Latest news with #NoDepositAwards
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'sunniest town' perfect for family summer holiday
It is home to peaceful walks and tasty restaurants with outdoor seating. Spring is over and summer is here at last. With June upon us, there is no excuse not to head out for a day trip in the idyllic Scottish countryside. When it comes to choosing a destination for a day out or a staycation, there are many factors to consider. However, many would agree that sunshine is the most important thing to consider when deciding whether to head out on a getaway. As reported by the Daily Record, Pitlochry was recently named the "sunniest" town in Scotland. According to Met Office figures that were analysed by No Deposit Awards, the Perthshire destination saw more than 193 hours of sun in May. When the sun is shining, Pitlochry's many beauty spots come alive. Whether you feel like heading out on a forest walk or enjoying the views out over the River Tummel, the sky is the limit. One of the top hikes in the area is the Falls of Bruar, consisting of a series of waterfalls on the Bruar Water. Easily reached on foot from the House of Bruar shopping centre, the beauty spot is said to have inspired Robert Burns to pen 'The Humble Petition of Bruar Water'. Elsewhere, Faskally Woods is a sprawling woodland located in Tay Forest Park along the banks of Loch Dunmore, around a mile out of Pitlochry. Two of the top trails in the forest are the Dunmore Trail and the Foresters' Trail, taking around half an hour and an hour to complete respectively. Even if you don't get lucky with the weather, there is still lots to see and do around Pitlochry on a rainy day. From museums to distilleries, there is fun for to be had for visitors both young and old The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre is currently situated in the Gladstone Room in Fishers Hotel. It is an amazing place to learn about the history of the local area and transport yourself back in time through photographs and artefacts. Elsewhere, the Atholl Palace Museum details the fascinating history of the Atholl Palace Hotel that dates back to the 19th century. Situated within the old servant's wing, it tells stories of bankruptcy, entrepreneurs, unusual and torturous spa treatments, and more. Meanwhile, the whisky lovers will want to head to the Blair Athol Distillery on the southern edge of town. Dating all the way back to 1798, the distillery hosts tours and even a 'Cask and Cocktail Experience'. Meanwhile, Pitlochry has plenty to offer when it comes to food and drink too. Despite its small size, there are restaurants, cafés, pubs, and more to try out. One of the top food spots in town is the Old Mill Inn, which is home to a restaurant that is open every day from 12pm. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, with the outside decking the perfect spot to soak up some Pitlochry sun. Another popular eatery in Pitlochry is the Fern Cottage Restaurant, which is renowned amongst locals and tourists alike for its mix of Scottish and Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes include grilled and honey glazed goat cheese, pan-fried salmon, and Greek style gnocchi. For a lighter bite, the Garden Cafe Pitlochry is a great choice too. The café serves up tasty sandwiches, home-baked goodies, and much more. More information about Pitlochry and the things you can get up to around town can be found on the VisitScotland website.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Picturesque Perthshire town named Scotland's sunniest destination
The town in Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country' is one of the most beautiful and popular spots year-round. Scotland has followed up the sunniest April on record with an incredible start to May. While many of us were expecting a return to the norm after two mini-heatwaves last month, the last few weeks have been even better. And one town has been basking in sunshine more than anywhere else in the country so far this month. New figures from the Met Office, analysed by No Deposit Awards, reveal that Pitlochry in Perthshire has taken the top spot in Scotland, clocking up over 193 hours of sunshine. While the broader list of the UK's sunniest destinations is mostly dominated by English and Welsh locations, Pitlochry edged out the Highlands town of Aviemore to become Scotland's standout sunshine spot this May, Scottish Daily Express reports. The weather throughout spring has defied expectations. Typically hit or miss at this time of year, the past three months have instead been marked by unusually dry and calm conditions after a long, dark, and dreary winter. Met Office chief meteorologist Ian Lisk explained: "t's all to do with our old friend, the jet stream. Weather typically moves across the UK from west to east. "But the north-south amplification of the jet stream has enabled areas of high pressure to hang around in the vicinity of the UK. This means that our share of the more typical unsettled weather has been deflected away from us.' Even without the sun, Pitlochry remains one of the most picturesque and popular places to visit in the country. It is the biggest town in Highland Perthshire, which links the two historic regions. Established as a Victorian spa town in the 1800s, it sits at the heart of Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country', a nickname earned thanks to the area's towering woodlands and ancient forests. Among the highlights is the nearby Hermitage, a woodland wonder complete with tumbling waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Just outside the town lies Faskally Woods, home to a serene trail that winds through majestic trees lining the edges of Loch Dunmore. Also close by is Queen's View, one of Scotland's most iconic viewpoints, offering a sweeping panorama over Loch Tummel that's said to have been a favourite of Queen Victoria. Back in the town centre, Pitlochry boasts a bustling high street filled with independent retailers, tourist favourites and high street names. There's no shortage of cosy cafés, inviting restaurants and traditional pubs for those in need of a break after a long walk. The town is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafés, so there really is something for everyone. It is even home to what has been called "the best chocolate in the world". 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'. For those with a sweet tooth, Pitlochry's star attraction might just be the home of Scotland's most awarded chocolatier, Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier. Visitors can indulge in the attraction's famous creations and try the award-winning hot chocolate, which was voted the best in Europe. The Pitlochry Dam and visitor centre is another must-see, providing stunning views across the man-made Loch Faskally, all just minutes from the heart of town.
