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Press and Journal
2 days ago
- General
- Press and Journal
Five overlooked Moray beaches that 'should have been included' after annual beach awards snub for region
While beaches across the north and north-east were recently recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful – one area was conspicuously absent. The organisation's annual list of the best beaches included locations such as Nairn, Dornoch, Aberdeen and Balmedie. Eight beaches were recognised in Aberdeenshire, four in the Highlands and two in Shetland. But the stunning stretches of sands along the Moray coast were nowhere to be seen. Each beach on the list has to meet certain criteria, including sustainability, facilities and conservation, which means some of Scotland's favourites miss out. We asked Moray residents in The P&J's Elgin group about it and. And they had some strong opinions about which ones should make the list. Trev Vennard said: 'A lot of the Moray beaches should be included. Most are glorious.' Another reader commented: 'We are so lucky having so many beautiful beaches on our doorstep.' Cullen Beach is known for its fine sand and picturesque setting against the backdrop of the famous Cullen Viaduct and Cullen Golf Course. The beach has some shelter, making it a good spot for swimming and snorkelling in the summer months. There are plenty of coastal walks dotted around and facilities can be accessed via a short walk into town – where ice creams can be had. There is free car parking under the viaduct. Toilets are accessible down by Cullen Harbour and dogs are allowed on the beach. The larger of the two beaches in Hopeman, Hopeman East is mostly sandy with some rocky areas and rock pools. The geography ensures the beach gets large waves, making it ideal for surfers – in fact it's one of the top-rated spots in the north-east. There are also great views out to the Moray Firth. Hopeman East beach also benefits from nearby amenities including a skate park, public toilets and a number of beach huts as well as free parking. And if you need to cool down, you can always pop into Stew 'n' Drew's for a locally-made ice cream. Dogs are allowed on the beach. There is no lifeguard service available. This lengthy stretch of sandy coastline is a great spot for casual strolls and bird and dolphin watching. Located close to the village of Findhorn as well as the mouth of the River Findhorn, Findhorn Beach benefits from a range of facilities including pubs, shops and a caravan park. Findhorn is also a popular spot for those looking to try out watersports. There are toilets nearby as well as plenty of free parking at the east beach. A string of brightly-painted beach huts line the beach, providing a dry and wind-free retreat. At low tide Burghead Beach is expansive, offering plenty of space for dogs to roam around. If you're lucky, this area is also good for whale and dolphin spotting. The closest parking to the beach is along Station Road, where there used to be a train station. Burghead has a few places to eat including the Cable Cafe which opened last year and has been a hit with tourists and locals alike. There are also toilet facilities at Burghead Harbour. Readers John Stewart, Morag Whitelaw and Steven Mullen were among those who said Burghead Beach 'should have been included'. Perhaps one of the most well-known beaches in Moray, Lossiemouth East Beach is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. A new bridge opened in 2022 to offer easy access – replacing a crumbling wooden bridge. The beach is located at the mouth of the River Lossie and is backed by grassy dunes. It also attracts watersports enthusiasts, dog walkers and birdwatchers. Its close proximity to RAF Lossiemouth offers the chance of an added thrill as powerful aircraft fly overhead. The beach is serviced by car parks and on-street parking nearby, while toilets are available on the Esplanade. And there plenty of places for refreshments and ice creams just a brief stroll away. Wallace Stewart said Lossiemouth East was 'stunning and clean'.
Press and Journal
27-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Revealed: Figures show major increase in second homes in Inverness in last three years
The number of people owning second homes in Inverness has significantly grown in the last three years, new official figures reveal. An FOI submitted by the Press and Journal shows there are currently more than 400 second homes in Inverness and surrounding areas. This is over 100 more second homes than in 2022, an increase of 44.6%. The postcode area with the largest number of second homes is IV2 6, which covers the Culduthel area and south of Inverness. Meanwhile, the postcode that has seen the largest increase in second homes is IV2 3, which encompasses areas of the city centre, Crown and Drakies. And the postcode with the highest percentage of second homes per residential property is IV1 1, which includes parts of the city centre, Longman and North Kessock. Highland Council's response to the FOI stated that there are and surrounding areas. This is , when there were 289 second homes. The rise is an increase of 44.6%. In December 2023, Highland councillors agreed to charge 200% charge on council tax for second homes with effect from April 1 last year. The recent response obtained by Inverness South Ward councillor Duncan Macpherson to a written question to the leader of the council shows there are currently 3,453 properties subject to second homes charge in the Highlands. Meanwhile, the Inverness postcode with the largest increase in second homes since 2022 is IV2 3, which includes the city centre, Crown and Drakies. It has seen a 100% growth, going from 16 to 32. It is followed by IV3 5, which mainly covers Dalneigh and Ballifeary, with an 80% increase, from 20 to 36. In third place, IV3 8, which mainly includes Merkinch and South Kessock, has gone from 19 to 32, a 68.4% growth. IV2 4, which covers Holm, Lochardil, Hilton and an area of the city centre, has 44 second homes, 12 more than three years ago which is a 37.5% increase. And the number of second homes in IV2 6, which mainly encompasses the Culduthel area, has gone up from 49 to 63, a 28.6% hike. Lastly, the Inverness postcode with the largest percentage of second homes is IV1 1, which covers the northern area of the city centre, Longman and North Kessock. There are 670 residential properties in this postcode, 19 of which are second homes. This means that 2.8% of the houses in this area are second homes. This is followed by IV2 6 (Culduthel area), where 1.3% of the properties (63 of 5,019) are subject to second homes charge. Inverness Millburn councillor Isabelle Mackenzie told The P&J the issue of second homes 'is raised regularly by residents across Inverness and the wider Highland area.' Mrs Mackenzie explained that there is 'growing concern' that an increase in second home ownership may reduce the availability of homes for local people. She said: 'Competition from second-home buyers can push up property prices and reduce availability, making it harder for first-time buyers to get a foothold on the housing ladder. 'Over the last few months, I have had discussions with Scottish Care Group, regarding recruitment drive and need for accommodation in mid-market rent sector. 'Second homes are one of several contributing factors to the housing challenges we face. 'While they are not the sole cause, they do have a noticeable impact in areas of high demand and limited housing stock, such as parts of Inverness and the wider Highlands. 'The local authority and housing associations are working hard to tackle housing shortages through new affordable housing developments, but the presence of second homes in popular areas can compound existing pressures.' Inverness Central councillor Michael Gregson believes the lack of affordable accommodation, both to rent and buy, is having a 'serious and detrimental effect' on Highland and Island society He said: 'With just 450 people owning 50% of the land, there are underlying problems in how we develop strong and sustainable communities. 'Markets incentivise property ownership as an income stream (e.g. short term and holiday lets), and so there is less opportunity for local communities to get into the housing market. 'We can use taxation to drive change, and yes, a higher second home Council Tax rate (e.g. rising over some years to 300%) would be a powerful disincentive.' The Scottish Labour councillor thinks that additional Council Tax 'should be used for affordable housing.' He concluded: 'Second homes exacerbate our housing crisis, and owners should be encouraged to sell so those properties come back into permanent residential use. 'I would also favour the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders to bring more properties into use for local communities.' Meanwhile, Inverness Central councillor Michael Cameron explained that the issue of second homes is not something he is hearing 'directly from people looking for help.' However, he believes second homes 'go hand in hand with short-term let properties, which people are definitely more vocal about.' He said: 'Not only do these contribute to housing pressures, but they can also bring behaviour which residents consider anti-social (parking, parties, noise, litter etc..). 'At least second-home owners live there some of the time.' The SNP councillor says that he has had owners of second homes getting in touch regarding the 200% council tax. 'Not all second- home owners end up as such by choice, there are tales of inheriting unsaleable properties, renovations going horrendously wrong and people who genuinely have reasons to claim exceptions from the surcharge,' he explained. He concluded: 'I'm not sure what additional measures over and above council tax surcharges are open to us to try and curb this, we're doing everything we can under the current legislation. 'I would support potentially higher surcharges and would like to see more about what impact this had in Wales where they currently charge more.' Karine MacRae-Simpson, director at Tailormade Moves estate agency, believes the number of people buying second homes 'has gone down' recently. She said: 'The Scottish Government's decision to increase the rate of the additional dwelling supplement by 2% in December last year, has really had an impact on the market. 'An additional 8% of the purchase price, on top of the LBTT, is a huge amount of tax to pay – especially on mid-market or high value properties. 'It is ultimately a deal breaker and has put people off buying a second home for personal use. 'We are certainly still seeing a lot of movement for smaller investment properties, both long-term let or Airbnb's, in the lower end of the market – up to £140,000.' The estate agent revealed that 'the majority of our investment properties over the last year have been purchased by locals.' 'We've certainly not had an influx of people from down south compared to 4 or 5 years ago,' she said. When asked if second homes are contributing to the housing problems in Inverness, she said it is 'a complex issue.' She said: 'I think it's a complex issue, without private residential landlords buying properties to let out the housing problems locally would be a lot worse. 'There is a lack of social housing and without the private rented sector we would have an even larger issue than we currently have.'
Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
WATCH: We try the menu at the Aberdeenshire chipper that is going viral
The owners of a north-east chipper that has gone viral say they are still trying to get their heads around its success. Happy Haddock in Macduff, which had to close in 2022 due to rising energy bills, reopened two years ago and has become an online sensation. The P&J visited the Duff Street takeaway to speak to co-owners Davie Henderson and Richard Newton about the establishment's fame and their key to success. Davie, who is also a cook at Happy Haddock, believes it has gone viral due to the different flavours of batters they make. Their Irn-Bru variation – which he has been doing for five years – has 'doubled the sales', while they also offer chocolate batter and lemon and lime for fish. 'As far as I'm led to believe, we're the only chippy in Scotland to do it,' Davie said, adding: 'I just stand and fry and something just goes ping in my head and I think, 'I'm going to give this a go'. As well as this, Happy Haddock is also known for its range of desserts. These include battered Oreos, chocolate brownies, Jammie Dodgers and Tunnock's Teacakes, as well as 'Ring Duffnuts' donuts. And all of this has resulted in vloggers travelling from as far as Falkirk and Yorkshire to try the goodies. 'I'm still trying to get my head round it,' Davie told The P&J, adding: 'They're just coming from all directions and it's just blowing my mind.' So far, they have received visits and reviews from various TikTokers, including Trains And Travel, Laura from Things to do in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and Doric Dad, who gave them a 'blinding review'. Does Davie give these special guests any special treatment? Of course not. 'I just treat them as all the same,' he said, adding: 'They're just customers, they come in for a laugh and a joke.' And all customers are treated in the exact same way. 'That's what we try and do, have a laugh and a joke with the customers, because if they have a good time, they'll come back.' The 'celebrity' endorsements have certainly attracted folk to the Macduff takeaway and they were 'absolutely blitzed' as a result at the weekend. People from across the north-east and Moray are also coming to the chippy, including from Elgin, Forres, Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Despite the viral fame, Happy Haddock has Macduff running through its veins and classes itself as a 'community chippy'. 'At the end of day, if it wasn't for the local supporters, we wouldn't be in business,' he continued. And Richard thinks they have a loyal customer base because they 'listen a lot' to what they say and do not change things with checking how the customers feel about it. At the end of the day, David and Richard are the owners, but this is in name only. 'We're just running the place, but we're not the chipper, the community is the Happy Haddock,' Richard declared. A 4.8 rating on Google Reviews just shows how successful it has become. And David – nicknamed the 'mad professor' for his creations – has a message for all those that has helped take Happy Haddock where it is today. 'I just want to thank all the supporters, all the guys on TikTok, just everybody for helping us out.' And what about winning awards? 'We're much happier with people on Facebook raving about our food, people on Google raving about our food, because they're the people who we want to impress,' Richard defiantly said.
Press and Journal
20-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Aberdeenshire councillor Geva Blackett vows 'never to shop in Aberdeen city centre again' after bus gate fine
A Deeside councillor has vowed never to shop in Aberdeen city centre again after being slapped with a fine for accidentally driving through a bus gate. Geva Blackett recently found herself 'entangled in blue paint' as she tried to cross from the Bon Accord Centre to Union Square. The independent councillor, who lives in Braemar, comes to Aberdeen every two months to get her hair done at Linton and Mac on Netherkirkgate. This trip, she tells The P&J, would usually be combined with some grocery shopping at the former Marks and Spencer a short walk away at St Nicholas Square. The flagship store closed earlier this month as retail bosses focus on the £15 million expansion of their Union Square branch. And Mrs Blackett thought this would be a great opportunity to check out the revamp, buy some strawberries for her grandchildren and make a day of her visit to the city. This was until she suddenly found herself 'trapped' in the Guild Street bus gate… Speaking to The Press and Journal, Mrs Blackett admits that as an Aberdeenshire resident she didn't really know what the bus gates were or how to navigate them. So when it came to her first attempt at crossing through the city centre, she thought 'the responsible thing to do' would be to seek advice from Google Maps. However, the app suggested that the quickest way to Union Square would be through Guild Street, which is now strictly for buses and taxis. It wasn't until Mrs Blackett saw the big blue patch with the words BUS GATE that she realised what she had done. 'I just knew…,' she said. 'I went home and told my husband that I've been through the bus gates, but I was just doing what Google Maps was telling me to do… 'I've read about the bus gates but I hadn't really thought about it much. Living in Braemar, they don't really affect you, do they? Until you get caught that is.' A few days later, Mrs Blackett was served the 'very threatening' bus gate fine for £100, allowing her to pay £50 then and there, or £150 later on if she ignored it. She paid it, but is now adamant to never risk ending up in this situation again. Business leaders in Aberdeen have previously warned the 'anti-car' rejig of the city centre is a deterrent for Aberdeenshire shoppers, who now prefer to go elsewhere. And Mrs Blackett agrees with that, stressing that the bus gates put off particularly those – like herself – who are not necessarily confident with driving in the big city. She adds: 'You're watching what other cars are doing, you're concentrating in traffic, thinking of where you're trying to go, and then suddenly – BLUE PAINT! What is that? 'And then, I couldn't do anything when I realised I was in the middle of it… I was so confused that I gave up the idea of going to M&S altogether and just carried on. 'So instead of making a day of it – perhaps going to Union Square after my hairdresser, seeing a film, having a meal, doing some shopping – I did nothing and got a fine for it.' Mrs Blackett has now vowed never to attempt driving through Aberdeen city centre and go for her shopping to Westhill instead. The 'worst of it all', she adds, is that it is the high street retailers that will bear the brunt of it all. And she says that she fully backs them in their battle against the traffic restrictions, which they are now on the verge of taking to court. Council data shows that city leaders will be forced to refund £1m worth of bus gate fines to drivers if traders succeed in their crusade to get the system scrapped. 'I feel very sorry for the retailers, and I'm definitely on side with them,' Mrs Blackett adds. 'I can't see myself going back to that part of Aberdeen so that's another potential shopper the city has lost. 'Unless you really understood the bus gates, why would you risk a £100 fine? 'From now on, I'm just going to go to my hairdresser, then turn around and go to Westhill.'
Press and Journal
19-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Are Inverness and Highland B&Bs really half empty? Businesses hit back at official statistics
Guesthouse owners across Inverness and the Highlands have contradicted VisitScotland statistics that occupancy rates plummeted by 34% in the last year. Data published by the tourism agency shows that the percentage of room occupancy in the region plunged from 87.84% in 2023 to just 53.51% in 2024. The statistics suggest rooms are now almost half empty at a time demand for visitor accommodation is reportedly phenomenally high. Following VisitScotland's publication, the Press and Journal spoke to 12 guest house owners in Inverness and the Highlands. Eight of them said they have not experienced a decrease in occupancy in the last year, with some revealing they are already 'fully booked' for the season. Another three explained that while they have had a drop in bookings, it has only been a slight decrease. However, most B&B owners agree that they have been principally affected by the rising costs of taxes and utilities. They added that the new short-term licence regulation has been both 'expensive' and 'stressful.' When contacted by the Press and Journal, VisitScotland revealed they have already revised how they gather information for future years. Michael Mackay, who owns the Westlea B&B in Thurso, told The P&J they have not noticed a decrease in visitor numbers. He said: 'We've had around the same number in the past few years. 'We're booked up until October.' Meanwhile, the owner of the An Cois Na Mara B&B in Laide, on the West Coast, reports a similar experience. She said: 'The numbers have been pretty constant year-on-year. 'It was quiet in March, but we're now nearly fully booked for the rest of the season.' The Old Manse guest house in Lochcarron reported it has had a slight drop in visitors in 2024. The owner, Susan, said: 'We had less people in late June and early July with the elections and the Olympics. 'But apart from that one month, we had pretty much had similar numbers to 2023.' From October 2023, guest house and B&B owners need to apply for a short-term let licence to operate. The cost of this is decided by local authorities. In the Highlands, short-term licence fees cost between £320 and £610. Applicants need to renew their licence every three years. The North Coast 500 B&B owner said: 'This year is not looking amazing so far. 'It's certainly a busy road out there but there are also campervans and Airbnb.' Emma, who runs Loch Dubh B&B, also in Lochcarron, told The P&J: 'I'm totally sold-out. We're always full, there's been no difference between 2023 and 2024. 'We also offer self-catering, and it seems this is what people prefer these days. 'But my neighbour, she runs a more traditional guest house, and I think her numbers are down from previous years.' Meanwhile, a B&B owner in Gairloch, who preferred not to be named, said they 'haven't noticed a huge difference.' However, they added that 'there are less B&Bs than a few years ago in the village.' Arafeh and Petra, owners of the Quaich B&B on Greig Street in Inverness, said they had 'a good season last year.' The couple added that they are also 'doing fine this year.' Despite the success, they claim that running a guest house is now more challenging than it was a few years ago. They said: 'The licence has added many difficulties for small businesses and a lot of paperwork. 'And you need to renew it every three years. There's an increase in big budget hotels and we can't compete with their prices.' The owners continued: 'I understand it needs to be regulated but to get the licences is not cheap. That and the increased inflation costs have made us put the prices up in the last three years. 'Before Covid a room could cost between £35 and £40, now at least £75.' Other guesthouses in the area reported that while bookings had dropped, it had only been marginal. One explained he has had 'roughly 10%' less customers than in 2023. On nearby Kenneth Street, Torridon Guest House owners Russell and Ellen say occupancy rates have been 'pretty much the same' over the past few years. 'I'm tired already and it's only May,' Russell said. However, the pair highlighted current difficulties of 'inflation and the cost of licences.' Meanwhile, James and Angela, who run the Mardon B&B on Kenneth Street, explained some B&Bs are deliberately not taking guests not to exceed the tax threshold. The couple explained said their accountant has told them 'to pull back.' They said: 'We work 19 hours a day on top of the paperwork. We live to work; we don't work to live. 'We pay a lot of money in licences. We feel like B&Bs shouldn't have been included in the short-term lets regulation. 'And now with the tourist tax we are intending to sell sooner rather than later.' The Scottish Accommodation Occupancy Survey is based on a survey methodology and results are reflective of the businesses that choose to respond. In 2023 the Highland Guest House and B&B sample was less than 30 responses and in 2024 over 100 businesses responded. A VisitScotland spokesperson said: 'We're pleased to hear that some Highland businesses reported a positive performance in 2024, and no doubt there will be similar experiences by others across Scotland. 'The general national trend, as evidenced by official visitor statistics, and a survey of the industry via the Scottish Accommodation Occupancy Survey, indicates a challenging environment for accommodation providers in 2024. 'This was primarily driven by a drop in domestic visits, following a strong staycation period immediately after the pandemic. 'The Scottish Accommodation Occupancy Survey was retired at the end of 2024 and we are currently creating an accommodation monitor which will pull together data from a variety of sources, such as online booking agents and industry statistics. 'This will help us take a refreshed approach to understanding performance in the accommodation sector going forward.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The short-term let sector is an important part of tourism in Scotland. 'We are aware of the pressure businesses are under and continue to do all that is possible to support the tourism and hospitality sector. 'This year's budget provides a package of non-domestic rates relief worth an estimated £731 million, including the Small Business Bonus Scheme which continues to be the most generous of its kind in the UK. 'The purpose of the licensing scheme is to ensure the safety of guests and safeguard the reputation of Scotland as a quality tourist destination. 'The number of operators now holding licences suggest the scheme is well underway in achieving this goal.' A Highland Council spokesman said: 'The short term let licensing scheme is funded on a full-cost recovery basis.'
