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19 spectacular beaches in Scotland

By Kimberly Grant , Lucy Grewcock and Mike MacEacheran

The best beaches in the UK

By Olivia Morelli

The best Edinburgh hotels

By Rick Jordan and Steve King

The best bothies in Scotland

By Rosie Conroy

Is Glasgow’s Southside Scotland's coolest foodie neighbourhood?

The coolest hen party houses in the UK

By Harriet Jones and Lauren Burvill

Where was ‘One Day’ filmed: the key locations in the new rom-com Netflix series everyone's talking about

By James Medd

Michelin star restaurants UK and Ireland: the 2024 guide

By Sarah James

The best February half-term activities in London for kids 2024

By Jo Ascherl

Sober stays are on the rise - meet the UK spots catering for sober-curious travellers

By Anya Meyerowitz

The best weekend breaks in the UK and Ireland

Where is ‘The Traitors’ filmed? Inside Ardross Castle in Scotland

By Tal Dekel-Daks

The best spas in Scotland

By Angelina Villa-Clarke

When is the next bank holiday? The UK bank holidays in 2024

By Connor Sturges

An adventure through Wester Ross – a Scottish land of transcendent peaks, wild coastline and shifting light

By Antonia Quirke

The best hotels in Scotland

By Steve King

The most beautiful restaurants in Scotland

By Rosie Conroy and Katharine Sohn

The best hotels in the UK for 2024

By Lauren Burvill and Tabitha Joyce

10 of the best road trips in the UK and Ireland

The loveliest British winter walks that end in cosy pubs

By Evelyn Chapman

Where to See the Northern Lights All Over the World

By Paul Rubio

Celebrating Lunar New Year—and My Heritage—By Making Dumplings

By Julie Lin

The 16 Best Hotels in Scotland

By Steve King

A 5-Day Road Trip Connecting Scotland’s Tidal Pools

By Freya Bromley

Kilt Shopping in Edinburgh With a Tartan Butler

By Ross Kenneth Urken

32 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh, from Michelin Stars to Sandwich Shops

By Olivia Morelli

Airbnb Recreated Shrek's Swamp in Scotland and It Actually Looks Quite Lovely

By Virginia Buedo

Women Who Travel Podcast: Life on a Windswept Scottish Island

By CNT Editors

Retracing the Steps of My Ancestors, the Wild Scots of Galloway

By Mary Winston Nicklin

We Tried Out the New Dior Spa on Board the Royal Scotsman Train—Here's What It's Like

By Sarah James

The Luxurious Belmond Royal Scotsman Train Just Added a Dior Spa On Board

Discovering the Importance of Multigenerational Travel During a Visit to Scotland

By Jo Rodgers

5 Scenic Trains for Exploring Scotland's Dramatic Highlands, Sparkling Lochs, and Coastal Towns

By Marisel Salazar

Walking in the Footsteps of Scotland’s Revolutionary Mountain Women

By Chloe Berge

Rewilding Experiences Are on the Rise—But Are They Making a Difference?

The Best Airbnbs in Scotland

By Lauren Burvill

A Local’s Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland

Sam Heughan on His ‘Men in Kilts’ Road Trip Through Scotland

By Sarah Khan

Scotland's Gin Distilleries Are Pumping Out Hand Sanitizer

By Kelsey Ogletree

Scotland’s Newest Grand Hotel Is an Extravagant Victorian Villa

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Airbus A380 belonging to new airline that promises 'a return to the golden age of travel' touches down at Glasgow Prestwick, marking the first time the airport has welcomed a superjumbo

• The A380 arrived in Glasgow from Mojave Air and Space Port
• While there it underwent two months of technical and engineering assessments
• READ MORE:  Cunard's latest £500m liner Queen Anne arrives in Southampton  

It's the brand-new airline with a mission to take passengers 'back to the golden age of travel' - and this week it took a huge step forward, with its Airbus A380 touching down at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

Global Airlines , founded in 2021 by Briton James Asquith, who also created travel company Holiday Swap, hailed the arrival of its superjumbo in Scotland as a 'momentous moment', one that 'signalled a significant milestone being reached'.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport CEO Ian Forgie said: 'We are delighted to have supported Global with this key stage in their exciting journey.

'It was also the first time an A380 has landed at Prestwick, so this was an exciting moment in Prestwick's aviation history. It drew a large crowd of aviation enthusiasts who wanted to witness the touchdown.'

The A380, registration number 9H-GLOBL, arrived in Glasgow from Mojave Air and Space Port in California following two months of technical and engineering assessments. During this time the crew received bespoke simulator training.

On Tuesday, April 30, the aircraft, led by Commander Carlos Mirpuri and a crew of three, flew for five hours and 40 minutes to Montreal Mirabel International Airport, where it refuelled.

The aircraft then headed across the Atlantic, direct to Glasgow Prestwick.

The flight itself created significant local and online attention and was the most viewed flight of the day on Wednesday on Flight Radar, Global Airlines claimed, with almost 40,000 viewers at its peak.

READ MORE: Is this the world's best plane cabin? Inside The Residence, Etihad's A380 £5,000 hotel suite in the sky, which comes with a private lounge, shower and a DOUBLE BED. It's jaw-dropping

Speaking for the first time since the arrival of the aircraft in Scotland, Mr Asquith said: 'There were moments when I thought the aircraft would not make it out of America, but thanks to amazing efforts from our brilliant Global team, we now have our first aircraft in Europe and are in a position and a place where we can take even further strides forward.

'Getting to Europe is a significant milestone for Global Airlines and it's the product of huge amounts of energy, resolve and belief in the project, on both sides of the Atlantic.

'I am particularly grateful to the team at Glasgow Prestwick Airport for welcoming 9H-GLOBL with such enthusiasm. I am so pleased that we now have the opportunity to work with industry leaders in the UK to build new A380 capabilities and expertise.

'Looking ahead, everybody in the team is moving forward to a really busy summer where we'll start to showcase more and more of the Global offering and innovations that will make our airline unique.'

Commander Carlos Mirpuri, Vice-Chairman of Hi Fly Group, who was the chief pilot for the flights, said after arriving at Prestwick: 'This airplane is an engineering marvel, and I can't get enough of it. This was a long journey across America and the Atlantic, and all went as expected.

'I wish Global Airlines success with it. It is time to conduct the rest of the return-to-service jobs so that passengers can enjoy flying this superjumbo. There is nothing like it.'

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The best beaches in Scotland to visit this summer

If a scottish staycation is on the cards this year, these are the sandy hotspots you won’t want to miss, article bookmarked.

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The Caribbean-looking coasts of Scotland and its isles are a surprising addition to its already spectacular portfolio of rugged landscapes, unspoiled environments and unique wildlife.

White sands, turquoise waters and roaring surf fill a summer holiday to the top of the UK with endless potential for activities, including surfing, swimming and sunbathing in secluded beach locations. From the wonders of the famous North Coast 500 to mountain lochs and tombolo sand bars, a Scottish seaside break has something for every beach lover.

Sunny days can be sparse, but the summer months from June to August attract the warmest weather and most visitors to Scotland’s abundance of sandy shores and food and music festivals. While scorching hot summers are no guarantee, the bravest swimmers can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear seas all year round – make sure to remember your wetsuit. Try visiting in April or May for a quieter, albeit much colder, day on some of the UK’s best beaches .

Here’s  The Independent ‘s selection of the 10 best stretches of sand from the Isle of Skye to the Scottish Highlands .

Read more on Scotland travel :

• Scotland country guide: Everything you need to know before you go
• Best luxury hotels in Scotland: Where to stay for style and romance
• Take the train for a sustainable Scottish Highlands adventure

Achmelvich Bay, Lochinver

Best for: swimming.

With an emerald sea and immaculate white sand, Achmelvich Bay in the northwest of Scotland more closely resembles a Mediterranean paradise than a UK beach . Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy swimming in the clear waters or unwind on shore to catch stunning sunsets over the gentle waves. A day at Achmelvich is well worth the trek down the narrow track road to reach the bay – make sure to head down early in peak season, as the popular swimming spot is also a huge hit with campers and kayakers.

Where to stay

Just two miles away, Suil na Mara glamping pod boasts sea views, a private balcony and a skylight to the stars in the bedroom.

Rooms available from {{#price}} {{price}} per night {{/price}} {{^price}} Check availability for dates and prices {{/price}}

Rates provided by Booking.com

Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing, balnakeil beach, durness, best for: white sands.

A Caribbean dupe, the crescent-shaped white dunes of Balnakeil Beach in Durness, north Scotland, are wide, pure and unspoiled. The idyllic setting just off the NC500 route is a must-visit stop for those exploring Scotland’s scenic north coast to take a relaxing break. Balnakeil is within walking distance of historic church ruins and Balnakeil Craft Village; visit in off-peak season for a frosty winter walk to Cocoa Mountain , the Scottish chocolatiers who have mastered the art of hot chocolate.

Bae Seren  in Durness features a garden, sea views and three double bedrooms so the whole family can enjoy proximity to some of the best beaches in Scotland.

St Ninian’s Beach, Shetland Islands

Best for: windswept walks.

Sandwiched between sapphire seas,  Shetland’s  crowning jewel is the longest tombolo sand causeway in the UK. Easily accessible from Bigton town on the west coast, St Ninian’s links the mainland via a picturesque fine sand beach to an archaeological site on St Ninian’s Isle. The curved sandbar is ideal for long walks and is a favourite with families wanting to discover the rich history of religion and buried treasure on the now uninhabited island. 

Hayhoull B&B  is situated just a five-minute walk from St Ninian’s sands and offers hearty breakfasts, cycling opportunities and Shetland literature (for the more culturally inclined).

Doubles from £45pp

Tolsta Beach, Isle of Lewis

Best for: wildlife spotting.

Tolsta Beach, on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides , boasts two miles of golden sand and grass banks rich in plant life. Easily accessed from Stornoway , the stunning, sheltered shoreline attracts visitors to remote North Tolsta. Be sure to bring your binoculars to spot Scottish wildlife , such as seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales offshore alongside a range of seabird species. For the best view, head up the cliffs or explore the area and walk to the “Bridge to Nowhere”, a failed attempt by Lord Leverhulme in the 20 th century to expand Tolsta’s eastern road to Ness.

Remuera  holiday home in North Tolsta is a secluded stay that offers a terrace, barbeque and garden, in addition to its four bedrooms; it’s just a short drive from Tolsta’s beaches.

Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris

Best for: surfing.

Forget you’re in the UK on the secluded white sands of Luskentyre stretching as far as the eye can see. A gem of south Harris’ west coast, Luskentyre surpasses some of the finest blue flag beaches in Europe, with panoramic views of rolling waves at the end of a single-track road. The expansive beach is popular in the summer, but large enough that the stunning backdrop of dramatic mountains and vivid green-blue waters will never feel busy. Don a wetsuit – average water temperatures are low year-round – and paddle out to catch a wave; the Atlantic coast gets great northern swells in the winter and the surf comes in unbroken.

Solas , a luxury self-catering home, sits above the shores of Luskentyre Beach. A wood-fired hot tub, sauna and yoga deck are on offer to guests after a long day of riding the waves.

From £3,450 per week for up to six guests

Loch Morlich Beach, Glenmore

Best for: mountain views.

The long stretch of natural golden shoreline on the banks of Loch Morlich , 318m above sea level and 30 miles from the sea, is a sandy haven with spectacular views. Situated at the foot of snow-capped mountains Cairngorms and Ben Macdui in Glenmore Forest Park, it’s the beautiful setting that steals the show. Chill out al fresco on the peaceful loch near Aviemore, the only award-winning freshwater beach in Scotland (and the highest in Britain), reached via a short meander through Caledonian pine, birch and alder trees. The loch’s sands are well-equipped with watersports, yachting and camping facilities, perfect for those looking to enjoy the calm waters and breathtaking mountain views.

Pine Marten Bar Glenmore Treehouse is a quirky Scottish stay in Aviemore that boasts mountain views, a small kitchen and a cosy living space perfect for a family.

Clachtoll Beach, Sutherland

Best for: nc500 pit-stops.

Press pause on your road trip and relax on the white shores of Clachtoll Beach, in the stunning area of Assynt, Sutherland. Sat five miles north of Lochniver, directly on the iconic NC500 route and a snorkelling trail by the Scottish Wildlife Trusts , geometric rock formations including the famous Split Rock stack in Clachtoll’s Bay. The less popular neighbour of Achmelvich Beach on the Stoer peninsular features unspoiled rugged terrain and views over to the isles of Lewis, Harris and Skye. With its crystal-clear sea, wooden walkways and bustling campsite, the Scottish paradise is a must-visit shore on any road trip.

North Coast 500 Pods in Achmelvich feature a terrace, kitchenette and communal barbeque facilities, and they’re just a short walk from several of Scotland’s gold sand beaches (and a 20-minute drive from Clachtoll Beach).

Vatersay Bay, Isle of Barra

Best for: sunbathing.

Vatersay Bay, otherwise known as Traigh a Bhaigh or “East Beach”, is one of two beaches in the centre of Vatersay Island. Linked to the Isle of Barra by a causeway, Vatersay features unique wildflowers, a scenic coastline and the azure waters of the Atlantic. The most southerly of the Outer Hebrides’ inhabited islands, the shallow bay is perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and stretching out on the wide dunes. Visitors can camp overnight and head over to “West Beach”, Traigh Siar, to learn the tragic history of the Annie Jane shipwreck.

The Todday Snug Studio in Ersary features sea, mountain and garden views from a private patio, all just a 15-minute drive from Vattersay Bay.

Coral Beach, Isle of Skye

Best for: off-peak holidays.

In the north of Skye, Coral Beach is an isolated stretch of Skye’s coastline, reached by a drive down a rough country track and scenic walk. The beach's white shores are made up of neither sand nor coral – they’re a combination of dried and sun-bleached seaweed and algae. On a sunny day, the blue waters near Claigan sparkle, and Coral Beach’s variety of shells and fossils stand out in its rock pools and banks. The sun makes an occasional appearance in Scotland during the off-season, and while there is no guarantee of warm weather, taking in the tropical scenery without crowds is well worth a try, come rain or shine.

Lampay Chalets offer holiday homes with sea views, double bedrooms and picnic benches just 1.3 miles from Coral Beach.

Uyea, Shetland Islands

Best: secluded spot.

The uninhabited tidal island of Uyea, off the northwest of mainland Shetland and the Northmavine peninsula, has a landscape of dramatic granite rock and emerald water. Connected by a long sand tombolo, much like the beach at St Ninian’s, the secluded spot and its surrounding skerries stun at low tide on sunny days. Although it is not advised to scramble down the cliffs to cross the sandbar, the view is just as breathtaking when admired from above. It is quite a walk to the remote viewpoint through wild Scottish environments – a celebratory picnic overlooking Uyea’s golden sands comes highly recommended.

St Magnus Bay Hotel , in the heart of Shetland. boasts tranquil surroundings, traditional décor and a rich cultural history. It’s less than a two-hour drive from Uyea.

Read more of our best Scotland Highlands hotel reviews

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"With vibrant festivals, historic charm, and stunning views, [and] don’t skip enjoying a cold pint at a beer garden."

Whether you're planning to splurge on your next trip, or you want a vacation that can be more budget-friendly, both are possible for a trip to the Scotland capital.

Additionally, the city is a great "jumping-off point" for travel to other European destinations, with many short-haul trip options, and budget airline flights, to travel around. You can also use the Skyscanner search "everywhere" option to find the cheapest flights from Edinburgh, including return flights under $100 for places like Denmark, Belgium, Germany and France.

How much does it cost to go to Edinburgh, Scotland in May from Canadian cities?

Using Skyscanner search data for flights to Edinburgh, from Canadian airports, roundtrip flights from Toronto for the month of May are currently as low as $609, departing May 26 and returning June 1.

Travelling from Vancouver to Edinburgh, roundtrip flights are as low as $790, and from Montreal flights are about $960 roundtrip in May right now.

Don't forget to check the Skyscanner site for live pricing.

3 expert tips on what to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

To take in the destination's historic charm, visit Edinburgh Castle during your trip to the city.

"As interest in travel amongst Canadians increasingly grows, a majority of destinations are chosen based on a variety of characteristics, with attractions accounting for 61 per cent," Lindsay stated.

"One of the oldest fortified places in Europe, Edinburgh Castle has a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress."

With the Scotland capital being among Europe's most walkable cities, that includes some unique city parks, like Holyrood Park.

"Atop Holyrood Park as the park's highest point, Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano, and sits 251 metres above sea level giving excellent view of the city; it is also the site of a large and well preserved fort, one of four hill forts dating from around 2,000 years ago," Lindsay advised.

If you really want to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, don't miss out on trying local cuisine, including haggis.

"The national dish of Scotland, haggis is a type of pudding composed of the majority of sheep or calf offal and has been recognized as a Scottish delicacy since the mid-18th century," Lindsay highlighted. "Fit right in with the Scots and enjoy haggis with turnips (called 'swedes' or 'neeps') and mashed potatoes ('tatties'), as well as Scotch whisky."

Where to stay in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Balmoral is a five-star landmark, identifiable by its clock tower, in a prime Princes Street location. The hotel also feature The Balmoral Spa with an indoor pool and multiple dining options.

The Roseate Edinburgh is an intimate option for your stay in Edinburgh, that dates back to 1851. The Dunstane Restaurant & Bar at the hotel boasts the use of seasonal Scottish produce.

Market Street Hotel brings contemporary design to your stay in Edinburgh. It also has a rooftop champagne lounge with views across the city.

Tips for finding the cheapest flights

If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.

Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.

Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.

Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.

Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.

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Princeton faculty member dies in traffic accident

Mark Dodici / The Daily Princetonian

Dr. William Noel, the John T. Maltsberger III ’55 Associate University Librarian for Special Collections in the Princeton University Library, died on April 29 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was 58.

“It’s just such a shocking and random loss,” Lisa Fagin Davis, Executive Director of the Medieval Academy of America and Professor at the Simmons University School of Library and Information Science, told The Daily Princetonian in an interview. “He was on the sidewalk, and this van jumped the curb and hit him. If he was 30 seconds ahead or 30 seconds behind, it wouldn’t have happened. It’s just one of those absolutely horrific freak accidents that has taken him from us … it’s really hard to wrap your head around it.” 

Davis was one of the first of Noel’s colleagues to announce his death publicly on X. The two met during their work at the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and quickly became friends. 

“It’s really an unimaginable loss personally, but also, professionally — for the entire field [of Medieval Studies],” Davis shared. “If you look online, you’ll see the tributes on Twitter from people who never even met him, but just heard him give a lecture or watched his TED talk.” 

Noel, who also served as the Chair of the Philadelphia Consortium of Special Collections Libraries, led numerous projects to digitize and data-mine the pre-modern manuscripts of the mid-Atlantic region. 

Noel completed his PhD in Medieval Studies at Cambridge University and was then hired as curator at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. There, he transformed the field of Medieval Studies as he worked to digitize medieval manuscripts and make them freely available for public consumption. 

“Some manuscripts were available online at the time of his work, but it was really difficult to actually download those images and use them,” Davis said of Noel. “His mentality was, ‘this is the cultural heritage of the world, and it should be available to the world.’”

Davis remarked upon Noel’s commitment to preserving history of all lineages.

“This was another way that he really was an innovator — he really considered the non-Western material, which often gets short shrift, to be equivalent to Western material,” Davis added. “Back then, that was really radical.”

Beyond his professional success, Noel was a leader in bringing people together for a common purpose.

“He had this incredible gift for finding the right people, for any particular team and convincing them that they should stop whatever they’re doing, and come and be part of this team because we’re going to change the world together,” Davis shared. “And that’s exactly what he did. That’s why he really belonged in those leadership positions…Anyone who’s worked for him will tell you stories of how kind he was, and how empathetic and how understanding he was of any personal problems that anybody was going through.” 

Dot Porter, Curator of Digital Humanities at the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies and one of Noel’s former colleagues, echoed Davis’s sentiments.

“I saw [Noel] deliver a lecture about his [current] project and talked to him after. I thought he was the most amazing person I ever met … so engaging and so interesting,” Porter said in an interview with the ‘Prince’.

“He was a visionary. And he saw me as someone who could see his vision ... I have had the best time working in the digital humanities here, and it was all because of him,” she said.

Porter remarked on how Noel’s contributions to Medieval Studies have permanently changed it.

“He was the first to really push the concept of openness in the field, and it has now become an accepted standard in the discipline,” Porter told the ‘Prince.’ “He changed the field for all of us. And we can keep moving forward in that direction, for him … and we will.” 

Caitlyn Tablada is a News contributor for the ‘Prince.’

Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.

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Thunderstorms in England and Wales may give way to warmest day of year

Met Office says storms may cause travel disruption and flooding, leading to difficult driving conditions

Heavy thunderstorms could give way to the warmest day of the year so far in Britain.

The same storm caused mudslides in northern France , which started around midnight and killed at least one person, a 57-year-old woman, and injured her partner.

In southern England and Wales, storms and heavy rainfall overnight damaged buildings and caused travel delays.

The Met Office said this could be replaced later on Thursday with the year’s hottest temperature, replacing Wednesday’s high of 22.1C. The south-east of England may reach temperatures of 24C in the afternoon.

Two yellow weather warnings were issued for the UK by the Met Office, with heavy rain falling over parts of the country on Wednesday night. Storms hit the south-west of England and Wales , with a warning in place until 8am on Thursday. A warning in south-east England was extended to 10am on Thursday.

Lightning damage to the electricity supply on the rail line between Westbury and Castle Cary early on Thursday caused some trains to be cancelled. Lines have since reopened but National Rail warned that trains may still be cancelled, delayed or diverted “as service recovers”.

A care home in Elmer, Sussex, was hit by lightning which damaged the roof, while a university building in Chichester sustained damage to its roof and power system. West Sussex fire and rescue service said no one was injured from the strikes and that occupants were relocated to safety while the damage was assessed.

Marco Petagna, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said some places could experience their warmest temperatures of the year on Thursday. “After a night of storms, the rain will ease in the south of England for a while … We could see the skies brightening up in a few places and it will be another warm day. Parts of the south-east could even get to 24 degrees and beat today’s temperatures,” he told the PA news agency.

“But as the skies brighten and temperatures increase, this could spark a few more thundery showers in the afternoon, so it is likely to still be a bit unsettled and the forecast will be changeable over the next few days.”

The Met Office said the storms might cause travel disruption and some flooding, leading to “difficult driving conditions and some road closures”.

The north of England was expected to stay largely dry and warm while southern parts of the UK were hit by heavy rain.

The bank holiday weekend is expected to be a “very mixed picture”, said Petagna. Most areas are likely to experience some rain but temperatures will remain fairly warm, in the mid- to late-teens. On bank holiday Monday, showers are expected across the country.

Wednesday was the warmest day of 2024 so far, with a peak of 22.1C in Santon Downham in Suffolk.

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