
Scottish beach just outside Edinburgh named 'best in country'
The mile-and-a-half curve of golden sand could easily be mistaken for a beach in the Mediterranean but instead boasts stunning views of the [[Edinburgh]] skyline and the Fife coast.
READ MORE: See the 'pristine' and 'quiet' Scottish beach with the wrecks of WWII submarines
Holiday rental portal Holidu analysed Google Maps user data of over 9500 beaches across the UK, with Gullane topping the list in Scotland with a rating of 4.8 out of five.
Holidu wrote: "Gullane Beach in East Lothian, Scotland, is a true Scottish standout, uniquely blending stunning natural beauty with a world-renowned golfing backdrop. This expansive golden sand beach offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh and Fife.
"However, what truly sets Gullane apart is its direct adjacency to some of Scotland's most prestigious golf courses like Gullane Golf Club and Muirfield, making it a unique destination where the pristine shoreline meets legendary fairways."

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The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Robert the Bruce jousting event to take place in Highlands
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is hosting a 'Celebration of the Centuries' at Fort George in Inverness, one of the largest Georgian fortresses in Europe, on Saturday 9 August and Sunday 10. Visitors can experience a series of immersive events based on over 2000 years of Scottish history, including a jousting show starring Robert the Bruce. READ MORE: 'The perfect stage': Kelpies to host first outdoor evening ceilidh The re-enactment will show a battle between Bruce – the former king of Scotland who helped rid the country of English rule in the 1300s – and Sir James Douglas, one of Bruce's allies during the Wars of Independence. Gillian Urquhart, events manager at HES, said: 'Celebration of the Centuries at Fort George is one of our most popular summer events, where families and people of all ages have the chance to engage with history in an immersive, exciting way. 'From warriors and weavers to nobles and knights, it's a celebration of Scotland throughout the ages.' Alongside the joust, the Celebration of the Centuries will allow visitors to 'wander through living history camps', with immersive exhibitions featuring Scottish characters from the Pict, Roman and medieval times. READ MORE: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo issues statement to fans after show cancellation The current Fort George fortress was constructed to control the Scottish Highlands after the Jacobite rising of 1745, during which the original structure was besieged. It is highlighted in HES's Historic Places, Breathing Spaces campaign, which explores how heritage sites can support mental wellbeing. Site manager John Gibbon created a walking guide which maps out peaceful spots around the fort. Celebration of the Centuries runs from 11am until 5pm on both days and all activities are included in the entrance ticket price, starting at £14 for adults and free entry for children under seven. Tickets and further information can be found on the HES website.


The Courier
9 hours ago
- The Courier
What's it really like inside the 700ft cruise ship sailing from Dundee? We go on board to find out
It's not often (well, ever) that I need to pack my passport for work. But today, I'm going on a cruise ship. 'Tis the sometimes strange life of a journalist – and photographer Steve Brown, who is joining me on the excursion. We've been invited on board Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambition ship, which is currently docked in Dundee, for a tour. We will also enjoy a taste of its Theatre at Sea experience. But first of all, we need to actually find the ship – surprisingly tricky, considering it's 700ft. The cruise terminal, run by Forth Ports, is poorly signposted, and Google Maps keeps leading us into private industrial yards. When we eventually make it to the correct location, parking on a dusty dirt path in the tired shipyard, it feels less like 'We're going on a cruise' and more 'Are we trespassing?' Perhaps it's an area that may improve as cruise traffic increases. There were 16 departures in 2024, compared to just nine this year. But the sight of the very big and shiny Ambition, which is docking in Dundee six times this summer, is extremely impressive. We join the growing queue of cruisers for security before boarding the ship. Deciding to ignore the fact that I am sadly not off on a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise with everyone else, I feel myself getting swept up in the holiday atmosphere. Ambition is primarily aimed at the over-50s market (the average age of a UK cruiser is 54), and this is reflected in the crowd. But there are also some young couples and plenty of children. It seems to be a popular choice for wheelchair and mobility scooter users as well. After a very warm welcome on board the ship, we are shown to a relaxing lounge area for refreshments. We've been on board for less than 10 minutes and I'm already astounded by the quality of service. Attentive waiters in crisp white shirts circle the room with silver trays and steaming coffee, ensuring our plates and cups are always full. I have never been on a cruise before, but Steve, who sails with his family every year, tells me this is the norm. I am beginning to understand and see the appeal. Although Ambition was built in 1999, it underwent a full refit in 2023 – the same year it began sailing from Dundee. This is evident from the slick and modern interiors as we're led through expansive hallways on our tour. The place is buzzing as luggage-wielding guests are shown to their rooms by staff. Ambition, run by an international crew of nearly 500, can carry up to 1,200 passengers. There are 714 cabins, 125 of which have balconies and 113 of which are suites. On deck five, we pass through the Buckingham Restaurant, where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. The eatery – one of seven on board – features huge windows overlooking the silvery Tay. Passengers are tucking into a breakfast buffet. I glance longingly at the trolley of warm pastries. We're then led to the lifts (even these are impressive – they could probably hold at least 30 people each). We head up to deck 11, which feels like the heart of the ship. There are several restaurants, as well as a pool area, gym and spa. Firstly, we visit Borough Market, another of Ambition's casual dining restaurants, which our guide tells us is a 'celebration of all flavours around the world'. There's an enormous selection of buffet food on offer, including pasta, meat, salad and desserts. With vegan options and a kid-friendly offering (I spy potato smiles and waffles), there seems to be something for everyone. We also peek our heads into the Chef's Table – a luxurious dining area hidden behind a curtain, where passengers can enjoy multi-course a la carte dining with wine pairings. Then we visit the sun deck – possibly my favourite spot on the ship. It features a giant pool, hot tubs, a cocktail bar and various nooks for sunbathing or socialising. Right now, there are also glorious views over Dundee Law. You can tell it's a Scottish crowd, as the rain does nothing to deter guests sipping pina coladas by the pool or children gleefully splashing in the hot tubs. Around the corner, there's also a great area for playing darts and a pool table. Then we head into the Green Sea Spa. Despite the name, it's decked out in serene shades of baby blue and cream. Treatments like manicures, Indian head and hot stone massages are available for an extra cost, but most facilities are included in the ticket price. This includes a humongous steam room and sauna, both of which boast floor-to-ceiling windows – the views must be spectacular at sea. Next door is a well-equipped gym and active studio, where regular spin classes are held. We then head down to deck seven to take a look at the Cavern – a modern seating area with a stage and a bar – where much of the entertainment takes place. Busy from 9am until late, this includes bingo, quizzes, dance classes, silent discos and DJ sets. Fitted with turquoise and orange sofas, jazzy carpets, walnut surfaces and a reflective ceiling, it feels nostalgic and glamorous. It's giving Great Gatsby vibes. Finally, we visit deck six, where there's a theatre, a library and several bars and restaurants. Our guide points out Angel Bar, which is one of two onboard bars with no background music or entertainment, making it an ideal spot for some downtime. Like many of Ambition's leisure facilities, it's named after destinations featured on the ship's itineraries. In this case, Antony Gormley's Angel of the North sculpture, located in Tyne and Wear. I stop for a browse in the Bronte Library, which runs on a 'take a book, leave a book' system. It's a cosy little sanctuary on the ship. We then pause in the relaxing Clifton lounge, where we are surprised with a pop-up theatre vignette. The three young actors, starring in a Georgian-style bit about the language of fanology, succeed in making us all laugh. Apparently, these surprise scenes are a regular occurrence on board. Holyrood Restaurant – a formal dinner venue – is also located on deck six. This is where the ship hosts its Baked Alaska Parade – an onboard tradition where waiters carry flaming Baked Alaska desserts through the dining room while passengers wave napkins in the air. Our tour guide tells us that the spectacle, accompanied by much fanfare and music, began as a way for cooks to show off the heat of their ovens. (A proper Baked Alaska should have a crisp meringue shell with a still-cool ice cream centre.) Our day culminates with a visit to The Palladium – a glitzy theatre which could easily play host to an episode of Strictly Come Dancing. It is here that we learn more about the cruise liner's Theatre at Sea programme, which is run by PEEL Entertainment. Over the past three years, the group has staged a wide range of plays onboard Ambassador's Ambition and Ambience ships. We are also treated to readings of two plays from the Ambassador PEEL Playwriting Challenge 2025 shortlist: Tea Leaves by Claudia Feilding and Venison by Huw Turnbull. The winning play – which will be announced in December – will be produced as part of the Theatre at Sea programme. From the quality service to the endless food and entertainment, it's easy to see why Ambition is so popular. With more sailings from Dundee already announced for 2027, it's clearly striking a chord with passengers.


Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Scotsman
Why DP World Tour card-chasing trio have made big call to play in Scotland
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... It's normally a bigger dilemma than you might expect, though, on this occasion, the decision seemed pretty straightforward for David Law, Daniel Young and Euan Walker. The HotelPlanner Tour trio are teeing up on the DP World Tour this week, having opted to play in the Nexo Championship, which is being held at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen, as opposed to the Irish Challenge at Killeen Castle in Co Meath. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The fact the event on Scottish soil carries a $2.75 million prize fund compared to the Irish one offering around $350,000 might suggest it was a no-brainer, but not necessarily so. David Law pictured during last week's Farmfoods Scottish Challenge at Schloss Roxburghe in Kelso |Especially not when Law, Young and Walker are aiming to secure a season of starts on the DP World Tour next year by graduating from the HotelPlanner Tour at the end of the current campaign. To put it in perspective, Law has barely played on the DP World Tour since losing his full playing status at the end of last season. He teed up in three events right at the start of the new season but, other than that, has only played in the Magical Kenya Open. Young also competed in Kenya and the Turkish Airlines Open as well while Walker's last appearance on the main circuit was more than two years ago in the 2023 Hero Indian Open. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Players have fallen into the trap in the past of being enticed by DP World Tour opportunities and, occasionally, someone has hit the jackpot by securing an exemption and, in turn, never looking back. Location is a big factor this week Now more than ever, though, players are aware that even taking a single week off from the bread and butter of the ultra-competitive HotelPlanner Tour might come back to haunt them when those coveted 20 DP World Tour cards are handed out in Mallorca at the end of the season. One of the reasons why Law, Young and Walker have decided on a change of environment this week is that it's an assignment on Scottish soil, a ground-breaking one, too, as the Old Course at Trump International Golf Links stages a DP World Tour event for the first time. In the case of Law and Young, they will also be teeing up in the knowledge that they have both effectively secured top-tour tickets for 2026. On the back of a win in the D+D REAL Czech Challenge last month, Law sits fourth on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, with Young is up to sixth after his maiden title triumph in the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A at Schloss Roxburghe in the Borders on Sunday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After playing together in the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge, Euan Walker and Daniel Young are now teeing up on the DP World Tour this week in the Nexo Championship |'I think a little bit after last week especially,' said Young in reply to being asked if this week was something of a free shot for him. 'I've got myself in a nice position on the HotelPlanner Tour and I'll be teeing up with the same expectations I had last week, to be honest. 'My game is good and I was up playing the course with Davy (Law) a week past Friday. I've played it a good few times over the years and it suits my game as you've got to be strong off the tee. It will just be interesting to see how they set it up as it can get pretty blustery up there.' It can, indeed, as the players competing in last week's Staysure PGA Seniors Championship discovered, with only winner Bo Van Pelt and runner-up Darren Fichardt ending a challenging four days in red figures and that was despite a number of the tees being moved forward in one of the rounds. 'I probably need one more good result' Walker, who will be getting his first look at the Martin Hawtree-designed course, sits 14th on the HotelPlanner Tour points list after finishing third behind Young at Schloss Roxburghe. Three years in a row, he narrowly missed out on securing a step up after heading into the Grand Final sitting around 20th and is determined to be closer to the top ten on this occasion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think I am now sitting in a similar position to where I was in 2023,' said the Ayrshireman. 'I probably need one more good result like the one last week. If not that, then I need to be consistent for the rest of the season and I've been consistent (as evidenced by by making the cut in 15 of his 17 starts) so far.' It would be correct to say that Young took time to find his feet on the second-tier tour, finishing 173rd in the rankings in 2021 then 77th and 100th the next two years. There were clear signs, though, that he was starting to make headway as he made it to the Grand Final for the first time last season and his weekend win came after finishing third and second in his previous two starts. Daniel Young shows off the trophy after his weekend win in the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A at Schloss Roxburghe near Kelso | Five Star Sports Agency 'It was great to get across the line,' admitted the 33-year-old Perth man, who is coached by Ladybank head pro Sandy Smith. 'Yeah, this is proper progress. I've said this to a couple of the young guys. Gregor Graham, for example. The first year out here is tough. The travelling, for starters. Seeing different places, being in an airport every week. It's not easy and you've got to get used to that. 'The standard out here gets better every year. There are so many good players. Young guys starting out and guys coming back off the DP World Tour. So to have had the run of events that I've just had is obviously very satisfying.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A total of 15 Scots are playing in this week's event, with Law, Young and Walker joining DP World Tour regulars Connor Syme, Ewen Ferguson, Calum Hill, Grant Forrest, Richie Ramsay and Scott Jamieson. Four-time PGA Tour winner Martin Laird is also in the field while Marc Warren, Ryan Lumsden and Rory Franssen have all secured invitations.