Six reasons we're planning a staycation in Scotland this summer
Forget the long-haul flight, here are six great reasons why Team i-on will be heading south this summer, without a border in sight...
...glamp out to the max
"If yurts and wigwams are your thing, sleeping beneath the stars doesn’t get more appealing than in this neck of the woods. There are individually styled seaview snugs to choose from at GG’s Yard overlooking the beautiful Solway Firth (ggsyard.co.uk). Tents make way for canvas cabins with private bathrooms and log burning stoves at Paxton House in the Borders (glampotelpaxtonhouse.com). And for a night of romance you’re unlikely to forget, the eco-friendly treetop retreat at Brockloch in Dumfries & Galloway (brockloch.co.uk) is a winner, as are the gorgeous roulotte caravans at Roulotte Retreat near Melrose. So instaworthy too. Visit visitscotland.com/blog/accommodation-ideas/glamping-south-scotland for more amazing accommodation ideas.” Amy Falconer, account director
...go down to the woods to play
"The forests and woodlands around south Scotland are like a big adventure playground for the whole family. This year, we’ll be swinging from the tree tops at Go Ape near Peebles and, now that our son has a pretty good handle on cycling, we’ll be heading to Glentress, part of the 7stanes mountain bike trails, for some off-road fun. No need to be an absolute expert to enjoy. There’s also the rather excellent Laggan Outdoor centre. I’m building up to the exhilarating zip wire ride but will stick to Segway tours and grass sledging in the meantime.” Jo Morris, sales director
...wish upon a star
"There are few things more mind-blowing than a starry sky at night. And, if you agree, you’ll be hot footing it to Galloway Forest Park for a night of stargazing. It’s the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, part of a UNESCO Biosphere, and the place to be for an uninterrupted look at 7,000 shining stars and the Milky Way. No telescope required. Just pure awesomeness.” Laura Wood, content director
...tour hidden gem distilleries
"My hubby’s in the drinks industry so a wee distillery tour is always likely if there’s one available. No complaints from me; very happy to oblige in a tasting session. The Galloway Gin Escape at Crafty Distillery, home to the award-winning Hills and Harbour Gin, goes a step further and takes you on a tour of the hills and coastline to forage botanicals before heading back to base for a cocktail masterclass. Born in the Borders near Jedburgh offers the chance to learn more about Lilliard small batch craft gin, the craft beers made in the nearby brewery, and more loveliness produced in the area.” Nicky Howden, editor
...walk the most glorious coastlines
“I love feeling energised from a good coastal walk and they’ve got them in spades here. Bliss out and breathe in the air at St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve on the Berwickshire coast or the Mull of Galloway in the south west, both known for their outstanding beauty and wide-open spaces. Or break it down into chunk size pieces with one of the five Solway coast walks –simply stunning.” Carrie Mitchell, features editor
...check out a new festival
"I’d never associated south Scotland as festival territory but it’s been home to the fab family friendly Electric Fields Festival since 2016. This year’s (04-06 July) offers a great mix of indie music, comedy, cabaret and entertainment for the kids. The boutique Eden Festival, near Dumfries (06-09 June) is great for all the clan too and kickstarts summer with a good douse of energy. There are literary festivals for the bookworms in Melrose (Borders Book Festival, 13-16 June) with the established Wigtown Book Festival closing the summer from 27 September to 06 October. My virtuous self quite likes the idea of the walking festivals too–my mum would be proud!” Holly Tracey, digital content editor