Travel Scotland The perfect guide to holidays in Scotland

Contents

3 Inverness See the beautiful sights around Lock Ness

6 Orkney A look at the incredible islands

9 Edinburgh How are plans going on the run-up to the world-famous Hogmany celebrations?

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12 Oban Success at this years Bonfire Night

14 Glasgow Why Glasgow would make the perfect Christmas break

18 Ayrshire Visit the incredible Culzean Castle

22 Kincraig How is business at the Highland Wildlife Park?

25 Stonehaven Scotland’s historic fishing town

29 Fife A fun day out at Lochore Meadows Country Park

31 Prize Draw Win a lovely weekend break for two in Stirling27

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Stonehaven

Stonehaven is a charming town sit-uated in AberdeenShire on the North-East of Scotland. Its histo-ry dates back to the Iron Age and has played its part in many histori-cal events. The population is rough-ly 10,000 so itis perfect for a quiet weekend away with the family, al-though it is extremely popular with tourists from all over the world in the summer months so be warned!

Dunottar Castle (pictured right) is one of the most visited sites in Scotland. Its fascinating histo-ry dates back to the 13th Century and was recaptured from the English by William Wallace in 1297. Leg-end states that he imprisoned 4,000 English soldiers in the chapel and burned them alive. Mary, Queen of Scots visited the castle in 1562 and it was rebuilt following the var-ious sieges throughout its history 20 years later. The Crown Jewels were stored in the castle in 1651 following Charles II’s crowning due to Oliver Cromwell’s invading forces. Though the castle is only ruins now, it is still an essential location for any visitors.

The beautiful harbour (pictured above) is another wonderous sight tht people from all over the world enjoy. It faces the North Sea and the beach is a popular spot on sunny days. The harbour also fea-tures the Tolbooth, a 16th Century prison and current museum, which is a Category A listed building, due to particular historical importance.

Stonehaven also finds fame in its New Years Fireballs celebrations in which locals spin balls of fire around their heads while walking through the old town. It is part of STV’s Hog-many coverage and ends with the fireballs being thrown into the sea.

Every July, Stonehaven holds a Highland games in which competitors must wear full highland dress and events include the hammer, heavy stone and tossing the caber.

Also held in July is the Stonehaven Folk Festival, which is regularly at-tended by comedian Billy Connolly.

Stonehaven’s harbour, surround-ed by 100ft cliff walls is the site of the local branch of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). The organisation has been around for over 60 years and has regu-lar fundraising events so any of you planning to sail in can feel safe in the hands of the talented members of the charity. The lifeboat pictured right is just one of the many boats in use.

North of Stonehaven is the 18 Hole golf course from which golfers of-ten notice sea creatures such as dolphins from the cliffs on which the course is situated. The course also has historical significance as it was hit by a German bomb dur-ing the Second World War. There is still a drop where the bomb struck, only making the short course all the more difficult. From the course, you can see the Stonehaven War Memorial (pictured on the previ-ous page) which is a memorial to all those who died in World War 1 and World War 2. It has wreaths of poppys inside all year round.

In the town centre, visitors can see the impressive Market Square, which is domnated by the incredible town clock and spire. The clock was built in 1826 and continues to convey Stonehaven’s historical area.

There are many famous people to come out of Stonehaven. A mill owner by the name of Robert Wil-liam Thompson went on to have a great impact on modern life with his invention of the Pneumatic Tyre. The first Baron of Stonehaven, Lord John Keith, went on to found the British Broadcasting Company and become its first Govenor-General. Famous early 20th century journalist and scholar James Murdoch also came from Stonehaven. Novelist Lew-is Grassic Gibbon, author of Sun-set Song, went to school at Mackie Academy, Stonehaven’s well-reputed secondary school.

Stonehaven is known by many as the home of Stonehaven Open Air Pool. It heated at 28 degrees ce-lesius and is the northernmost open air pool in the UK. It is only open during the summer months from

June to August but is tremendously popular, bringing in almost 40,000 visitors a year. There is a shark slide and a paddling pool for chil-dren, with facilities for spectators as well including the Splash Cafe. The Open Air Pool is pictured top left.

There is also another pool in Stonehaven situated at Stonehav-en Leisure Centre which has a large games hall and gym. It is pictured top right. Nearby, there is an out-door tennis club with three courts. It is open to visitors and is reasonably priced with friendly service.

In conclusion, Stonehaven is a won-derful place for anyone looking for a full holiday, a weekend retreat or just a day out. There is a collection of hotels and B & Bs around the

town. There are a number of bril-liant restaurants for any taste includ-ing Indian, Chinese and Art Deco. The Carron Restaurant stands out in particular. For those of you on a sunny day out, Auntie Betty’s on the seaside is a crucail visiting spot but be ready to queue! Right next to it is also the award-winning Bay Fish and Chips, which is the per-fect place to go after a tiring day partaking in the numerous activities Stonehaven has to offer.