US Presidents in Scotland: Here are all 16 Presidents to have visited Scotland - from Ulysses S. Grant to Donald Trump
Ulysses S. Grant was the first US President to visit Scotland - as part of a world tour he undertook after leaving office in 1877. He visited several locations including Glasgow, where he was given the Freedom of the City, Edinburgh and Stirling, where he was given a reception at the Golden Lion hotel. He also toured the Scottish Highlands, Ayr and took in Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott. On his visit to Dundee he described the Tay Road Bridge - at that point the longest bridge in the world - as a "mighty long bridge to such a mighty little old town". | Getty Images
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Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
World's most powerful passports in 2025 revealed as the UK drops in rankings
Link is copied Comments The world's most powerful passports in 2025 have been revealed, and it doesn't look too great for the UK. Or the US for that matter. The results have been decided by the Henley Passport Index, the global official ranking of all the world's passports. It's based on the number of international destinations holders can access without a visa (Picture: Getty Images) The UK passport currently sits in sixth place, after falling to number five at the beginning of this year. In 2024, it was at a much stronger fourth position: passport owners had visa-free access to 191 destinations. Now, it's been reduced to 186. From 2013 to 2015, the British passport took the number one spot (Picture: Getty Images) The US, meanwhile, currently ranks in 10th place, having been bumped down from ninth last year. Currently, it sits alongside Iceland and Lithuania. These nationals have a lower 182 visa-free destinations accessible to them. Back in 2014, US passports came in first place, so in recent years, there's been a significant drop in their power (Picture: Getty Images) Singapore has the most powerful passport for the second year in a row. The Asian nation has access to 193 destinations and offers seamless travel for its holders. Japanese and South Korean passports rank in joint second place, with 190 visa-free destinations, while Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are all in joint third. They can easily visit 189 countries (Picture: Getty Images) It's all well and good sharing the world's most powerful passports, but where does the authority come from? The Henley Passport Index was launched in 2005 by the investment firm Henley Global. Originally, it was known as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index. In 2018, it was shortened to what we know today. It ranks 199 of the world's passports, and publishes quarterly findings (Picture: Getty Images) The index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which assesses travel restriction information. The research is only based on 'normal' passports, and excludes diplomatic or emergency documents. Temporary airspace restrictions are also ignored (Picture: Getty Images) Following the most recent ratings, Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO at Henley & Partners, explained that passports are no longer just a travel document — they're a 'reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships.' He stated in the index findings that 'as the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we're witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security.' He also said that, in an era of 'growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever' (Picture: Getty Images) On the next slide, you'll find the top 10 most powerful passports, along with their number of visa-free destinations, from the most recent index. It actually includes 36 countries, due to many being tied in their power (Picture: Getty Images) 1. Singapore – 193 visa-free destinations 2. Japan, South Korea – 190 visa-free destinations 3. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain – 189 visa-free destinations 4. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden – 188 visa-free destinations 5. Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland – 187 visa-free destinations 6. United Kingdom – 186 visa-free destinations 7. Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland – 185 visa-free destinations 8. Canada, Estonia, UAE – 184 visa-free destinations 9. Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia – 183 visa-free destinations 10. Iceland, Lithuania, United States – 182 visa-free destinations (Picture: Getty Images)
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
Universal Studios UK: predicted price of park day tickets
Excitement builds as Universal Studios prepares to open in the UK 🎢 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... Universal Studios is set to open a massive new theme park near Bedford in 2031 The resort aims to attract millions of visitors in its first year Ticket pricing details remain unconfirmed but are eagerly anticipated Costs will likely vary by ticket type, season, and additional perks like queue-skipping Local discounts are possible but have yet to be confirmed for UK residents It's no secret at this point that Universal Studios is expanding its global footprint with a new UK theme park slated to open in 2031. The finished resort near Bedford, which is expected to encompass between 476 and 700‑acres of space, is expected to draw about 8.5 million visitors in its first year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But as excitement builds around what could become one of the country's biggest tourist attractions, many are already wondering: how much will tickets cost? From single-day entry to family passes and queue-skipping perks, here's what UK visitors might expect to pay - and whether locals could benefit from discounted rates when the gates finally open. (Photo: GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images How much could Universal Studios UK tickets cost? While pricing for the UK park remains unannounced, we can estimate ticket costs by examining current pricing at Universal's Orlando Resort in Florida. Bear in mind though that estimating the future ticket price for a trip to Universal Studios UK is challenging. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That's not only because the resort is still at least six years from opening, but also due to the dynamic pricing models used at other Universal parks, where costs fluctuate based on demand and the time of year. Add to this the potential impact of inflation and changes in the UK economy, and it becomes even trickier to predict what guests might actually be asked to pay in 2031. Universal Orlando Resort also comprises four parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and the newly opening Epic Universe - ticket prices vary based on the number of parks visited and the duration of the stay. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But let's assume that ticket prices in the UK will be comparable to those in Orlando, adjusted for local economic conditions. Single-day ticket (adult): Expect prices to fall between £80 and £120, depending on the season and demand. Expect prices to fall between £80 and £120, depending on the season and demand. Single-day ticket (child): Children's tickets typically come in around £5–10 cheaper, so likely between £70 and £110. Children's tickets typically come in around £5–10 cheaper, so likely between £70 and £110. Multi-day tickets: Visitors buying two or more days of access may benefit from reduced per-day pricing. A three-day pass could cost around £220–£300 per adult and £190–£270 per child. Visitors buying two or more days of access may benefit from reduced per-day pricing. A three-day pass could cost around £220–£300 per adult and £190–£270 per child. Family of four (2 adults, 2 children): For a three-day visit, expect a total in the region of £850–£1,100, depending on the package and whether it includes extras. For a three-day visit, expect a total in the region of £850–£1,100, depending on the package and whether it includes extras. Express passes / queue-jump add-ons: At other Universal parks, Express-style passes add a cost — often £60–£100 per person, per day. If similar pricing applies in the UK, a family of four could pay an additional £240–£400 per day for this perk, potentially doubling the cost of a single-day visit. How might Universal UK's ticket prices compare to other theme parks? Families in the UK are used to some relatively low theme‑park day rates, so how do the costs projected above compare? At some attractions owned by Merlin, such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Legoland, day rates can be as low as £29. Families used to lower pricing may find the rates at Universal Studios UK steep, but Universal's global brand and immersive themed lands may justify a premium. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Will local Bedfordshire residents get a discount? Universal Orlando Resort offers discounts to Florida residents, sometimes up to $50–65 (£37-48) off multi‑day tickets purchased online. But it's not yet clear whether similar discounts will be available for UK residents at the new park. Local resident discounts are a standard practice in the US to encourage repeat visits. At the Japan park, there are some limited local‑only discounts, but nothing like a blanket local discount program. If Universal adopts a similar US-style approach in the UK, we may seen special offers for residents that could include annual passes, multi-day tickets, or exclusive promotions tailored to local guests. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It would also be reasonable to expect Universal UK to offer some local pricing or launch offers, especially in the early years of opening to build word‑of‑mouth and loyalty. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
Universal Studios UK: predicted price of park day tickets
Excitement builds as Universal Studios prepares to open in the UK 🎢 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. 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... Universal Studios is set to open a massive new theme park near Bedford in 2031 The resort aims to attract millions of visitors in its first year Ticket pricing details remain unconfirmed but are eagerly anticipated Costs will likely vary by ticket type, season, and additional perks like queue-skipping Local discounts are possible but have yet to be confirmed for UK residents It's no secret at this point that Universal Studios is expanding its global footprint with a new UK theme park slated to open in 2031. The finished resort near Bedford, which is expected to encompass between 476 and 700‑acres of space, is expected to draw about 8.5 million visitors in its first year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But as excitement builds around what could become one of the country's biggest tourist attractions, many are already wondering: how much will tickets cost? From single-day entry to family passes and queue-skipping perks, here's what UK visitors might expect to pay - and whether locals could benefit from discounted rates when the gates finally open. (Photo: GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images How much could Universal Studios UK tickets cost? While pricing for the UK park remains unannounced, we can estimate ticket costs by examining current pricing at Universal's Orlando Resort in Florida. Bear in mind though that estimating the future ticket price for a trip to Universal Studios UK is challenging. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That's not only because the resort is still at least six years from opening, but also due to the dynamic pricing models used at other Universal parks, where costs fluctuate based on demand and the time of year. Add to this the potential impact of inflation and changes in the UK economy, and it becomes even trickier to predict what guests might actually be asked to pay in 2031. Universal Orlando Resort also comprises four parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and the newly opening Epic Universe - ticket prices vary based on the number of parks visited and the duration of the stay. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But let's assume that ticket prices in the UK will be comparable to those in Orlando, adjusted for local economic conditions. Single-day ticket (adult): Expect prices to fall between £80 and £120, depending on the season and demand. Expect prices to fall between £80 and £120, depending on the season and demand. Single-day ticket (child): Children's tickets typically come in around £5–10 cheaper, so likely between £70 and £110. Children's tickets typically come in around £5–10 cheaper, so likely between £70 and £110. Multi-day tickets: Visitors buying two or more days of access may benefit from reduced per-day pricing. A three-day pass could cost around £220–£300 per adult and £190–£270 per child. Visitors buying two or more days of access may benefit from reduced per-day pricing. A three-day pass could cost around £220–£300 per adult and £190–£270 per child. Family of four (2 adults, 2 children): For a three-day visit, expect a total in the region of £850–£1,100, depending on the package and whether it includes extras. For a three-day visit, expect a total in the region of £850–£1,100, depending on the package and whether it includes extras. Express passes / queue-jump add-ons: At other Universal parks, Express-style passes add a cost — often £60–£100 per person, per day. If similar pricing applies in the UK, a family of four could pay an additional £240–£400 per day for this perk, potentially doubling the cost of a single-day visit. How might Universal UK's ticket prices compare to other theme parks? Families in the UK are used to some relatively low theme‑park day rates, so how do the costs projected above compare? At some attractions owned by Merlin, such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Legoland, day rates can be as low as £29. Families used to lower pricing may find the rates at Universal Studios UK steep, but Universal's global brand and immersive themed lands may justify a premium. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Will local Bedfordshire residents get a discount? Universal Orlando Resort offers discounts to Florida residents, sometimes up to $50–65 (£37-48) off multi‑day tickets purchased online. But it's not yet clear whether similar discounts will be available for UK residents at the new park. Local resident discounts are a standard practice in the US to encourage repeat visits. At the Japan park, there are some limited local‑only discounts, but nothing like a blanket local discount program. If Universal adopts a similar US-style approach in the UK, we may seen special offers for residents that could include annual passes, multi-day tickets, or exclusive promotions tailored to local guests. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It would also be reasonable to expect Universal UK to offer some local pricing or launch offers, especially in the early years of opening to build word‑of‑mouth and loyalty.
