Latest news with #Balamory
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots seaside hidden gem named among the most colourful places on earth
Scroll down to see which destination came number one in the world BRIGHT IDEA Scots seaside hidden gem named among the most colourful places on earth A SCOTTISH seaside destination has been named one of the world's top 25 most colourful places . A groundbreaking scientific study has ranked the globe's most vibrant travel destinations. 4 The brightly coloured harbour-front homes 4 The royals visited Tobermory in April 4 Original stars of Balamory are returning for the reboot, set on Tobermory The research used cutting-edge image processing software to create a "ChromaTravel Index," scoring 26 destinations worldwide on colour saturation, vibrancy and hue variation. And the study, commissioned by UK travel insurance provider Staysure, puts Scottish island spot Tobermory in an incredible 11th place in the world, beating renowned colourful destinations across Europe and beyond. The picture-perfect harbour town on the Isle of Mull with its rainbow-coloured houses scored higher than famous Italian and Greek destinations. The stunning spot's famous brightly painted harbour houses - visited recently by Prince William and Princess Kate - create a rainbow effect. Colour psychology expert Karen Haller said: "Tobermory's cheerful waterfront houses bring a burst of colour to Scotland's west coast, creating a sense of warmth and welcome even on the coldest days. "Brightly painted houses made it easier for fishermen to spot their homes and local businesses from the harbour or while out at sea, especially in misty or overcast weather. "Painted in strong red, yellow, blue and black, the buildings have become iconic alongside the harbour-front and even served as the filming location for the television series Balamory, which has just been announced for a reboot. "Many guidebooks and travel resources describe them as adding notable cheer to the town during its long, grey winters." Two more UK destinations make the top 20 with Portmeirion, in Wales, in 13th place, and Brighton in 19th place. Karen, who supported the research, added: "There's something about stepping into a place full of colour that instantly lifts you. The tiny UK town that's been compared to a stunning Italian island "It changes how you feel, how you move through the space, and even how you connect with others. "We're drawn to them not just because they look good, but because they leave us feeling better. Happier. More open. More alive. "It's something I do myself, seeking out places where colour isn't just seen, it's felt. "And those are the experiences that stay with you." While UK destinations claimed three spots in the top 20, they faced stiff competition from international rivals:. Coming in number one place is Chefchaouen, Morocco, known as the famous "Blue City". Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark, with its colourful waterfront houses, came in second place and third on the list was the vibrant neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Scots seaside town with vivid harbourfront named among 'most colourful' places on Earth
The island town hosted Prince William and Princess Kate on their 14th wedding anniversary earlier this year. A picturesque seaside town in Scotland has been named one of the most colourful places on the planet. The popular beauty spot outranking several European favourites as it cemented its place as a world-class holiday destination. Tobermory, the vibrant capital of the Isle of Mull, has been ranked 11th in a global list of the 25 most colourful locations. The results came following a study by travel insurance specialists Staysure. Its iconic harbourfront, lined with cheerful buildings in vivid reds, oranges, yellows and blues, has long made it a favourite with visitors, and now its rainbow palette has been officially recognised on the world stage. Originally painted in bright colours to help fishermen spot their homes in misty weather, Tobermory's charming seafront has also served as the filming location for the children's television series Balamory, which is returning after two decades. Colour psychology expert Karen Haller said: "Tobermory's cheerful waterfront houses bring a burst of colour to Scotland's west coast, creating a sense of warmth and welcome even on the coldest days. Painted in strong red, yellow, blue and black, the buildings have become iconic alongside the harbourfront and even served as the filming location for the television series Balamory. "Many guidebooks and travel resources describe them as adding notable cheer to the town during its long, grey winters." The Staysure team created a ChromaTravel Index to rank the most colourful travel hotspots. Using daylight pictures, the destinations were analysed for things like saturation, vibrancy, and hue variation. Haller then added her expertise and each location was given a score out of 100 based on how visually vivid it is. Tobermory was the top spot in the UK, with Portmeirion in Gwynedd, Wales, and Brighton, England, both in the top 20. Chefchaouen, Morocco's famous "Blue City", came in top spot in the ChromaTravel Index. The colourful waterfront of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark, was second and Bo-Kapp, a vibrant neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa, rounded out the top three. But Tobermory, whose original Gaelic name Tobar Mhoire means 'Well of Mary', is much more than just a pretty face. Its waters are teeming with wildlife, making it a hotspot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Boat trips from the harbour give visitors a chance to see minke whales, basking sharks and bottlenose dolphins. Wildlife operator Sea Life Mull also offers guided excursions for those hoping to catch a glimpse of Scotland's marine giants in their natural habitat. Back on land, Tobermory is packed with attractions and activities to suit all interests. One of the most popular is the scenic two-hour walk from the village to the Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse. The trail hugs the coastline, providing breathtaking views across the sea and a peaceful way to explore the island. For those looking to unwind, Tobermory Distillery offers the perfect stop. Founded in 1798 and located right in the heart of the town, the distillery is one of Scotland's oldest and most iconic. Visitors can enjoy tastings of its signature whiskies while learning about over 200 years of craftsmanship. 'Tobermory, capital of Mull, is one of the prettiest ports in Scotland, thanks to the colourful houses and a sheltered bay where legend has it one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying gold bullion,' says VisitScotland. Built as a fishing port in 1788 and designed by engineer Thomas Telford, the town hugs the harbour and climbs up into the hillside beyond. Its Main Street offers an array of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, guest houses and galleries, showcasing local arts and crafts. Cultural highlights include the Mull Museum, which delves into the island's history, and the An Tobar art gallery and live music venue. Nearby Mull Theatre stages a variety of plays and comedies throughout the year. The Mull Aquarium, also in the village, features marine exhibits and educational displays. For golfers, Tobermory has a nine-hole cliff-top course with panoramic views over the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and, on clear days, all the way to the Isle of Skye. Just outside the village, visitors will find local craft shops and walking routes leading to ancient monuments and forts, while Sgriob-ruadh Farm is renowned for producing the award-winning Isle of Mull Cheese. The town's charm hasn't gone unnoticed by royalty. Earlier this year, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Tobermory to mark their 14th wedding anniversary. Cheering crowds greeted William and Kate as they arrived on Mull, a place they had visited before during their university days at St Andrews. Rank Destination Country Colour Score / 100 1 Chefchaouen Morocco 73.09 2 Nyhavn, Copenhagen Denmark 72.88 3 Bo Kaap, Cape Town South Africa 72.05 4 Balat, Istanbul Province Turkey 70.94 5 Burano Italy 70.42 6 Hoi An Vietnam 68.56 7 Kampung, Warna-Warni, Jodipan Indonesia 68.16 8 Antigua Guatemala 67.25 9 Jaipur India 66.90 10 La Boca, Buenos Aires Argentina 66.52 11 Tobermory, Mull Scotland 65.06 12 Menton, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur France 64.87 13 Portmeirion, Gwynedd Wales 64.16 14 Valparaiso Chile 62.09 15 Juzcar, Málaga Spain 61.63 16 Gamecheon, Busan South Korea 60.50 17 Guanajuato Mexico 60.18 18 Little India Singapore 58.31 19 Brighton England 58.15 20 Guatape Colombia 57.96 21 Porto Portugal 57.94 22 Rio de Janeiro Brazil 57.53 23 Wroclaw Poland 57.31 24 Gamla Stan, Stockholm Sweden 55.56 25 Havana Cuba 54.34 26 Willemstad Curaçao 53.30
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Balamory fans all asking the same thing after cast revealed for BBC reboot
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BALAMORY fans are all asking the same question after the cast was revealed for the upcoming reboot. BBC bosses last year announced that two new seasons of the hit noughties programme will be screened in 2026. 4 BBC bosses released a sneak peek of the Balamory reboot cast Credit: BBC 4 Julie Wilson Nimmo as Ms Hoolie and Rodd Christensen as Spencer Credit: BBC 4 Rodd Christensen is pictured more than 20 years after the final episode Credit: Rodd Christensen / Facebook TV execs revealed stars like Julie Wilson Nimmo, who played Miss Hoolie, and Andrew Agnew, who portrayed PC Plum, are back for the new version. Kim Tserkezie, who was Penny Pocket, and Juliet Cadzow, the show's Edie McCredie, are also set to reprise their roles when the revamped series airs on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. However eagle-eyed viewers spotted that original cast member Rodd Christensen was missing from the line-up. Rodd, from Las Vegas, played Spencer the Painter in the popular children's television programme from 2002 to 2005. One viewer wrote: "Why isn't Spencer (Rodd Christensen) in these photos? Is he going to be in the show?" A third added: "My kids absolutely loved Spencer, we're gutted he's not coming back." Another said: "Will Spencer be a part of the reboot?" Rodd, who now lives in Las Vegas with his family, explained to a fan on Instagram that he would not be involved at this time. He said: "I would've loved to, but I won't be a part of this reboot at this moment." The original show, filmed in scenic Tobermory, Mull, ran from 2002 to 2005. Miss Hoolie returns to Balamory as fans go wild for first look at new BBC series And the new series will blend familiar faces with a host of new characters, offering preschoolers a 'joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures'. At its heart remains the charming fictional town of Balamory and its lively inhabitants, where brightly-coloured houses cluster around a scenic harbour and life revolves around the nursery school and its caring teacher. Brand new characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts, played by Danielle Jam, local vet Dr Ollie Carl Spencer, who lives with his two children and the Harbour Master, played by William Andrews. Filming will take place both in studio in Glasgow and on location in Tobermory, the real-life Isle of Mull town that inspired the show's iconic setting. 4 Balamory fans were all asking the same thing after the new cast was revealed Credit: BBC Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning BBC Children's and Education, said: "It's wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together. "This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly." The original Balamory was also shown in Australia, Canada, the US and Hong Kong.
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
'Nostalgic' UK TV Classic Is Set To Return – And Fans Are Losing Their Everloving Minds
First, came the news that Byker Grove is set to appear on streaming for the very first time (it'll be on STV Player and ITVX by the end of this year – the first five seasons are already available to watch on ITVX). Well, in what seems to be a mega week for '90s and '00s UK babies, now we have more good news from the Beeb ― the broadcaster recently shared on Instagram that nostalgic hit Balamory is 'returning to CBeebies next year.' Originally made from 2002-2005 (a run so short, fans previously expressed shock at the hit's outsized impact), the BBC iPlayer page added: 'Expect the classic theme song, colourful houses, and some familiar faces!' in their caption. Who'll be in the new Balamory cast? On their site, the BBC said that Balamory will 'blend familiar faces with a host of new characters.' Returning to their roles will be Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie). New faces will include 'scientist and inventor Ava Potts (played by Danielle Jam), the Harbour Master (William Andrews) and local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer) who lives with his two children.' Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning for zero-to-six-year-olds at BBC Children's and Education, said: 'It's wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together. 'This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly' (I'm in the latter camp). How many new episodes will the new Balamory have? It's been commissioned for two new series, each containing ten 14-minute-long episodes. Will the new Balamory have the original theme tune? Yes (happy days). The BBC shared on Instagram, 'Expect the classic theme song.' When will the new Balamory come out? We don't have an exact date – the BBC simply says, 'Families can look forward to exploring the world of Balamory once again from 2026.' What has the reaction been to the new Balamory? Fans like me are delighted. 'This is sooo nostalgic for kids (now adults) and parents!' an Instagram user wrote. 'YESSSSS I'M 25 AND I'M SAT,' another shared.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
What's the story in Balamory? Twenty years after hit children's TV show ended, familiar faces gather for reboot
They were much loved characters enjoyed by a generation of children around the world. Now the BBC has revealed that many of the original cast of Scottish hit Balamory will revive their roles when the show returns to screens next year. The popular programme, which was filmed in Tobermory, on the island of Mull, was cancelled in 2005 after four series and 254 episodes. But famous characters including nursery teacher Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, shopkeeper Penny Pocket and bus driver Edie McCredie are expected to delight a new generation of young fans when they return in the CBeebies reboot in 2026. The programme, which features a nursery school in a small island community, is also expected to welcome a host of new characters for a 'joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures'. BBC children's commissioner Kate Morton said: 'It's wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together.' Described as a 'soap opera' for toddlers, the show, at its height, attracted two million viewers a week in Britian and gained 15million fans around the world. Even the Vatican received it on the BBC Prime Channel. Now 20 years on Julie Wilson Nimmo will return as nursery teacher Miss Hoolie along with some of the other original characters. Andrew Agnew will revive his role as PC Plum, while Kim Tserkezie will be back as Penny Pocket and Juliet Cadzow as Edie McCredie. New characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts, played by Danielle Jam, local vet Dr Ollie, played by Carl Spencer, and William Andrews as the harbour master. It is understood that original characters including Spencer the painter, Josie Jump, as well as shopkeeper Suzie Sweet, played by the late Mary Riggans, who passed away in her sleep at home in 2013 a year after suffering a stroke, will not be returning to the show. Ms Morton added: 'This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly.' Filming is expected to take place in a studio in Glasgow as well as on location in Tobermory, which experienced a huge rise in tourism as a result of the original show. Originally produced from 2002 to 2005, Balamory was broadcast around the world, becoming a hit with young audiences in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and South Africa. Its fame saw visitors flood to the island in their thousands to see the site of PC Plum's rounds, and the tourist office was swamped with calls. The BBC said the revival would continue its tradition of home-grown storytelling about the much-loved nursery school and island community that surrounds it. The programme has been commissioned for two new series, produced by Lion Television Scotland, with 10 episodes in each.
