Latest news with #TheKelpies
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
The 15 best day trips within two hours of Glasgow
There are a wealth of exciting and scenic destinations a short distance away UP & AWAY The 15 best day trips within two hours of Glasgow Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH Scots set to see the return of sunshine soon, many of us will be planning a day trip without splashing out on a trip abroad. The city of Glasgow has a number of exciting and scenic destinations a short distance away. 4 Fairlie has a long, lovely strip of sandy beach perfect for a quick city getaway Credit: Alamy 4 Callendar House and Park is the perfect day out for the whole family Credit: Alamy 4 Visitors can enjoy a walk to Mugdock Castle and explore ruins Credit: Alamy 4 Loch Lomond provides a number of great experiences to enjoy Credit: Alamy There are a wealth of places to visit suitable for the whole family, offering everything from history and culture to adventure and nature. We compiled a list of some of the best day trips from Glasgow for adults and kids alike. Loch Lomond Situated around 40 minutes from Glasgow, Loch Lomond provides a number of great experiences to enjoy. Loch Lomond Shores offers a range of indoor, outdoor and water-based activities as well as shops, restaurants and an aquarium. Families can enjoy cycling, pedal boats, canoeing and kayaking tours. SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium offers youngsters the chance to explore the depths of the world's oceans in seven themed zones. Mugdock Country Park Mugdock Country Park, near Milngavie, is situated around 10 miles from Glasgow city centre and boasts a variety of exciting activities. Visitors can enjoy a walk to Mugdock Castle, explore ruins and stop by the visitor centre. For kids, there is an adventure play area and a more challenging trail for older children. Additionally, there is a trail perfect for hiking, mountain biking and running. Brand new coastal caravan park on picturesque NC500, near stunning, award-winning beach Pitlochry The town of Pitlochry in Perthshire is slightly further afield - around an hour and a half drive from Glasgow - but the journey is well worth it. The idyllic location boasts spectacular scenery, majestic mountains, lush forests and regal history. It is a base for those who enjoy walking and hiking and is often considered to be the gateway to the Highlands due to its location on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. There are miles of documented trails as part of the Pitlochry Paths Network, for local walks ranging from three to 12 miles. The Kelpies The Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world and are an iconic landmark in Falkirk. The sculpture, a giant statue of two horse's heads, can be found at The Helix, a huge park more than 350 hectares in size. It is located less than 40 minutes from Glasgow city centre. Meanwhile, the Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift that carries barges and boats between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. Largs Largs in Ayrshire, a 45-minute drive from Glasgow, is the perfect seaside holiday destination. The west coast town offers a range of ice cream parlours, a Victorian promenade and ferries to the nearby Isle of Cumbrae. Largs offers a variety of activities for all the family to enjoy including putting, bowls, golfing and swimming. There are also several restaurants, hotels, pubs and award-winning fish and chip shops. Fairlie Beach For those seeking somewhere a little quieter and less well known, head to Fairlie. The small town on the east shore of the Firth of Clyde has a long, lovely strip of sandy beach perfect for a quick city getaway, under an hour from Glasgow. The town, just three miles from Largs, has all the facilities you'll need for a day trip including restaurants, pubs and gift shops. And if you tire of sitting on the sand, or the kids have ants in their pants, then you'll be glad to hear the amazing Kelburn Castle, Country Park and Estate is right here. Isle of Arran Arran, often referred to as 'Scotland in Miniature', boasts a number of exciting attractions including Brodick Castle and Country Gardens, Goat Fell, which is the island's highest point, and the Isle of Arran Distillery. Ferries operate from Ardrossan on the Scottish mainland to Brodick, with journeys taking just 55 minutes. There are a number of experiences available for thrill-seekers including paragliding, snorkelling and gorge walking. Arran also hosts all of Scotland's 'big five' species - seals, otters, red deer, golden eagles and red squirrels. Strathclyde Country Park Set in 400 acres of beautiful countryside, this park is a popular family attraction, with a vast range of activities and events on offer. Explore adventure playgrounds, hire a bicycle or head to the water sports centre to hire a fun boat. Kids will be kept amused by bumper boats, pedalos, speedboat trips and waterwalkerz. The Waterfront Cafe at the park is situated on the first floor of the Watersports Centre overlooking Strathclyde Loch. Roome Bay The gorgeous little-known destination is in Crail, right on the Fife Coastal Path. It is made up of a sandy upper beach and is dotted with rock pools, teeming with sea life. It's a peaceful haven with an old disused swimming pool at one end that is now a magnet for all sorts of wildlife. And it's backed by a sloping grass area where there's a children's playground. St Andrews The Fife town, known as a global golfing hotspot, is also adored for its stunning golden beaches and breathtaking coastal views. It boasts cobbled streets, ice-cream parlours, bistros and mouthwatering food. The coastal location has many different walks and paths for those looking to explore the area. You can also visit the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, Scotland's largest and most magnificent medieval church. Stirling Stirling's historic monuments are must-sees if you want to really delve into the past. Stirling Castle, high on a volcanic outcrop, and The National Wallace Monument with Ochil Hills as its backdrop really take you back in time. To really make a day of it, you can embark on a guided Dark History tour, delving into Stirling's grim and gritty dark history via tales of unsolved murders and grizzly grave-robbers. Or book an Old Town Jail tour or Escape Room escapade, in which you're literally locked in a real Victorian prison cell and must solve puzzles to get out. Strathaven Strathaven, just 40 minutes from Glasgow, has been a hit with people wanting to escape the busy town and city life and take in the breathtaking views. The historic market town in South Lanarkshire is just 25 miles away from Glasgow and boasts a medieval history. The town has a park and is filled with plenty of green spaces that are ideal for a leisurely stroll - especially during amazing sunny weather. The town is also home to the ruins of Strathaven Castle - which were built around 1350. The Perth Museum Perth Museum is now located in Perth's former city hall, with the space transformed by the architecture firm Mecanoo. It looks at 10,000 years of Scottish and world history through a local lens. The museum is the new home of the Stone of Scone, more commonly known as the Stone of Destiny. The attraction also features a cafe, a gift shop and learning and event spaces, making it the perfect day out. Callendar House and Antonine Wall Explore this spectacular, free-to-visit stately home in Falkirk, which dates back to the 14th century. Visitors can stroll stop by the exhibitions, a Georgian kitchen and playpark, before taking a stroll through the beautiful parklands and discover a long section of the Antonine Wall ditch, dating back to the Romans, just north of the house. Callendar House also boasts a tearoom with stunning views serving a range of breakfast, lunch, and light snack options. The attraction's gift shop has a range of items from bespoke local made products, to kits and crafts for kids. Crookston Castle Crookston Castle, is the only one of its kind in the city, and is also Glasgow's second-oldest historic building. Lying on the south-western edge of the city, was once a major tourist attraction with a fascinating history of royal romances, warring families and even played a defence role in World War II. From the castle's hilltop position, you can get a spectacular view of south-east Glasgow. Families can make a day of it by tying in a visit to nearby Pollok Park.
The Courier
29-05-2025
- The Courier
From Kyiv to the Kelpies as Angus dad who fled Ukraine invasion tackles charity abseil
A brave Angus dad who was forced to flee his home in Ukraine is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down The Kelpies. Lloyd Gwishiri from Brechin is taking on the fundraiser for charity Children First. He became a trustee of the organisation after his family was forced to leave their home in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in 2022. The personal experience of fleeing the Russian invasion inspired Lloyd to become involved with Children First. And he is curious about abseiling down the massive equine sculptures having never actually seen them in real life. Lloyd said: 'The experience of leaving Ukraine was quite traumatising for anyone who went through it at the time. 'It was hard going through the steps of moving from country to country via public transport. It was quite intense.' The family eventually settled in Brechin. Lloyd has been keen to get involved in more fundraising work after becoming active in the local community. He is a popular coach at Brechin Boxing Club. After joining Children First as a board member nine months ago, he said taking on the Kelpies would be a 'fun and interesting adventure'. The exciting challenge involves climbing inside the world's largest equine sculptures through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms. Participants emerge to enjoy the spectacular view right from the horse's mouth. After conquering the Kelpies, Lloyd will then drop back to the ground. Lloyd is calling on other daredevils to join him on June 7. He said: 'I'm terrified of heights. 'I've seen photographs of the Kelpies and I've been planning to go there. But I've never seen the Kelpies in person. 'I'm really looking forward to the experience.' Lloyd added: 'I know the challenges Children First are facing to raise funds. That was reason enough for me to participate and do whatever else I can for the charity. 'So many children and families tell us that the support they get from Children First is a lifeline.' To sign up to the Kelpies' Challenge and support Children First visit or call 0345 10 80 111.
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Kelpies to host two major outdoor concerts at Helix Park this summer - Jess Glynne, UB40 dates and timings
Two major outdoor concerts will be hosted at The Kelpies this summer. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Falkirk's Helix Park is all set to host some big names in music as part of its Kelpies Live events, as a licence was granted for two open-air concerts in June. Members of Falkirk Council's licensing board had no hesitation in approving the application for when UB40 featuring Ali Campbell play on Friday, June 13 and Jess Glynne headlines on Saturday, June 14. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The world-famous Kelpies. Picture: Michael Gillen The concerts on the park's Great Lawn – a few minutes walk from the iconic sculptures – are being organised by xfire live events. The bars will be run by Innis & Gunn, which have experience working at major events, including the Royal Highland Show and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The board's policy is now that it will consider all applications for events that will have more than 1,000 attending. After seeing the alcohol management plan, members agreed to grant the licence, which will see the bars stop serving at 10pm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ticket-holders have been advised that a Challenge 25 policy will be enforced. Those attending are strongly recommend to bring ID if they wish to buy an alcoholic drink. No-one will be allowed to enter the premises with alcohol or any other liquids and entry searches will be in operation. Parking, which must be booked in advance, will be at Falkirk Stadium. A free shuttle bus service will operate between there and the park for customers with mobility issues. The licensing board's depute convener, Cllr Bryan Deakin, said he felt the event 'would be really good for Falkirk'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the board unanimously agreed the application, Councillor Robert Spears said he had 'serious concerns' about the fact the event was taking place while there were 'major roadworks in the locale'. 'I feel that this event will cause major disruption for traffic in the surrounding areas,' he said.
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Hike to iconic Scottish mountain ranked best UK walk for allergy sufferers
Check out the top Scottish walks for hay fever sufferers this summer ranked best to worst New research has ranked the top UK walking routes for hay fever sufferers, revealing which scenic spots are most likely to leave you sneezing, and which could provide welcome relief. The study, conducted by natural skincare specialists Wild & Wood, assessed popular walking routes across the country using environmental factors known to impact hay fever, Scottish Daily Express reported. The research is based on ITV's top 100 UK walks, a list compiled in 2018 by the Ordnance Survey and The Ramblers from a survey of thousands of walkers, and featured in a special programme hosted by Julia Bradbury. Twelve Scottish trails made the list, with each one scored against five key factors: Altitude: Higher ground typically has fewer airborne allergens Coastal wind exposure: Sea breezes help disperse pollen Vegetation levels: Denser plant life means more pollen Woodland density: Trees can trap allergens Animal and insect activity: Livestock and wildlife can stir up pollen Each trail received a score from 1 to 5 for each category, with 5 being the most hay fever-friendly and 1 indicating a high-risk route. An average score was then used to rank the walks overall. At the top of the hay fever-friendly list are two of Scotland's most iconic peaks, Ben Macdui and Ben Nevis. Both scored an impressive 4.8 out of 5, thanks to their exposed, high-altitude locations with minimal vegetation and low allergen levels. Close behind is Stac Pollaidh, known for its rugged ridgeline and strong winds, which earned a 4.6. Also ranking highly is the Silver Sands of Morar (4.2), a picturesque beach trail where coastal winds help keep pollen levels low. Other Scottish walks that scored well include the Fife Coastal Path (4.0), offering refreshing sea breezes, and The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye (3.2), which is more open but still has some vegetation. Urban-adjacent routes like Arthur's Seat (3.0) and the Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies (3.2) also made the list, with moderate hay fever exposure due to landscaped and grassy areas. Meanwhile, long-distance routes like the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way scored slightly lower at 3.0 and 2.6 respectively, as they pass through moorlands and wooded stretches with potential for moderate pollen exposure. 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'. At the bottom of the list sits the Falls of Clyde walk, which received a hay fever score of 2.0 out of 5, making it the least allergy-friendly trail in Scotland. The route is densely wooded and rich in plant life, contributing to its high pollen potential. Here's a breakdown of the full scores for Scotland's 12 featured walks: Ben Macdui – 4.8 Ben Nevis – 4.8 Stac Pollaidh – 4.6 Silver Sands of Morar – 4.2 Fife Coastal Path – 4.0 Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies – 3.2 The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye – 3.2 Arthur's Seat – 3.0 West Highland Way – 3.0 Pitlochry to Blair Atholl – 2.8 Great Glen Way – 2.6 Falls of Clyde – 2.0
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Irn-Bru makers submit plans to transform The Kelpies in Falkirk into unicorns
The Kelpies in Falkirk would be transformed on one day every year under the plans submitted on behalf of Irn-Bru Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... They are one of the most instantly-recognisable sculptures in Scotland, but they could be getting a dramatic makeover if a soft drinks manufacturer gets its way. AG Barr – the makers of Irn-Bru – have lodged an application to give Falkirk's world-famous Kelpies some added fizz with a magical makeover. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A proposal has been submitted to Falkirk Council's Local Development Plan 3 consultation to mount 15-foot horns onto The Kelpies every year on National Unicorn Day. The day falls on April 9 each year. Irn Bru has supposedly made official moves to equip the Kelpies with unicorn horns (Picture: Submitted) The proposal comes complete with detailed CGI artwork showing how the majestic sculptures would look with their facelift – designed to match the existing steel facade, which already attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The company said the proposal had been submitted to mark the launch of its Unicorn Tears flavoured limited edition Irn-Bru XTRA. Kenny Nicholson, head of brand at Irn-Bru, said: 'The Kelpies are one of the most inspiring sculptures in the UK – an incredible feat of engineering and creativity – so we think they're the perfect spot to celebrate Scotland's most legendary animal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'By crowning them with a unicorn horn every World Unicorn Day, we can help tell the story of Scotland's centuries-long love affair with the unicorn – from royal seals and ancient coins, all the way to cans of IRN-BRU XTRA's new Unicorn Tears flavour.' The 300-tonne, 98ft (30m) high horse head sculptures were created by artist Andy Scott. They were officially opened in 2014 and sit in Helix Park, Falkirk, close to the M9 motorway.
