The Herald - The Herald Magazine
12 coolest Father’s Day Ideas
Pull out all the stops to make it one he’ll never forget
IT’S Father’s Day next Sunday, but instead of novelty socks and over-priced booze you could treat the auld man to something a bit different. Sophie McLean offers a helping hand.
THE MOST WESTERLY GOLF COURSE
Dads and golf go together like Morecambe & Wise so why not spend some quality time together and take a trip to the Traigh golf course in Barra? The island is home to the most westerly golf course in the British Isles. Newcomers are welcome, and prices start at £18 for nine holes.
Barra has white-sand beaches and rugged green landscapes – the perfect environment for a chilled-out game of golf. Bird watching, walking and exploring are also popular on this island famous for its undulating hills and greenery.
Visit traighgolf.co.uk
VINTAGE VEHICLE SHOW
Transport your dad into the past (which, as they never tire of telling us, was better anyway) with the Scottish Railway Preservation Society’s vintage vehicle show this Father’s Day. This event will showcase a wide range of steam trains and classic cars including old-fashioned wagons and carriages. An afternoon tea on one of the grand locomotives is available if pre-booked. This event takes place at Bo’ness Station on Union Street, West Lothian. Prices vary, visit jonniejumble.co.uk
LEARN TO FLY
If your father has always dreamed of flying, join him as co-pilot for the day and take part in a flight across central Scotland. The Glasgow Flying Club in Renfrew is offering an introductory lesson which involves a 30-minute, 40-minute or 60-minute flight in a training aircraft. Prices start at £125 for a 30-minute flight in a two-seat aircraft.
Visit glasgowflyingclub.com
DELTA FORCE PAINTBALL
For more active fathers, this muddy adventure will catapult him into six different worlds with enemies lurking at every corner of the forest. Navigate around the woodlands and prepare to claim back stolen territory, escape bloodthirsty zombies, take cover behind golden tombstones in ancient Egypt or raid a fort. The has sessions in Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock with prices starting from £9.99 per person which includes equipment hire – helmet, paintball rifle, goggles and a full-body suit.
Visit paintballgames.co.uk
SEAFOOD AND SCOTCH TOUR
This seafood lunch and a whisky tasting tour is perfect for the man who styles himself as a connoisseur of the finest things in life. It begins in Glasgow city centre at 9am before heading to Loch Lomond’s Smoked Salmon Smokehouse for some light seafood tasting. Then it’s off to The Glengoyne Distillery, followed by a dinner of freshly-caught salmon on the shores of Loch Fyne. This VIP package costs £125 for the day tour and must be booked in advance. Visit tastingscotland.com or email info@tastingscotland.com
TENNENTS TOUR
The Tennents Training Academy has a special offer for Father’s Day. Tour the famous brewery and learn from the experts how to make a mouthwatering steak with creamy potato chips, before washing it down with a glass of beer. The brewery has been serving Scots since 1885 and will be offering unlimited beer and a two-hour masterclass with dinner.
Prices start from £55 per person.
Visit tennentstrainingacademy.co.uk
ELECTRIC GO-KARTING
The go-karts at The Experience in Hillington are a must for any would-be Formula One champions. Take part in a high-speed race with your father. The karts reach a speed of 35mph and test your driving skills. Prices start from £10 per person. All drivers must attend the briefing before admission.
Visit theexperience.org.uk/electric-karting
ROCK CLIMBING
For men who crave adventure, wrap up and prepare yourself for a thrilling climb. Ice-Factor in Kinlochleven is the National Indoor Ice climbing centre and has the biggest ice-climbing wall in the world. It consists of a 40ft wall made up of 500 tonnes of compact snow and ice. It is accessible to beginners and experts seeking a challenge. Coaching is available from Ice-Factor’s instructors.
Prices start at £30. Visit ice-factor.co.uk
SEAFARI
Keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and seals on the Seafari tour in Oban. Take a boat trip to the Corryvreckan whirlpool and experience the world’s third largest whirlpool. This boat trip gives an incredible, up-close view of the swirling Corry as you travel across the choppy waters. The Gulf of Corryvreckan is a channel in the west coast between the islands of Scarba and Jura. The boats are designed to support all ages of passengers, with footrests and handholds. The tour can accommodate persons with disabilities and wheelchairs. Adult prices start from £42 for adults and £32 for children. Visit seafari.co.uk
SPLASH WHITE WATER RAFTING
Guide your boat down the river and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the landscape around Perthshire and Aberfeldy. White Water Rafting Scotland is open throughout the year with an expert outdoor activity team. This is an excellent opportunity for some upbeat family bonding as you tackle the obstacles the River Tay presents. Prices start at £30 per person and duration on the river is 3 hours. Swimwear, shoes, and thermals required. Don’t watch Deliverance before embarking though.
Visit rafting.co.uk
DRIVE AN ARMY TANK
If a spa day sounds a bit, well, metrosexual, maybe your father would prefer to relive his favourite scenes from the Battle of the Bulge. You’ll be kitted out in authentic army gear before taking an ex-military tank around the tracks. Sessions start at 10am and include a beginner’s track, two circuits driving the 15-tonne vehicle, and photo opportunities at the observation bunker. Prices start from £79.99 per person.
Visit tankdrivingscotland.com/drivingexperiences/tank-driving
SPA DAY AT THE BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE HOTEL
A little bit different this one but ideal for more modern dads. The Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow is offering a spa day. The ishga seaweed bath involves a hot bath with sea salts, natural minerals and seaweed sourced from the Hebrides. This calm and chilled treatment apparently leaves the skin feeling cleansed. It costs £30 for 30 minutes and includes a complimentary exfoliating facial. Only you will know if that’s your father’s idea of a good time. visit phcompany.com/blythswoodsquare