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No place like home We’re here to persuade you that you don’t need foreign shores to make the most of the summer. There’s a world of wonder right on your doorstep, with plenty of Scottish excursions to keep you entertained until autumn. Anna Millar and Sarah Benjamin present our A-Z of staycationing ideas
B IS FOR BUSES Sure, we know the tourist factor is high, but why not embrace it and become a tourist for the day, in your very own city. Hop on, and off, an open- top bus and discover what’s happening, on your very own doorstep. ■ City Sightseeing Edinburgh, 0131 220 0770; Glasgow, 0141 204 0444, www.city- sightseeing.com
C IS FOR CHIPPY Few will argue that when it comes to the
mighty fish supper, Fife’s finest cannot be beaten – better still, it affords a nice day out in one of the area’s prettiest fishing villages to boot. Head over to the scenic East Neuk of Fife for award-winning fish and chips from the Anstruther Fish Bar. The Smith family serve up fresh seafood, like haddock and crab, alongside local venison burgers and Scottish wine in their sit-in restaurant; alternatively, take your nosh away and enjoy the views. ■ Anstruther Fish Bar, Fife, 01333 310518, www.anstrutherfishbar.co.uk
D IS FOR DINOSAURS/DALI Check out the stunning array of art, from the Scottish greats to the European masters, or learn about creatures of the past at the Kelvingrove, where fossils of many extinct animals, including dinosaurs, are part of their extensive display. ■ Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, 0141 276 9599, www.glasgowmuseums.com
A IS FOR ARTLAND Not for nothing is Jupiter Artland known
as so much more than a sculpture park. Indeed, as the contemporary garden opens its gates for a second season, featuring commissioned works by many leading artists, co-directors Robert and Nicky Wilson continue to build an oasis of calm barely a few miles from Edinburgh’s city centre. The inspired project, set in the grounds of their Bonnington House estate in West Lothian, is, put quite
simply, a gorgeous walk in the countryside sprinkled with some first class environmental art. This season look out for works by Alec Finlay, Laura Ford, Andy Goldsworthy, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Charles Jencks, Anish Kapoor, Peter Liversidge, Cornelia Parker, Marc Quinn and Shane Waltener, as well as an array of workshops, poetry mornings, picnics and artist talks. ■ Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House, near Edinburgh, www.jupiterartland.org
TRAVEL TIPS
If camping is your bag, be prepared
Scotland has a large number of campsites to choose from, with varying types of facilities, so there should be something for everyone. For some basic information to start with, check out www.lovecamping.co.uk
Before you head off, make sure your rucksack’s big
enough (recommended 65–75 litres) to accommodate your tent, sleeping bag, cooking utensils and food, as well as changes of clothing. Choose a rucksack with good support straps that ensure it can be fitted to you comfortably. A waterproof rucksack cover comes in handy too. Always carry a small first aid kit, and remember that if you drink
water from streams, you should also pack some form of purification. A map is a must, and a
detailed Ordnance Survey is always best. If you fancy a more road-based approach, campervans are readily available For good hire providers try www.campers- scotland.com and www.wickedcampers.co.uk
14 THE LIST 10–24 Jun 2010