'27-hole golf course' runs 20 miles through Scotland's most spectacular scenery
The golf season is underway, and Scottish players are eager to tee off on new courses across the nation. Not all enthusiasts can dedicate nearly four hours for a full 18 holes, though.
Fortunately, Scotland boasts a selection of nine-hole courses that offer a swift golfing session in less than two hours. For many, their passion for the sport was kindled on these shorter courses, which continue to be a splendid test for golfers at any skill level.
For those yearning to experience three of the top nine-hole courses in Scotland, they're nestled within a 20-mile drive through some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes available.
While Perthshire might rank just after Fife as the home of golf in Scotland, featuring the prestigious Gleneagles, further exploration reveals three lesser-known delights.
These hidden gems provide double the enjoyment with half the number of holes, or for those seeking an extended adventure, all three can be played in one day, transforming this stretch into a 27-hole marvel spanning 20 miles.
Leading the way is Comrie Golf Club in the vibrantly-named village, often referred to as 'shacky toun' due to its slight but frequent seismic shakes.
Situated conveniently off the A85, connecting Perth to Oban, Comrie has earned high praise as "one of the finest and most scenic nine-hole courses in the UK", according to Bunkered magazine.
Flaunting a heathland course, it's heralded for its "classic James Braid design that makes full use of the natural topography," notes the club's website.
Comrie, a par 35 course stretching 3,008 yards from the back tees, is often praised for its diverse range of holes, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
The two par 3s are notably challenging, but even if your golfing skills aren't top-notch, the stunning surrounding countryside and tree-lined fairways, home to red squirrels, mistle thrush, woodpeckers and roe deer, makeup for it.
Just under six miles west, near Loch Earn's banks, lies St Fillans, a course highly favoured by two-time major champion Sandy Lyle, who dubbed it his favourite inland course in the country.
Despite being encircled by towering mountains, St Fillans maintains a relatively flat terrain, with each hole presenting a unique challenge.
St Fillans, a par 36 course measuring 3,008 yards from the back tees, was established in 1903. It's no surprise that Lyle, known to play the course with hickory clubs, holds the 18-hole course record of 66.
Golf enthusiasts can then journey along the A85 on Loch Earn's north shore before heading north towards Killen. A brief detour off the A85 is required to reach this secluded village near Loch Tay's western shore, where you'll discover the third in this series of exceptional courses.
Killen is another contender for Scotland's most picturesque nine-hole course - and it could easily rival many 18-hole courses too.
Each hole offers breathtaking views, and with 14 different tees, those staying for 18 holes can enjoy a slightly varied challenge.
All three courses have been recognised by Bunkered as some of the top nine-hole facilities in Scotland. It would be quite feasible to play all three in a single day, with the journey from Comrie to Killen taking less than 40 minutes.
The green fees for nine holes are usually £20 at Comrie, £18 at St Fillans, and £20 at Killen, which means playing all three would cost a mere £58.
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Press and Journal
5 hours ago
- Press and Journal
Storm Floris live updates: Thousands without power amid 79mph wind gusts
Storm Floris is sweeping across the north and north-east of Scotland. A Met Office amber weather warning is in place until 11pm tonight, while a yellow alert runs until 11.59pm. The named storm has been causing travel disruption throughout the day with flights grounded and trains cancelled across the north. We are also keeping you up to date with all the latest road closures – many caused by fallen trees and debris. Almost 30,000 homes and businesses have been left without power with most cuts recorded in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire. The Press and Journal will be bringing you all the live updates during Storm Floris. If you are affected by the weather and have information or photos you'd like to share, please get in touch at livenews@ Firefighters are in attendance on Station Road in Newmachar with images showing a pylon which appears to be close to snapping. The Scottish fire and rescue service have c0nfirmed they are in attendance after recieving a call shortly before 6pm. SSE are also in attendance. There have been several more reports of fallen trees in Aberdeen in recent hours. Several could be seen blocking the road near St Machar's Cathedral. A massive tree has taken out the fence at the Netherdon at the Don Nature Reserve. There are also several fallen trees at the entrance to Seaton Park. More trees being struck down by high winds throughout the afternoon and into this evening have led to further road closures. Some of the roads currently blocked are: Emergency services have received 'multiple reports' of campervans being blown over on the Isle of Skye amid Storm Floris. Gale force winds have hit the A87, the main road on Skye, and several vehicles are understood to have been blown over between Broadford and Portree. Police have warned those in motorhomes or towing caravans not to drive during the storm. A converted Army vehicle blew over on Skye after it stopped in a layby off the road – not far from where a campervan overturned. The safety barrier had stopped the campervan from being blown more than 50 feet down a ravine. ScotRail has advised customers some disruption caused by Storm Floris may continue into Tuesday. A number of overhead lines have been damaged by high winds with repair work still required in many areas. Network Rail teams are working to clear the affected routes and ensure they are safe before passenger services can return. Two specialist helicopters will also assist teams on the ground to complete essential checks across the network as quickly as possible. While some of those checks will be carried out later tonight, there will be others required on Tuesday morning during daylight hours. Our photographer Jason Hedges captured some of the disruption Storm Floris brought to Moray today. Wind gusts of up to 79mph have been recorded on South Usit and Kinloss today, according to the Met Office. The following wind gusts were recorded this afternoon: Highland Council has confirmed Fort William High Street and Middle Street have been closed for public safety. A large section of copper roof has become unstable due to the ongoing high winds. Council teams are assisting police and the fire service at the scene. A council spokesperson said: 'Adjacent buildings have been evacuated, and sections of both High Street and Middle Street have been cordoned off. 'Structural engineers from building control will assess the damage as soon as possible, however due to the current wind conditions, it's not possible to safely access the roof to assess the full extent of the damage. 'Further updates will be made available as soon as possible on the reopening of the streets.' The severe weather conditions have led to the cancellation of 20 flights from Aberdeen Airport today, affecting routes to Dublin, Belfast, Kirkwall and London. Passengers are being advised to check with their airlines as further disruption is expected throughout the day. Flights that have yet to be cancelled are the 5.20pm KLM service to Amsterdam, British Airways flights to London Heathrow at 6.25pm and 7.50pm, and a Ryanair flight to Faro at 8.05pm. Incoming flights have also been impacted throughout the day. An EasyJet service from London Luton scheduled to land at 2pm was diverted to Edinburgh, as were the 3pm EasyJet from Gatwick and a KLM flight from Amsterdam. Engineers from SSEN have restored power to more than 5,500 customers since the start of the day. They have confirmed they are continuing to work to restore power for a further 22,500. The most significant impact has been in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire. A spokesperson said: ' Severe winds are still moving across the north and may affect more people later today. 'We have hundreds of additional team members working to restore power, but due to the storm's intensity and transport problems, some customers may be without power overnight.' Some school students may face an even longer wait for their exam results due to Storm Floris. Those who sat their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams earlier this year are supposed to receive their results tomorrow – Tuesday, August 5. However, some certificates may be delayed due to the bad weather. Results are sent to everyone via post, while those who sign up will also receive their grades by email or text. A spokesperson from the SQA said: 'Due to the widespread disruption caused by Storm Floris, Royal Mail has confirmed that there will be delays to the delivery of SQA results in several parts of Scotland. 'In particular, we know deliveries to the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland will be delayed due to the adverse weather. Further localised delays to deliveries may occur at short notice. 'If any affected candidates wish to know their results, they should contact their school or college in the first instance who should be able to help them. 'Alternatively, learners can submit an enquiry via our website and their query will be responded to by our team after 12noon on Tuesday, August 5. 'We are not anticipating any impact on the MySQA text and email service.' We're working to keep you up to date with all the latest road closures across the north and north-east. This includes letting you know what roads have been cleared of fallen trees and debris. Earlier, a large tree fell on Carnie Road in Aberdeen, near its junction with Ashgrove Road. The A96 was also blocked near P&J Live for some time on Monday – with a large tree falling across the dual carriageway. Sepa has issued a flood warning for the Churchill Barriers in Orkney which will be in force until further notice. An update states: 'The prevailing weather forecast, along with large waves means that flooding from the sea is expected. 'Gale force and westerly winds also means that a combination of wave overtopping, spray and debris may result in the closure of the Churchill Barriers.' The A96 has been closed in both directions at Nairn due to a 'hazard on the live lines'. Traffic Scotland is advising motorists to find an alternative route and expect delays. Motorists were unable to get in and out of Findhorn earlier today due to a fallen tree near the Findhorn Foundation. The large tree blocked the main road approaching the coastal village at about 1pm and has since been cleared. This means residents were briefly stuck – or unable to get home. Photos and videos of the incident have been circulated online. Areas across Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands are experiencing power cuts amid Storm Floris. High winds, fallen trees and debris have caused damage to power lines which has led to several unplanned power cuts. A statement shared by SSEN says: 'As you'll know, Storm Floris is bringing harsh weather conditions across much of Scotland and this weather is causing damage to our power lines. 'Due to the weather, it's sometimes unsafe for us to assess damage or complete much repair work until it eases off, so this is why our restoration estimate seems a long time away.' Areas impacted include: Elgin, Garmouth, Fochabers, New Deer, Cults and Finzean. The Highland Council has confirmed all of its services due to strong winds and fallen trees across the region. Several trees have been blown down in the Inverness region. Blocked roads include: We have more reports of fallen trees across the north and north-east. Motorists are reminded to only travel if the journey is essential. With the winds across Aberdeenshire continuing to get stronger, the local authority has decided to close several recycling centres. The following locations will remain shut until the end of the day: Conditions at other centres will be monitored throughout the day. Due to high winds the – Police, Traffic Scotland and residents have shared updates about a number of road closures across the north and north-east. Passengers on the 8.56am Inverness – Aberdeen train service are stuck on the train after the service was suspended. The train hit debris on the line – more information here. Highland Council says multiple trees are down and causing road disruption. The Met Office has shared details of the latest wind gusts, with two of the highest recorded so far in the UK in the Western Isles. There have been multiple reports of fallen trees as Storm Floris ramps up in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Teams are currently working to clear a fallen tree blocking part of Westburn Road. Social media users have also reported several trees falling in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with a tree down about a mile south of Ellon. Facebook users claim there are fallen trees at the following locations: Turriff show has been forced to close early due to severe weather conditions. Organisers announced that the show will be closed from 12.30pm today for the safety of visitors and exhibitors. From 2.30pm there will be restricted access to the showground for smaller vehicles, while all other heavy agricultural machinery will need to remain in place until 5pm. Show President John Leadingham said: 'The safety of our visitors and exhibitors is our priority at this time. 'Thank you to everyone for your understanding and support, we are as disappointed as you, but we have to take a cautious approach for the wellbeing of everyone.' Seven flights have been cancelled from Aberdeen airport today as a result of the storm. The flights currently cancelled are: Strong gusts of wind and safety concerns are expected to affect arrivals and departures throughout the day. Passengers who are due to travel today are being urged to check with their airline and expect ongoing disruption throughout the day. Sport Aberdeen has closed all outdoor sports and activities as a result of Storm Floris. This includes all golf courses, football pitches, tennis and padel courts and the dry ski slope. Indoor activities are expected to remain open. Sport Aberdeen said: 'Our indoor venues will remain open and we will continue to monitor the weather over the course of the day. 'We will notify any customers directly regarding any localised class cancellations or programme changes should they occur.' The Met Office has updated its weather alert for Storm Floris, with Orkney and Shetland now included under a yellow warning. The storm is expected to bring very strong winds to the region, including gusts of 50-70mph. The winds are expected to ease across Orkney early on Tuesday and will slow down over Shetland on Tuesday morning. Residents are urged to secure loose objects, check travel plans and take precautions for potential short-term power cuts. Traffic Scotland have confirmed that several bridges in the Highlands will be closed today, ahead of the high winds from Storm Floris. The following bridges are expected to be affected: Dan Suri is a Met Office Chief Meteorologist. He said: 'Much of Scotland is likely to see gusts of 50-70mph with more than 80mph on some exposed coasts, hills and bridges. 'Western coastal areas will see the highest gusts late morning, with the strongest winds transferring to northeastern Scotland by late afternoon. 'Across the wider yellow warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60mph likely at higher elevations and around some exposed coasts.' Organisers of the Black Isle Show have announced alterations to festivities in the coming days. The showground is being closed from 11am today due to the forecast for strong winds. Conditions are being monitored, ahead of their planned reopened on Wednesday. A statement issued by the Black Isle Show reads: 'Due to the current extreme weather warnings, we have taken the decision to close the whole showground from 11am on Monday, August 4. 'There will be no access to the site. 'We will be monitoring the situation as the day progresses to permit safe opening of the showground at our earliest opportunity. 'The safety of anyone travelling to, or on the showground, is our priority. Thank you for your understanding.' Show jumping has been removed from the schedule during day two of the Turriff Show. Organisers confirm the show will go ahead as planned; however, the weather is being closely monitored. A statement issued on social media states: 'Due to the Amber weather warning the Show Jumping at Turriff show has been cancelled. 'The rest of the show is going ahead at present. Please check the show facebook page for details.' UHI Inverness Campus will be closed from 11am on Monday as 66mph winds are forecast. The campus is due to return to business as normal on Tuesday. A statement issued by UHI on social media, reads: 'UHI Inverness campus will close from 11am on Monday, 4 August. 'Due to the amber weather warning for high winds in our area, the UHI Inverness campus will close at 11am tomorrow. 'If you intend to use our public services on Monday, please make arrangements to travel safely from the campus by 11am. 'We will be open as normal on Tuesday, August 5.' CalMac have cancelled a host a ferry crossings on Monday due to the forecasted strong winds. The following services have been affected: Aberdeen City Council has confirmed Duthie Park Outdoor Nursery will be closed on Monday. All other early learning centres are scheduled to open as usual. A spokesperson said: 'Due to forecast storm winds, Duthie Park Outdoor ELC will be closed tomorrow. 'All other ELCs are due to remain open.' CrossCountry Trains have become the latest operator to announce cancellations to Monday's timetable ahead of Storm Floris. All services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen will be suspended tomorrow. Tickets will be valid for use for the remainder of today and on Tuesday. A statement issued by the firm on the Platform X reads: 'Due to weather warnings and the predicted impact of StormFloris, CrossCountry services will not operate between Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Monday, August 4. 'If you are travelling north of Edinburgh with CrossCountry, tickets dated August 4 can be used to travel today or Tuesday, August 5.' Operators of Cairngorm Mountain Resort have confirmed all adventure activities will be closed throughout the day on Monday. A statement, issued on social media, reads: 'A reminder that all adventure activities are closed tomorrow, Monday 4 August, due to Storm Floris. 'Please check for updates on the Mountain Railway operations in the morning before travelling.' Train services in the north and north-east will grind to a halt from noon on Monday as gale force winds and heavy rain batter the region. The Highland Main Line, West Highland Line and Far North Lines will be closed as services between Inverness and Aberdeen are suspended. Network Rail engineers will be out in force on Tuesday morning, inspecting the lines for potential damage. Commuters are being advised to check their journey before venturing out. Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: 'With the severity of Storm Floris becoming clear, our priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues. That is why we've taken the decision to close some parts of Scotland's Railway early on Monday as the worst of the conditions hit the country.' Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog, where our reporters will be posting regular updates about Storm Floris as it makes landfall in Scotland. Make sure to hit the refresh button on your browser to see new posts.
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
The 'Scottish island' in Canada where most residents are Scots and people speak Gaelic
It has a fascinating history dating back hundreds of years. All over the world, there are people who have roots in Scotland. There are even some settlements in far-off countries that celebrate their Scottish heritage thanks to our huge diaspora. As recently reported by the Daily Record, there is a village in Italy that has a fascinating history. The residents of Gurro, which is nestled within the mountainous region of Piedmont, descended from a group of Scottish soldiers. However, there are many places even further afield that have amazing ties to Scotland. One of these is Prince Edward Island in Canada. Prince Edward Island is among eastern Canada's maritime provinces. It is located off New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (New Scotland), within the Gulf of St Lawrence. According to the Prince Edward Island website, the history of the island is "like a rope made of intertwined strands"—with many different cultures represented. One of these is Scotland, with the island having a strong and enduring Scottish heritage. Prince Edward Island is among Canada's oldest settled areas, with its population reflecting the origins of its early settlers. Hundreds of years ago, there was a large influx of Scots to the island. That resulted in the isle having the biggest proportion of Scottish immigrants in Canada—while today people of Scottish descent make up its largest ethnic group. As a result, Prince Edward Island became known for its thriving Scottish culture. Most of its Scottish population originated from the Highlands, with the settlers finding the island's terrain well suited to their Highland agricultural techniques. According to history website Electric Scotland, the settlers chopped down trees and planted potatoes amongst the stumps. They also allowed their cattle to graze all over the land. Prince Edward Island is even home to a number of Gaelic speakers. According to a tourism expert on the Prince Edward Island website, it has even been taught in some local schools. They wrote: "The latest information I could find states that 15 people were claiming Scottish Gaelic as their mother tongue in the 2016 census. In the 2011 census, there were only 10, with over 90 claiming to speak a Gaelic language. "Gaelic has been offered as part of some high school curricula in the past in Prince Edward Island and there is a Gaelic College in our neighbouring province of Nova Scotia." Today, the island is home to a heritage centre where visitors can learn all about its one-of-a-kind history. The Selkirk Scottish Heritage Centre is comprised of the Acadian Cemetery, The Croft House Museum, the historic Belle River Church of Scotland, and the Honourable J Angus MacLean memorial cairn. The replica Croft House is an information museum of Scottish heritage in the Big Belfast area of the island. Its roots date back to Lord Selkirk V and his 800 settlers who landed on Prince Edward Island in 1803. The museum is home to guides who can tell stories and explain genealogical records and artefacts. Meanwhile, it even hosts a ceilidh in June. Visitors can also visit its Scottish gift shop, which stocks jewellery and clan and tartan items. Also available are Scots dictionaries, maps, and a variety of books about Scotland and its history. In Scottish Gaelic, Prince Edward Island is 'Eilean a' Phrionnsa'. This translates to 'the Island of the Prince'.
The National
9 hours ago
- The National
Inverness Airport-bound EasyJet flight forced to U-turn amid Storm Floris
Flight EZY621 was due to arrive at Inverness Airport at around 11.25am on Monday morning after it took off from London Luton at about at 9.55am. However, easyJet confirmed the flight could not land at Inverness Airport due to severe weather conditions and was forced to turn back. The airline said the flight's passengers have been provided options to rebook their flight or receive a refund, with customers having hotel accommodation and meals provided for those who require them. READ MORE: Scottish ministers overrule advice and green-light hotel development in national park It comes after a yellow weather warning for strong winds was issued for the whole of the country for Monday – which is due to last until 6am on Tuesday. Central and northern Scotland are also covered by a more serious amber warning from 10am to 10pm on Monday, with gusts of 50 to 70 mph expected for many parts of the country and some regions facing winds up to 90 mph. An easyJet spokesperson said the safety and well-being of their customers and crew is their highest priority and have apologised for the flight having to turn back. They said: 'Due to strong winds at Inverness today, EZY621 from London Luton to Inverness this morning was unable to operate. 'We are doing all we can to minimise the impact of the weather for our customers, providing options to rebooking or a refund, as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them. 'The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our highest priority and while this was outside of our control, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused by the weather.'
