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Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scenic town where King Charles enjoyed fish and chips named Scotland's top coastal view
The town was ranked fourth in a UK poll for its stunning harbour and scenic coastal views A new study has named the scenic harbour town of Portree, on the Isle of Skye, as the location with the finest coastal view in Scotland. Ranked fourth overall in a national poll commissioned by Haven Holidays, Portree's picture-perfect harbour, colourful seafront and dramatic backdrop secured its spot among the most breathtaking coastal scenes in the UK. Portree is the largest settlement on Skye and is known for its charming pastel-painted buildings that line the waterfront, as well as its peaceful harbour, nestled beneath steep cliffs, Scottish Daily Express reports. The view from the quay stretches across Loch Portree towards Ben Tianavaig, a 413-metre hill classed as a "Marilyn" for its prominence. From its ridge, visitors often spot golden eagles or sea eagles soaring overhead in the blue Highland skies. The nationwide survey asked 2,000 people to name the most stunning seaside locations across Britain. Cornwall's St Ives took the top spot, followed by Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, and Padstow, also in Cornwall. Tenby in South West Wales completed the top five behind Portree, whose inclusion in the list cements its reputation as one of the country's most beautiful and tranquil coastal spots. In September 2021, King Charles and Queen Camilla experienced the view for themselves during a visit to the town, where they enjoyed fish and chips from local fisherman Dan Corrgiall's harbourside shop. The royal couple, dressed in traditional tartan, were serenaded by Gaelic singer Robert Robertson, lead vocalist of folk-rock band Tide Lines. 'It just felt like a really nice conversation, and it was a real pleasure,' he recalled of meeting them. Simon Palethorpe, chief executive of Haven, said: 'You don't need to go far from home to get picture postcard views and scenery. "There's nothing better than starting and ending your day with a sunrise and sunset view over the sea, even more so when it's on home soil. Brits are still so surprised by the breathtaking coastline we have in the UK.' The poll also revealed that coastal surroundings remain a top priority for holidaymakers. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Some 87 per cent of respondents said a seaside setting was important when booking a staycation, with most willing to travel an average of 159 miles from home to reach it comfortably. In addition, 85 per cent of those surveyed said they would happily pay more to stay somewhere with a sea view. Relaxation (60%) and a sense of escapism (36%) were the top reasons given for choosing coastal locations, with many citing the mental and physical health benefits of being near the sea. According to the survey data, more than two thirds of people believe that the coastal views found across Britain easily rival those abroad.


Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Daily Record
The Scottish harbour town near lovely beach that was named 'best place to retire'
It offers stunning scenery and plenty of amenities. Deciding where to live after retirement is a major life decision. There are many things to consider when choosing where to enjoy your post-work years. For some people, scenery and amenities are the most important thing to consider. For many others, it all comes down to affordability. As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, one destination that was previously crowned the best place to retire in the country by Fabulous Vegas is Kirkcudbright. The town is situated in Dumfries and Galloway, which was named as having the highest proportion of over 65s in Scotland. As we reported, the average price of a house in Dumfries and Galloway was found to be £185,938. This placed it as the 10th most affordable local authority in Scotland. Kirkcudbright is a harbour town that is nestled along the Solway coast. It has long been a popular destination amongst artists going back to the 19th century —earning it the nickname of the 'The Artists Town'—and to this day there are still various galleries dotted around town. Other than its arts heritage, Kirkcudbright is perhaps best known for its incredible scenery. The town features a wide range of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian buildings that make it a joy to walk around. It isn't just its architecture that makes Kirkcudbright picturesque. It also offers plenty of beauty spots and walks to get out and explore. One of the prettiest spots around town is Kirkcudbright Harbour, which is the busiest commercial fishing harbour in Dumfries and Galloway. Despite this, it is still a peaceful spot to stop and watch the world go by. Another scenic point near Kirkcudbright is Dhoon Beach, which can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car. The beach is dog-friendly, and is also a great spot for a swim. Elsewhere, history lovers will love visiting MacLellan's Castle in the heart of Kirkcudbright. While there is currently no visitor access to the castle itself due to masonry inspections, the grounds are great to walk around—offering plenty of up-close views of the 16th century tower house. Other top attractions around town are the Kirkcudbright Dark Space Planetarium and the Stewartry Museum. The Kirkcudbright Dark Space Planetarium offers visitors a chance to experience space exploration through an interactive exhibit, while the Stewartry Museum details the history of the local area. Kirkcudbright also features a thriving food scene, for those who enjoy eating out. Whether you are a fan of a chic brunch or a no-frills pub meal, there is something for you. One of the top food spots around town is the restaurant at the Selkirk Arms Hotel. Open for lunch and dinner daily, it specialises in fresh and local Scottish cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. Meanwhile, the Masonic Arms is a cosy little pub that is tucked away on one of Kirkcudbright's streets. The bar, which features stylish contemporary interiors, serves up one of the widest selections of draught lagers and beers in the region. When it comes to cafés in Kirkcudbright, one popular spot is Mullberries. The venue serves up an assortment of breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as plenty of sweet treats and hot drinks. More information about what you can get up to around Kirkcudbright can be found on the Visit Kirkcudbright website.


Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The 'underrated' historic town near Glasgow that's becoming a TikTok hotspot
The town has been crowned the most underrated in the UK outside England and has started to attract a wave of interest online. A town just outside Glasgow has been named one of the UK's most underrated destinations. The historic town has recently gone viral on TikTok and attracted a wave of online interest. Paisley, located in Renfrewshire just 15 minutes from Glasgow city centre, has topped a new list of must-visit towns compiled by Betway. The ranking analysed more than 50 towns across Great Britain. Betway's formula was based on key factors such as the number of independent shops, cultural landmarks, highly rated restaurants, music events, TikTok popularity, and even summer temperatures, Scottish Daily Express reports. Paisley's rise to the top spot comes after the town saw a 39 per cent surge in Google searches in the last month and racked up over 63,000 TikTok posts. Judges praised its impressive 20 listed landmarks, eight independent shops, 69 four-star-or-above restaurants on TripAdvisor, and 62 annual music events. Other Scottish towns featured in the top rankings included Elgin, Ayr, Dumfries, and St Andrews, with Paisley also named the most underrated town outside England. Hastings took the overall UK title. With a history stretching back nearly 1,000 years, Paisley offers a rare blend of historic grandeur, cultural vibrancy and architectural beauty. It is home to the largest number of listed buildings in Scotland outside Edinburgh and boasts a walkable historic centre rich in civic buildings, churches and cultural sites. Among its crown jewels is the 850-year-old Paisley Abbey, the birthplace of the first Stewart king, Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce, in 1316. The late Queen Elizabeth II was descended from him, while folklore suggests that William Wallace was educated by the monks at the abbey in nearby Elderslie. The abbey also features a curious 'Alien gargoyle', a nod to the Ridley Scott sci-fi films, which has become a favourite among visitors. Paisley also hosts Scotland's oldest public observatory, Coats Observatory, and is famed for its rich textile heritage. Once an industrial powerhouse, the town played a central role in the global thread industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. Anchor Mills, home to the merged Coats and Clark dynasties, produced the iconic Paisley Pattern, a design so beloved it was worn by Queen Victoria and later by The Beatles. Today, the town's textile legacy is preserved in the Paisley Museum's Recognised Collection of National Significance, which includes working looms, Paisley shawls and historical pattern books. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The town has also produced a number of notable faces in recent years, including some of Scotland's best-known actors. David Tennant, Gerard Butler, Phyllis Logan, and Tom Conti all hail from Paisley. Paul Lambert and Derek McInnes are among the footballers produced by the town, which is the home of St Mirren FC. Surrounded by rolling countryside, Paisley offers a wide array of attractions, including the Sma Shot Cottages, Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley Thread Mill Museum, the Secret Collection museum store, Oakshaw Trinity Church, Robert Tannahill's Cottage, St Mirin Cathedral, Paisley Arts Centre, The Wynd Centre and the striking Thomas Coats Memorial Church. The town, which was shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2021, remains easily accessible by road and rail, with trains from Glasgow Central reaching Paisley Gilmour Street in under nine minutes.


Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
How to play at every The Open golf course including a cheap gem in Scotland
The Open Championship, the oldest tournament in golf, kicks off this week. The world's top players, including our very own Robert MacIntyre, compete for the coveted Claret Jug. The prestigious event dates back to 1860 when eight golfers first contested the title at Prestwick. Willie Park senior emerged as the inaugural champion after three rounds of 12 holes, claiming the Championship Belt. The iconic Claret Jug itself was not introduced until 1872. Though the tournament has evolved dramatically since its early days, The Open remains the premier competition in the sport. Always played on traditional links courses by the seaside, its unique character and legendary champions set it apart from the other three majors, Scottish Daily Express reports. This year, The Open returns to Royal Portrush's Old Course for the third time. American Xander Schauffele defends the title he claimed with a commanding performance at Royal Troon last year. One of The Open's most distinctive features is the accessibility of its courses. Unlike Augusta National, which hosts the Masters for a select few, or the US Open, often held at exclusive country clubs, most of the courses on The Open rota welcome visitors, with some even being public courses. In total, fourteen courses have hosted The Open, with the Old Course at St Andrews leading the way, having held the championship on a record 30 occasions. Here's how you can follow in the footsteps of legends and play The Open courses.


Sunday World
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Episode 1093: Who are Stephen, Danny, and Sandra Vaughan?
Niall speaks to Richard Elias about their involvement in boxing The controversial brother-in-law of ex-MTK Global chief Sandra Vaughan has died of a heart attack. Stephen Vaughan Sr, who was the first person to fail the FA's fit and proper person test, was the older brother of boxing trainer and Kinahan loyalist Danny Vaughan. Niall speaks to Scottish Daily Express deputy editor Richard Elias about the Vaughan's and their involvement in boxing. MORE EPISODES