Don't miss these fantastic hidden gems throughout Angus and Fife

Looking for somewhere luxurious to stay in the Angus countryside? - then look no further than the stunning Balbinny. 

Situated in rolling farmland between the market towns of Forfar and Brechin, Balbinny benefits from 180-degree views across the River South Esk towards the Angus Glens, and onto the Cairngorms.

A development of luxury self-catering accommodation all with master bedrooms featuring super king sized beds, flat screen televisions and bi-folding glass doors, treat yourself to luxury in the heart of the countryside.

Complemented by an award winning swimming pool, spa and fitness suite - make the most of your stay by indulging in one of their therapeutic treatments.

Tempted? – Grab £50 off 3 nights or more between 1/9/19 - 11/10/19 and quote ‘Herald’.

Tel 07990542776
Email info@balbinny.com

www.balbinny.com
www.balbinny.com/news-and-offers
www.facebook.com/balbinny
Instagram.com/balbinny

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Burntisland Golf Club

Dating back to 1797, the original Burntisland Golf Club is officially recognised as the tenth oldest golf club in the world. The new course at Dodhead, was first surveyed by Old Tom Morris; designed by Willie Park Jnr in 1896; and later updated by legendary golf course architect, James Braid in 1922.

Although not the longest golf course, Burntisland offers a variety of unique challenges to golfers of all abilities. A largely flat, links-style golf course, Burntisland features short climbs and descents. Its tight fairways, fast greens and natural hazards are a true test of nerve and skill.

The course also boasts plenty of great seaward views from many of the vantage points with Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle, the Bass Rock and Berwick Law all easily recognisable across the water, as well as the Forth Bridges to the west.

The relaxing clubhouse offers a comfortable lounge and dining area. The Club provides daily menus based on locally sourced ingredients to suit all tastes and budgets, and has the experience and expertise to cater for a variety of events throughout the year, with hospitality renowned as being second to none.

Burntisland Golf House Club is very popular with visiting societies with many returning annually. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, all parties are promised a warm welcome.

Society groups can choose from various tailor-made packages which combine excellent golf on the well-conditioned course and delicious dining options.

Come and walk in the footsteps of legends.

www.burntislandgolfhouseclub.co.uk

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Welcome to Fife

Follow Jess in the Footsteps of Kings

Join Jess the Jester on a Fife Augmented Reality adventure. Follow the trail and visit amazing historic sites that bring history to life in Fife.

How would you like to play tennis with the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots? Or fire a cannon at a pirate ship in the Forth from Ravenscraig Castle?

New for Summer 2019, you can now do all this and more by downloading the free Augmented Reality app: In the Footsteps of Kings. www.welcometofife.com/jess

Ravenscraig Castle

Did you know the castle is considered to be one of the first in Scotland to be built to withstand cannon fire? With a stunning scenic backdrop, why not visit this free attraction and let the kids try their hand at loading a cannon and firing at pirate boats in the Forth. Ravenscraig park is also a great family attraction, where you can enjoy hours of fun.

Falkland Palace

Falkland Palace was a favourite hunting ground of Mary Queen of Scots and is home to the UK's oldest real tennis court. Although you need to pay to visit the Palace and gardens, you can enjoy the Augmented Reality experience during opening hours for free, as it's located just inside the main gates. The village of Falkland, which is an Outlander film location, is delightful to visit and you can explore the charming streets, gift shops or enjoy a cuppa in one of the cafes.

Falkland Estate

Pack your walking boots and retrace royal footsteps on this fascinating and historic land. Enjoy acres of beautiful counryside and woodlands of Falkland Estate and enjoy five different augmented reality experiences at this location all inspired by nature. There's also a cafe on-site, perfect for when the kids get peckish.

Markinch Church

Markinch was once the ancient capital of Fife and ruled by the MacDuff Earls of Fife. King James I ordered everyone over the age of 12 to practice archery. You can still see the arrow sharpening marks on the stone work behind the church. This gives you a wee clue to the virtual reality experience at this location.

Lochore Castle

Also known as 'Inchgall Castle, once upon a time Lochore Castle stood on an island and was the fortress home of the Lochore family. It was described as one of the strongest castles in Fife in the 16th Century. The castle is set within Lochore Meadows, Fife's most popular free attraction, known locally as the 'Meedies', so why not make a day of it.

Aberdour Castle

The splendid ruin of Aberdour Castle was once the luxurious Renaissance home and pleasure gardens of Scotland's most powerful man. It's also among the oldest standing masonry castles in Scotland and was used in the filming of Outlander. The augmented reality experience can be enjoyed without accessing the castle, which is owned by Historic Environment Scotland. 

Download the 'In the Footsteps of Kings' App now to bring history to life in Fife. Available on Google Play, App Store and Amazon.

Please note augmented reality software may not be available on older generation phones.

For further information, visit welcometofife.com/jess

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Seaweed 'n' Stuff

Nestled in the picturesque fishing village of Pittenweem in the East Neuk of Fife, you will find the delightful Seaweed 'n' Stuff gift shop. Famed for its crow stepped gable and pantile roofed buildings, Pittenween is only 11 miles from the birthplace of golf, St Andrews, and just over 1 hour from Edinburgh.  

In my shop you will find a range of seaweed inspired chutneys and relishes along with local art and seaside gifts.

Always looking to create something different for my family, about 3 years ago I began to incorporate seaweed into my recipes after reading an article about its nutritional value. 

High in fibre, calcium and the most mineralised vegetable on earth, seaweed contains all 56 elements essential to our health.

With an abundance of local ingredients to fire my imagination, I use a traditional handmade, stovetop method creating small batches of preserves packed full of character and outstanding flavour.

Seaweed is an easy way to give your food an extra and delicious savoury dimension. The Japanese call this Umami or the "fifth taste".

Not all seaweeds taste the same, and by carefully pairing them with different fruits and vegetables, I have developed exciting flavour combinations such as roasted red pepper and kombu relish and sweet kelp and pear chutney. Across my range you will find fantastic accompaniments for cheese, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.

My chutneys and relishes come packed in jars hand decorated and labelled here in the shop and to encourage recycling, I offer a 30p discount on future purchases for every jar returned. 

I also donate 5p from the sale of every jar to the local West Braes Community project.

As a local lass I want the next generation to be able to appreciate this beautiful part of the world as much as I do.

If you are ever visiting the East Neuk to enjoy the scenery and the vibrant food and arts scene, I hope you take time out to pop into my wee shop.

www.facebook.com/seaweednstuff
www.instagram.com/seaweed_n_stuff

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Colour your summer with Stagecoach

Award-winning beaches, mysterious castles, wonderful walks and restaurants galore – there’s almost too much choice in Fife and Angus.

Let Stagecoach make your summer stress-free with day trip ideas by bus in the East of Scotland. Their Colour Your Summer itineraries have suggested bus services, times and tickets for each trip to make your day out even easier. From adventures in Arbroath to golf, high tea and history in St Andrews, there’s something for everyone.

Many of their day trip suggestions make good use of the Express City Connect network, which boasts regular journeys across Fife, Dundee and Angus as well as into Edinburgh, Glasgow, Livingston, Perth and Aberdeen. Express services offer luxury coach travel, with comfortable seats, free WiFi and device charging points on board. There are also toilets on most coaches for added comfort during longer journeys.

Here’s an example of what you can expect from a day out in East Scotland by bus:

A Day on the Fife Coastal Path

Hop off the bus at St Monans and begin your walk to Anstruther to see the sights of the East Neuk

• Explore picturesque St Monans
• Follow signs for Fife Coastal Path to begin your walk along the coast
• Stop for an ice cream in Pittenweem
• Continue your walk along the coastal path to Anstruther
• Visit the Anstruther Fishing Museum
• Grab some famous fish and chips from the Anstruther Fish Bar

They suggest using the journey planner on the stagecoachbus.com website to find the best travel option for your day out. Please check the Stagecoach website on the day of travel for service diversions/disruptions to avoid potential disappointment.

If after that you still want to explore more, Stagecoach also have a fantastic list of all the best events in East Scotland and must see places this summer by bus.

A day trip with Stagecoach is sure to add a splash of colour to your summer. Find out more at stagecoachbus.com

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The Aboukir Hotel and Gable Restaurant

Under new management, The Aboukir Hotel and Gable Restaurant is a friendly and inviting hotel, bar and restaurant situated a 5-minute walk from Carnoustie High Street, and within walking distance of the famous Carnoustie Golf Course.

With a new menu including vegetarian options and featuring a large beer garden, they can cater for weddings, functions and Christmas party nights.

Their hotel rooms can accommodate single visitors and families alike, and they also hold regular events which are open both to locals and visitors.

With their sister business The Seaview Guesthouse, there is plenty of room should you wish to make a trip of it.

Special offers on the following:

• Cocktails
• Gins
• Rums

See you soon!

38 Ireland St
Carnoustie
Angus
DD7 6AT

Tel 01241 852 149
Email enquiries@aboukir.co.uk
www.facebook.com/aboukircarnoustie

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We Are Zest Café​

Based in the Historic town of St Andrews, Zest is a specialty coffee shop, but also a Social Enterprise. Coffee is their passion, and it shows. You can sample a variety of single origins, and really experiment with the unique flavours that specialty coffee has to offer. Zest only use the best suppliers, that they know and trust. The only coffee they buy is Specialty Grade, sustainable, and a fair price paid to producers. The team are knowledgeable and love helping customers find the perfect coffee for them to enjoy at home. They also have an extensive range of retail coffees for the home connoisseur.

Looking for lunch? Zest have a simple bagel menu, a selection of freshly made filled rolls and plenty of salad options but are known locally for their bacon rolls and full all-day breakfasts. The cakes are their favourite though, made by the excellent Cakesmiths. Zest always make sure that there is a good selection of vegan and gluten free options, and they are all delicious.

Zest offers people with additional support needs an opportunity to learn, practice and gain meaningful employment. Many have found working or keeping a job challenging due to personal circumstances. Hospitality is an amazing industry, perfectly suited to teaching social skills to those who may struggle with this. Their customers support them and take joy in seeing the team develop. They are unique in that they do not receive funding - Zest is entirely self-funded. By buying a latte, customers are actively contributing and supporting them through their choice of café.

It can be challenging when individuals are living with mental health issues - it is an unseen disability, which can be difficult when working in hospitality. One particular issue they face is eye contact - always associated with great customer service, it can be extremely difficult for a team member with anxiety/depression/autism. Zest aim to raise awareness, and the team take pride in doing their best every day to provide the best service that they can.

95 South Street,
St Andrews
KY16 9QW
Tel 01334 471 451

Email: info@wearezest.co.uk​
www.facebook.com/zest.standrews