The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
WARMEST WELCOME
With lockdown restrictions set to ease over the coming weeks, Susan Welsh takes a look at some of the places we might choose to visit
NTS PROPERTIES READY TO GO
It’s the news many of us have been waiting to hear for a long time...
The National Trust for Scotland has reopened most of its countryside estates and gardens across Aberdeenshire, in line with the easing of lockdown rules.
Many outdoor locations, such as Mar Lodge Estate, have been accessible for exercise all through the winter, while the grounds of some of Scotland’s most loved castles have also remained open, including Castle Fraser, Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle, Drum Castle and Fyvie Castle.
But since the start of this month, the catering takeaway outlets and play parks at Drum Castle, Crathes Castle and Haddo House have been open.
The Trust hopes to open Aberdeenshire’s castles and houses from April 30 onwards, providing Scotland continues to progress out of lockdown as planned.
Chief executive Philip Long said: “Across Aberdeenshire, our teams are hard at work preparing for reopening and giving everyone a warm, and of course safe, welcome.
“Our charity is very grateful to the Scottish Government, our members and donors whose support and generosity means we can reopen more properties than we’d thought would have been possible this year.
“So many people love these places, and after such a difficult year, all of us at the Trust are pleased to be able to share this positive news, and so many of our special places once again.” Before travelling to visit a venue, it’s always best to check the latest opening information on www.nts.org.uk, as some properties have different opening patterns.
The website also contains information for visitors on the safety measure that will be in place for visits.
NEW ATTRACTIONS AT ARMADALE CASTLE
Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum of the Isles will open its doors to visitors on Monday April 26.
The five-star visitor attraction is expecting a busy season, with Skye and the Highlands predicted to be a top staycation destination for UK travellers this year.
The ruins of the castle, the former ancestral
home of the Macdonalds, sit within 40 acres of beautiful gardens which can be explored, while the castle’s story is told in the museum which this year has as its lead exhibition, Coastal Castles of Clan Donald, which traces the evolution of the clan’s castles from 10th Century fortification to 19th Century manor house.
From May, an outdoor market will take place each month with plants, crafts and produce stalls.
There will also be garden tours and a family trail as part of the Discover Scottish Gardens spring flower festival.
A programme of further events will be announced on Armadale Castle’s website and social media. zwww.armadalecastle.com
PACKAGE DEALS AT DALMAHOY
Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, has some great savings if you book to stay there for four or more nights.
Opening on Thursday April 29, offers include a four-night package (pay for only three nights), and dinner must be taken on one night. A seven-night package (pay for only five nights) is also available, and dinner must be taken on two nights.
There’s a minimum spend of £25 per person, per dinner, which will be charged to your room.
In addition, when key workers such as teachers, the armed forces and NHS, care home and supermarket staff book a minimum of a one-night stay at the hotel this year, they will receive a complimentary second night stay on Dalmahoy.
While here, guests can try their hand at golf on the driving range or pitch and putt course, explore the stunning grounds and nature trail or sit down to a delicious meal and drinks in the cocktail bar and restaurant. zwww.dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk
ELEGANT ABODE IN EDINBURGH
There’s an elegant new place to stay in the heart of Edinburgh – 34A Abercromby Place, which is within the city’s Georgian New Town.
With a key to access the exclusive private Queen Street Gardens, this three-bedroom classic, refurbished, basement apartment offers self-catering accommodation.
It has three en suite bedrooms, a lounge, spacious patio and fully-fitted kitchen, but should you decide not to cook, guests can visit the Royal Scots Club two doors down – which owns and manages the apartment – for a full dining experience with excellent traditional Scottish cuisine.
Luxury linen, towels and Molton Brown toiletries are provided, along with a welcome pack which includes essentials of tea, coffee, milk and sugar.
Daily housekeeping can be provided at a supplement for longer stays.
Rates start at £240 per night for up to six people, and the apartment is dog-friendly. Bookings are open from April 26. zwww.34a-abercrombyplace.com