Perfect sunny holiday is on your doorstep

At this time of year most of us are ready for a well-earned break and thoughts turn to dreams of sun, sea and sand.

But while the idea of jetting off to the continent for two weeks holds undeniable appeal, it’s safe to say the prospect of sky-rocketing hotel and air fares, delayed flights and a less than favourable exchange rate do not.

Thankfully, Angus and its neighbouring regions of Fife and Perthshire offer an alternative: a holiday at home that offers great value for money which can be as leisurely or exciting as you choose.

Here are some of our tips for a memorable “staycation”:

1 You don’t have to spend a week in an eco-lodge or wild camping to have a rejuvenating digital detox.

Ditch the device for an afternoon spent picking your own berries at a fruit farm in Fife or lace up your walking boots and scale one of Perthshire’s Munros.

2 Leave the car behind and hop on the bus. A Scottish Citylink Explorer Pass entitles you to unlimited travel on Scottish Citylink buses on all Citylink routes for three out of five days, five out of 10 days or eight out of 16 days.

You can save 10% on all Stagecoach services across Fife, Perthshire, Dundee and Angus.

3 Being culinary adventurous is one of the best things about being on holiday but you don’t have to go out to a restaurant to enjoy a special meal. Choose from an incredible array of locally-produced food and drink at one of the many farmers’ markets held across the region.

4 The great outdoors beckon at this time of year. Take advantage of the extra hours of daylight and explore the lush Angus glens late into the evening.

5 Take a break from Netflix and catch the latest release at an independent cinema. Dundee Contemporary Arts, the New Picture House in St Andrews and the Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy are full of character and a great change from the multiplex.

6 The coasts of Fife and Angus are among the sunniest in Scotland. Make the most of the sunshine and head to popular spots like Elie and Earlsferry in the East Neuk, or explore the less wellknown Angus coastline and enjoy the magnificent Lunan Bay.

7 Dundee enjoys more sunshine hours than any other city in Scotland. Head to Broughty Ferry for miles of sandy beach, kite surfing, sailing and the odd dolphin sighting.

8 St Andrews Links is revered throughout the world as the Home of Golf. It is also, like the vast majority of Scotland’s golf courses, a beautiful and historic expanse of public land which is perfect for a Sunday stroll. Dogs are welcome provided they are kept on a leash.

9 Don’t stay in your own house for the duration of your holiday. Whether you long for an escape from the monotony of daily routine or simply fancy a change of scenery, VisitScotland’s Accommodation Guide (ebooks.visitscotland.com/ accommodation-guide) can help you find your perfect retreat.

10 Spontaneity is great but a little bit of forward planning can make all the difference to your break. Check out the iKnow Scotland Community (community. visitscotland.com), an online forum where you can ask questions and seek out advice from like-minded people in the know.

Local landmarks: St Andrews Castle and, right, DCA.