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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots hotel in picturesque setting serves best breakfast in UK with a twist
Scroll down to see the delicious delicacies on offer MORNING GLORY Scots hotel in picturesque setting serves best breakfast in UK with a twist Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TRAVEL experts have revealed the best breakfast in the UK - and it's in Scotland. This week, The AA unveiled the winners of its Bed and Breakfast Awards for 2025, recognising the very best places to stay across the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The guest house was picked as best in the UK for brekkie 4 Carrot lox was singled out as a highlight 4 The freshness of the selection was praised by judges The categories take in inns, restaurants with rooms and traditional B&Bs with each winner delivering exceptional service, character and comfort. And one of the categories is for the best brekkie. Taking the top title is Roskhill House, in Dunvegan, on the Isle of Skye. The tiny guest house, which has just five rooms, serves up a 100 per cent vegetarian and plant-based morning menu. Judges said: "Begin your day at Roskhill House with a carefully curated breakfast where quality, freshness, and locally sourced ingredients take centre stage. "Enjoy a generous selection that includes eggs from their own happy hens, seasonal fruits, yogurt and Scottish vegetarian cheeses." They also praised the fresh breads, homemade cinnamon buns ad seeded banana bread, adding: "To complement your breakfast, they serve expertly roasted coffee from Birch in Portree and a thoughtfully chosen selection of teas from Shibui in Edinburgh.' Roskhill House, which was built in 1890, is in the north west of Skye. Martin, who runs the beautiful B&B, said: "It's a great location for exploring the famous sites, but also for escaping the crowds to discover beaches, coves, walks, and restaurants off the beaten track. "It has been a guest house for many years, but we refurbished it and re-opened it in 2022. We hope we have created a calm, comfortable and stylish environment, where guests from all over the world would be welcomed." UK hotel named one of the best budget breaks in the world And he is delighted to have taken the breakfast gong. Martin said: "This is just our third season so to have been recognised in this way is surprising and really welcomed. "We received the news just after finding out that we have been shortlisted for a Highlands and Islands Thistle Award (Best Guesthouse Experience). So, it's a huge boost for us." And its the unusual brekkie menu, which includes the likes of oat milk porridge with red apple, coconut sugar, cinnamon and toasted hazelnuts as well as smoky carrot lox, cream cheese, capers and dulse seaweed on tattie scones, that helped secure the win. Martin added: "Each morning, we prepare delicious vegan and vegetarian breakfasts showcasing local produce, responding to the seasons and celebrating Scottish ingredients and recipes, with a nod to Roskhill's Nordic heritage. "We have a buffet laden with fresh fruits, yoghurts, cakes, pastries, and breads – all made by us. Raspberry and granola muffins, sticky chocolate cake and caramel Brunsviger. We encourage guests to enjoy all these treats – and to take away for mid-morning snacks too. "Guests, who are mostly not following vegetarian or vegan diets, tell us they enjoy a break from the full Scottish breakfast when staying at Roskhill. They enjoy discovering Scottish recipes and ingredients, and are particularly taken by our commitment to sustainability, and our ability to adapt to specific dietary requirements too." Now in its 29th year, the AA gongs celebrate establishments that go the extra mile, from meticulous housekeeping and memorable breakfasts to authentic service and unforgettable stays. This year's winners impressed AA inspectors with their individuality, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to guest experience. Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, said: 'These awards shine a light on the brilliant people and places that make Britain's B&B scene truly world class. 'This year's winners represent everything that's special about independent UK hospitality. They go beyond offering a bed for the night - they offer character, comfort and care that stays with you long after check-out.' Among the other winners were a stunning lochside restaurant with rooms and a tiny inn on a 'secret coast'.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
The little-known AC button that will help slash your fuel bill & keep cars perfectly cool as temps soar this weekend
MOTORISTS might have missed this air conditioning setting that is essential for keeping costs down as the weather heats up. With a warm weekend ahead and temperatures hitting 29C today as Brits head into the summer months, drivers maybe unknowingly wasting money in the fight to keep their cars cool. 1 Many motorists might simply set their AC to full blast when trying to handle the heat, and while this will get temperatures down, it might be over-kill if you are travelling alone. Instead, setting your vehicle's air con to 'driver only' will make sure that all the energy will be used on cooling just you down, rather than refrigerating those empty seats. A vehicle's air conditioning can have a very negative impact on its fuel economy by putting a greater strain on its engine, according to The AA. 'Driver only' setting The car insurance company has urged drivers to check if their motor has the 'driver only' AC option, and to make sure it is always in use when appropriate. Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by between 8 and 10 per cent, amounting to an extra 0.2 and 0.4 litres per hours, according to It is also advisable to reduce the increased strain on the engine by turning the flow rate down once the AC has brought your car to a comfortable temperature. Drivers should also avoid travelling at speed with the windows down, if they are trying to be as fuel-conscious as possible. Driving with open windows can increase the drag on the vehicle, making the engine work harder to maintain speed. Getting the instruments in your car regularly serviced is also key to keeping everything working efficiently. Kwik-fit recommends ensuring that your air-con system is regularly regasssed to keep it running as efficiently as possible while using minimal power. Car buyers face $500 added fee when buying new vehicle as angry drivers blast 'it's only benefitting dealers' It also lists ways in which drivers can cut down on having to use the AC at all. Taking measures such as parking in the shade and opening windows when setting off can help keep the car cool without putting more stain on the engine. Air Con not cold enough? Here are four checks you can do at home to save yourself hundreds By Jorge Hinojosa Mena A CAR expert has revealed four checks you can do at home if your air-con isn't cold enough. Air Con expert, Andrew, from specialist firm Accelerate Off-Grid Touring says that these simple checks are essential to ensure your air conditioning is summer-ready - and it could save you a bundle of cash. YouTube user @accelerateoffgridtouring, with more than 12,200 users on social media, explained that you should first check for any unusual noises in your motor. Andrew explained: "On most cars, when you turn the air conditioning on, you should hear a loud click, and that's the noise of the air compressor cutting in. "If you hear a rumbly sound once your compressor cuts in, this means it's on its way out, and you'd need a replacement." Second, the car expert recommends checking for any weird smells. "If there is a musty or unpleasant smell coming out of the vents or your allergy symptoms are being triggered when the air conditioning gets switched on, there may be a bacterial or mildew buildup in the system. "The other thing that can happen is it can be a sign that your evaporator's leaking, so it's leaking as in the car. That's sort of an issue. "The other thing you'll notice if your evaporator's leaking is the air conditioning will be low on gas, so it won't be as cold as it should be and will have that uneven vent temperature." Andrew advises carrying out a performance test to make sure your air-con is in good condition. He explained: "What we've done here is we've put a thermometer in the vent. You can just use any old thermometer. "We've set the fan to first or second speed, and we've also got it on recirculate. That's quite important. "What we should see is a temperature of below eight degrees. The temperature will fluctuate as the compressor cuts in and out. "This is a natural part of the air conditioning system. "What it will do is the compressor gets colder and colder and colder, as it gets down to a freezing point, so out here at the vents, it will say six degrees to five and a half degrees, the compressor will cut out, the temperature will rise to about seven or eight degrees, and then it will cut back in. The cycle will continue. It's called cycling." The expert insisted that if you see the temperature going below five degrees, that's a sign that something is wrong. He continued: "It's either gonna be faulty thermostat or thermistor, or more commonly, a blocked cabin filter." Lastly, Andrew says drivers should be concerned if they see water under their car after driving with the air-con on. The car expert added: "The air conditioning system was designed to drain the condensation to the exterior of the car. If you've driven for a long time, you pull up, and it will make a pool of water. "The amount of water it discharges at the bottom actually depends on the humidity of the day and what setting you've got your air conditioning on, so don't stress too much about having the pool. You just want to see it on the outside of the car. "One thing to look for is if the air con's cold, it's a humid day, and you do not have water on the ground outside of your car, maybe just check the passenger floor of your car 'cause sometimes that drain tube can block up, the water can leak inside the car, and obviously, then you get a mouldy, stinky carpet." This comes after an expert mechanic revealed some of their top tips about air conditioning, including one which can cool down your vehicle very quickly. Plus, an expert mechanic has revealed how to keep your car's air-con blowing ice cold-free.
Leader Live
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Government makes driveway law change set to affect millions
No more planning applications are needed for EV charging point installations as the government cuts red tape. Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, announced drivers and businesses will no longer need to submit a planning application to install public or private EV sockets. EV owners will be able to unlock savings of up to £1,100 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car. 🇬🇧 Great to visit @astonmartin yesterday — where British engineering meets world-class innovation. 🚗 Took the DBX707 for a spin 🌍 UK trade deals with 🇺🇸 🇪🇺 🇮🇳 to safeguard 150,000 jobs in auto & steel 🔋 £2.3bn Govt boost to power the switch to EVs The planning changes also apply to workplace and public chargepoints, meaning businesses will be able to install new sockets faster and for less money, increasing the number of public chargepoints. Ms Greenwood said: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution, so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from, and less red tape to deal with." Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England, said: "Making it easier to install both public and private charging infrastructure is essential to helping more drivers switch to electric." She warned "further action is needed" as "drivers without driveways still face barriers to affordable, convenient charging". Recommended reading: She added: "We urge the Government to increase its support of the rollout of cross-pavement charging and extend legal rights to tenants and leaseholders, so all drivers can access and benefit from cheaper and more convenient charging." Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, believes "removing the planning rules" will help "accelerate installations". He further added: "The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking." Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which? said it is "an important step in the right direction".
North Wales Chronicle
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Chronicle
Government makes driveway law change set to affect millions
No more planning applications are needed for EV charging point installations as the government cuts red tape. Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, announced drivers and businesses will no longer need to submit a planning application to install public or private EV sockets. EV owners will be able to unlock savings of up to £1,100 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car. 🇬🇧 Great to visit @astonmartin yesterday — where British engineering meets world-class innovation. 🚗 Took the DBX707 for a spin 🌍 UK trade deals with 🇺🇸 🇪🇺 🇮🇳 to safeguard 150,000 jobs in auto & steel 🔋 £2.3bn Govt boost to power the switch to EVs The planning changes also apply to workplace and public chargepoints, meaning businesses will be able to install new sockets faster and for less money, increasing the number of public chargepoints. Ms Greenwood said: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution, so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from, and less red tape to deal with." Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England, said: "Making it easier to install both public and private charging infrastructure is essential to helping more drivers switch to electric." She warned "further action is needed" as "drivers without driveways still face barriers to affordable, convenient charging". Recommended reading: She added: "We urge the Government to increase its support of the rollout of cross-pavement charging and extend legal rights to tenants and leaseholders, so all drivers can access and benefit from cheaper and more convenient charging." Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, believes "removing the planning rules" will help "accelerate installations". He further added: "The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking." Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which? said it is "an important step in the right direction".
Rhyl Journal
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Rhyl Journal
Government makes driveway law change set to affect millions
No more planning applications are needed for EV charging point installations as the government cuts red tape. Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, announced drivers and businesses will no longer need to submit a planning application to install public or private EV sockets. EV owners will be able to unlock savings of up to £1,100 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car. 🇬🇧 Great to visit @astonmartin yesterday — where British engineering meets world-class innovation. 🚗 Took the DBX707 for a spin 🌍 UK trade deals with 🇺🇸 🇪🇺 🇮🇳 to safeguard 150,000 jobs in auto & steel 🔋 £2.3bn Govt boost to power the switch to EVs The planning changes also apply to workplace and public chargepoints, meaning businesses will be able to install new sockets faster and for less money, increasing the number of public chargepoints. Ms Greenwood said: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution, so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from, and less red tape to deal with." Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England, said: "Making it easier to install both public and private charging infrastructure is essential to helping more drivers switch to electric." She warned "further action is needed" as "drivers without driveways still face barriers to affordable, convenient charging". Recommended reading: She added: "We urge the Government to increase its support of the rollout of cross-pavement charging and extend legal rights to tenants and leaseholders, so all drivers can access and benefit from cheaper and more convenient charging." Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, believes "removing the planning rules" will help "accelerate installations". He further added: "The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking." Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which? said it is "an important step in the right direction".
