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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE
The Harbour, North Berwick, 01620 890 202, www.seabird.org
A popular visitor". haunt. the Bass Rock, a mile off shore in the Firth of Forth can be visited by boat from the Seabird Centre and observed through one of two live cams which show the 100.000 gannets who nest on the cliffs spectacularly dive-bombing into the sea lhe awarrf Hlfllllllf) centre has a total of five [IN/(r cams showing puffins, gannets and other birds in their natural habitats on islands in the Forth. Check out lhe Big Picnic on liiesrlay 21 April, where children are invited to take part in a ”Get Back To Nature' treasure trail in celebration of John Muir's birthrlay, Alternatively the more active might enjoy lhe (ireat Scots Walking festival on Fri 24 Apr, where Visitors are invrted to follow in the footsteps of some of our great Scots. such as Robert Louis Stevenson. Sir Walter Scott. and John Muir, crossing
through woodland, historic landmarks, and Villages.
SS SIR WALTER SCOTT
Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, www.lochlomond-trossachs.org
‘lhe stately Victorian passenger steamer Sir Walter Scott has been making leisurely trips from Trossachs Pier across Loch Katrine for more than a century. Ellen's Isle. a more modern 20-seat passenger boat. is less romantic but ensures that Visitors can still make the trip out of high season. The return journey can be broken up by disembarking at Stronachlachar and searching for Bob Boy's birthplace. Unbroken 45-minute trips are also made from the pier.
STIRLING CASTLE
Castle Wynd, 01786 450000, www.historic- scotland.gov.uk
As castles formerly capable of putting up a garrison go. Stirling is compact and bijou. More homely than Edinburgh Castle it has royal apartments. a rose garden and kitchens furnished with life-sized models of people. food and even a cookery book from the castle's Medieval era. Gaze west from the ramparts at the awe-inspiring View along the Carse of Stirling past Ben Vorlich and Ben Ledi to Ben Lomond. Modern comforts are there too — there is a Costa Coffee within the castle walls.
ST RATHCLYDE COUNTRY PARK Hamilton Road, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, 01698 266155, www.north|an.gov.uk
It may lack the scenic qualities of Loch Lomond to the north but this famous country park beyond Glasgow's southern boundary packs an impressive number of activities into its 200-acre loch and surrounding parkland. The council-run water-sports facility at the edge of the loch is perfect for hiring a small dinghy. canoe or windsurf equipment. Alternatively. water-ski or find your sea legs with a one-hour dinghy taster session. You can hire wetsuits or rent a bike to make the four-mile loop around the loch.
26 THE LIST 2—16 Apr 2009
Gullane
BEACH BABIES
From glistening gold sands and seaside cliffs to jaw-dropping dunes, you don’t need to leave
Scotland to enjoy the beach
Portobello Back in the swinging 60$ Portie was a popular seaside destination. After getting a little rough around the edges in 70s and 803, it has once again become an enjoyable jaunt for visitors and locals alike. Walk along the beach, play on the puggies in the amusement arcade or enjoy a tipple at the
Espy bar on the promenade.
Gullane A favourite outdoor spot. long, wide stretches of white sand, rock pools and dunes bring families and watersports fans back time and time again throughout the year. In summer. an ice-cream van takes up permanent residence in the grassy car park.
Arbroath The traditional fishing town of Arbroath is famous for two things. the Smokie and the Abbey. where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed by the Scottish nobility in the fourteenth century as a statement of Scottish independence. Both are definitely worth sampling. If you're spending some time in the area, the Seaton Cliffs to the east of the town make for a fantastic nature walk. stretching five miles to the tiny village of Auchmithie.
Broughty Ferry A beautiful wee village with dramatic views across to Fife and a superb sandy beach and esplanade. the Ferry these days is a great spot for a scenic day trip, the restaurants, pubs, cafes. shops and galleries spread around the small waterfront containing a cornucopia of ways to wile away a day, and all a short bus ride from the city centre.15 minutes east of Dundee city centre.
Yellowcralgs Beach Situated 35 miles from the East of Edinburgh, this is a haven for walkers with its stunning views over the Forth. Just off-shore. Fidra Island was reputedly the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, Treasure Island.
St Andrews Check out the array of activities taking place at St Andrews' West Sands. one of the most
picturesque beaches in the area and the place they filmed the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy everything from kite surfing and landboarding (the beach equivalent) to parakarting (the same but in a go-kart) and kite surfing.
THE TALL SHIP
Glasgow Harbour, 100 Stobcross Road,
0141 222 2513
A popular hangout on the Glasgow permanent attractions roster. this year's Easter fun includes Sail the South Seas complete with mask-making and scrimshaw carving. Book in advance.
TRANSGRESSION SKATE PARK
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Transgression Skate Park, Ocean Terminal, Leith, 0131 555 3755. www.transgressionsessions.co.uk
Check out the lransgression Session'. on Sat 7"; Apr complete Willi live music and skating 'J:‘.‘.lf)ll'.. Doors open at 8pm, and the evening should lie all wrapped up before midnight. Ages P,»
WATER OF LEITI-l WALKWAY
Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, 0131 455 7367, www.waterofleith.org.uk
Forget Trainspotting. Leith has done an arna/ing job of transforming itself from less than salubriou'. port to stylish waterfront reswlential area in a remarkably short time. The Water of l eith Walkway is a perfect example of this and starts 12 miles out of town in Balerno With a ‘llell‘erlllpjifflf Visitor centre. ViSual highlights are Colinton Village. the Dean Village and Stockbridge. The path l.’, generally well signposted but don't get discouraged if the odd Sign appears to be pOinting in the wrong direction, it probably is — there's no jokes like the old jokes.