care – many of which stem from the University of Dundee's close ties to the hospital and have shaped the delivery of everyday care worldwide. READ MORE: Astonishing exhibition proves there's still something about Mary Queen of Scots Free things to do in Scotland this May: Art exhibitions Artwork by 19th century Scottish artist go on display in hometown exhibition With people at its core, the exhibition celebrates the stories and experiences of those who make Ninewells Hospital what it is today. Films featuring a cross-section of staff – from anaesthetists and nurses to porters and chefs – are shown alongside evocative artwork capturing hospital life during the pandemic, from both staff and patient perspectives. Visitors will be invited to share their own memories of Ninewells Hospital, contributing to a changing display that reflects the hospital's enduring impact on the community. The exhibition also features an array of surgical artefacts and medical instruments, including prototype keyhole surgery tools designed at Ninewells. The essential role of design in developing bespoke mobility aids will be showcased through a spotlight on the Tayside Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Technology Centre, the only facility in Scotland to offer in-house assessment, design, and production of custom prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility aids. To illustrate the evolution of design techniques, a prosthetic leg made in Dundee, crafted from wood and metal in 1947, will be displayed alongside a contemporary prosthetic leg featuring a Bluetooth microprocessor created specifically for the exhibition. A new film explores the intersection of traditional craft techniques and modern healthcare through the creation of mobility aids. Ninewells Hospital Concourse, January 1974 (Image: Photograph by Alex Coupar, courtesy of University of Dundee Museums, Tayside Medical History Museum) Researchers' prototype designs will also exemplify the hospital's continued role in shaping the future of healthcare, all made possible through the University of Dundee's world-leading research facilities and collaboration with NHS Tayside. Louise Dickson, Assistant Curator at V&A Dundee, said: 'Dundee has long been home to medical innovation, changing lives across the globe. From pioneers in IVF and keyhole surgery to revolutionary hospital design, the exhibition showcases the city's ongoing legacy of progress and care. It highlights how Ninewells Hospital continues to evolve, delivering healthcare around the clock to thousands of people. 'Most people living in Dundee or Tayside have a connection to Ninewells. Whether you or a family member were born there, studied there, or know someone who has been treated there, it touches all of us. This exhibition will spark memories, pride and powerful conversations, but its story doesn't end here. Dundee and Tayside continue to inspire and influence the future of healthcare worldwide and, as Scotland's design museum, we are delighted to celebrate that.' Amongst the voices told within the new exhibition is Dr Christina Beecroft, Associate Medical Director, Surgical Division, NHS Tayside, Dr Beecroft said: 'I am delighted to have been part of this amazing exhibition celebrating the past 50 years of Ninewells Hospital. Dundee, and Tayside, can quite rightly be very proud of Ninewells. 'It is a fantastic hospital that has been at the forefront of some of the most major developments in medicine and surgery over the past 50 years. More importantly, it is a fundamental part of the community and locally integral to all our lives, both as patients and members of the wonderful teams that work there.' Ninewells Hospital: Care, Community and Innovation, a collaboration with Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, Tayside Medical History Museum and NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, is on show at V&A Dundee. Free to enter, the exhibition runs until Sunday September 14, 2025.
The Herald Scotland
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
New exhibition at V&A Dundee celebrates Ninewells Hospital
As the first hospital in the UK to embed a medical school within its design, Ninewells Hospital, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, pioneered a forward-thinking approach to healthcare. Its innovative architecture allowed for future expansion and, remarkably, ensured every floor had ground-level access thanks to its slope-side location. Told through an interactive, visual timeline dating back to 1798, the free exhibition also highlights some of Dundee and Tayside's broader medical milestones, alongside the breakthroughs and contributions of visionary individuals. The timeline showcases globally significant advancements in personalised medicine, education, and research – from keyhole surgery and smear tests to innovations in cancer care – many of which stem from the University of Dundee's close ties to the hospital and have shaped the delivery of everyday care worldwide. READ MORE: Astonishing exhibition proves there's still something about Mary Queen of Scots Free things to do in Scotland this May: Art exhibitions Artwork by 19th century Scottish artist go on display in hometown exhibition With people at its core, the exhibition celebrates the stories and experiences of those who make Ninewells Hospital what it is today. Films featuring a cross-section of staff – from anaesthetists and nurses to porters and chefs – are shown alongside evocative artwork capturing hospital life during the pandemic, from both staff and patient perspectives. Visitors will be invited to share their own memories of Ninewells Hospital, contributing to a changing display that reflects the hospital's enduring impact on the community. The exhibition also features an array of surgical artefacts and medical instruments, including prototype keyhole surgery tools designed at Ninewells. The essential role of design in developing bespoke mobility aids will be showcased through a spotlight on the Tayside Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Technology Centre, the only facility in Scotland to offer in-house assessment, design, and production of custom prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility aids. To illustrate the evolution of design techniques, a prosthetic leg made in Dundee, crafted from wood and metal in 1947, will be displayed alongside a contemporary prosthetic leg featuring a Bluetooth microprocessor created specifically for the exhibition. A new film explores the intersection of traditional craft techniques and modern healthcare through the creation of mobility aids. Ninewells Hospital Concourse, January 1974 (Image: Photograph by Alex Coupar, courtesy of University of Dundee Museums, Tayside Medical History Museum) Researchers' prototype designs will also exemplify the hospital's continued role in shaping the future of healthcare, all made possible through the University of Dundee's world-leading research facilities and collaboration with NHS Tayside. Louise Dickson, Assistant Curator at V&A Dundee, said: 'Dundee has long been home to medical innovation, changing lives across the globe. From pioneers in IVF and keyhole surgery to revolutionary hospital design, the exhibition showcases the city's ongoing legacy of progress and care. It highlights how Ninewells Hospital continues to evolve, delivering healthcare around the clock to thousands of people. 'Most people living in Dundee or Tayside have a connection to Ninewells. Whether you or a family member were born there, studied there, or know someone who has been treated there, it touches all of us. This exhibition will spark memories, pride and powerful conversations, but its story doesn't end here. Dundee and Tayside continue to inspire and influence the future of healthcare worldwide and, as Scotland's design museum, we are delighted to celebrate that.' Amongst the voices told within the new exhibition is Dr Christina Beecroft, Associate Medical Director, Surgical Division, NHS Tayside, Dr Beecroft said: 'I am delighted to have been part of this amazing exhibition celebrating the past 50 years of Ninewells Hospital. Dundee, and Tayside, can quite rightly be very proud of Ninewells. 'It is a fantastic hospital that has been at the forefront of some of the most major developments in medicine and surgery over the past 50 years. More importantly, it is a fundamental part of the community and locally integral to all our lives, both as patients and members of the wonderful teams that work there.' Ninewells Hospital: Care, Community and Innovation, a collaboration with Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, Tayside Medical History Museum and NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, is on show at V&A Dundee. Free to enter, the exhibition runs until Sunday September 14, 2025.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
8 luxury homes for big-budget buyers
With the cost of everything from council tax and energy bills to broadband and stamps having increased this month, household finances are being squeezed more than ever. But that's not going to stop us daydreaming about the homes we'd love to buy if we were super-rich and money was no object. These gorgeous properties are likely to make it onto many a wish list. Legend has it that Mary Queen of Scots used to visit Kirby Knowle Castle, which has been sitting on a hilltop enjoying sweeping views over the North Yorkshire countryside for over 700 years. Restored by the current owners with the help of English Heritage, the interior is surprising contemporary and includes seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, a fully equipped gym and steam room, a wine cellar, library, cinema and games room. A two-bedroom detached cottage would be ideal for staff, and it comes with 65 acres of land. From North Residential and Savills. Ballarioghyn was built in 1982 as a modern interpretation of a Georgian mansion. The four-bedroom property — which has a separate two-bedroom guest cottage — is geared up for entertaining on a grand scale, with formal drawing and dining rooms, five further reception rooms, an elegant sun terrace, landscaped parkland garden and tennis court. A leisure wing contains billiards, games and treatment rooms and the indoor equestrian arena, plus stables and paddocks, is more than enough to keep horse lovers happy. Through Knight Frank. Read more: 10 homes with glorious spring gardens This 15th century stone manor house has been updated to 21st century standards and offers the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. It's surrounded by 46 acres of its own land, and the 21,000 square feet of accommodation includes 12 bedrooms, formal and summer dining rooms and a huge main living room. But with good weather for most of the year you'll probably want to spend most of your time outdoors and with padel and basketball courts, a mini golf course, football field, games area, lake and pool, no one will have the chance to get bored. Contact Savills. Arranged over four storeys, this five-bedroom, five bathroom Grade II-listed Victorian house is right next to The Boltons, one of London's priciest streets. The lower ground floor kitchen opens out to a patio garden with direct access to Collingham Gardens, a private garden square, an elegant reception room is on the first floor and the second floor sitting room is fitted with a bar and a drop-down screen for movie nights. It also has staff quarters and a large roof terrace. Get in touch with Carter Jonas. It's impossible not to be impressed by this imposing Grade II-listed manor house, close to a quintessential Cotswolds village. It comprises a period feature-filled seven-bedroom main house with an indoor pool, sauna and cinema, and four cottages, all surrounded by 12 acres of landscaped grounds. The sound of leather on willow occasionally breaks the silence, as the estate has its own cricket pitch which is sometimes rented out to villagers. By United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty. Read more: 10 homes to fall in love with at first sight Fully renovated to embrace effortless indoor-outdoor living, Le Coin is a six-bedroom house with fantastic entertaining space. Sliding doors in the vast open plan kitchen, living and dining area lead to a courtyard with heated pool, firepit and bar and there's a sauna, yoga studio and an all-weather tennis court. In addition, the four and a half acre estate incorporates a self-contained one-bedroom apartment and a two-bedroom cottage wing, and two more cottages are available separately. From Fine & Country. If you're hunting for a historic house with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea, you won't do much better than Villa Marizzina. Constructed in 1901, it was home to members of various European royal families until 1980 and is now fully renovated. It boasts seven sumptuous bedroom suites, huge reception rooms, a cinema room, games room, wine cellar, gym, pool, several terraces and a spectacular tiered garden. Via John Taylor. Read more: 8 future-proofed homes that will grow with you Wings is the most expensive property currently for sale at Oil Nut Bay, a top-end boutique resort on the idyllic island of Virgin Gorda. The hilltop estate is made up of six one-bedroom villas, each with its own plunge pool, 180-degree ocean views and access to shared outdoor spaces and all the resort's amenities. A seventh serves as the heart of the estate, housing dining and lounging areas and kitchens. Find out more at Oil Nut in to access your portfolio
