Tag: Scotland

11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Scotland reopens after £20m renovation

Following an extensive £20million transformation, the five-star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort near Glasgow has officially reopened its doors – marking one of Scotland’s most significant and anticipated hotel renovations in recent years.  Elevating the Scottish heritage hotel experience with a vibrant new identity, Mar Hall blends its history and elegance with a whimsical, storytelling design concept and warm-spirited, experience-driven guest service. Mar Hall houses 74 luxurious guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, and an enticing collection of grand spaces, cosy corners and hidden nooks to be discovered, soon to be joined by a 22-person private cinema, Gaming Room and Billiards Room. Located just 10 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, a sweeping driveway...

Read More

27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Cycling holidays inspired by Europe’s Grand Tours

With the first of cycling’s Grand Tours starting in May this year – the Giro d'Italia – and the news Great Britain will host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027, there’s never been a better time to sample some of greatest road cycling destinations in Britain and Europe.  Independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has a range of road cycling holidays in the UK and Europe inspired by the Grand Tours and other iconic routes, including:  A guided road cycling holiday in the Scottish Highlands  An epic coast-to-coast adventure riding the entire length of the Pyrenees  A Tour de France-inspired road cycling holiday across the Southern Alps – from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez  Tour d’Ecosse guided road cycling holiday in the Scottish ...

Read More

Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026

Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026 – 12 years after the Scottish city previously held the games in 2014.  Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDAN10kBn60 With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, ...

Read More

2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events

Video: Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed that the Scottish city of Glasgow will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Glasgow has stepped as host of the 23rd edition after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out. The event in Glasgow will be held from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games.  Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel. With more than 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,0...

Read More

12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Cairngorms National Park tourism brands launch winter travel campaign

More than 370 tourism organisations in the Cairngorms, Scotland, have joined forces to promote the UK's largest National Park as the ultimate winter travel destination for 2024.  Led by Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP), the Cairngorms National Park Where Winter Comes to Life! campaign is showcasing more than 1,700 square miles of Highland winter wonderland filled with seasonal magic, including the UK's only free ranging reindeer herd at Glenmore, Balmoral Castle & Estate at Crathie, Aviemore Ice Rink, Tomintoul & Glenlivet Dark Sky Park, Dalwhinnie Distillery, Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge, Loch Insh Outdoor Centre at Kincraig and the Highland Wildlife Park. The CBP is working with tourism businesses across the region to help extend the season and bring b...

Read More

11Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Cycling in Argyll, Scotland, with Markus Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel

The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin in Argyll, Scotland, has teamed up with leading adventure cyclist Markus Stitz to host a new cycling retreat from 18-20 October 2024. Cycling enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to join Stitz as he explores some of his favourite Argyll cycle trails on gravel tracks, quiet roads and cycle paths. He will also host a dinner and an entertaining talk for guests. The retreat is part of a wider campaign to attract more cyclists to the hotel and the wider Argyll region over the quieter autumn and winter months. In partnership with Stitz and Bikepacking Scotland, The Pierhouse has created a variety of cycling routes to suit guests with different abilities. Special packed lunches to help fuel hungry cyclists, as well as bike storage and cleaning faciliti...

Read More

7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats

The rise in popularity of electric bikes has opened up the world of cycling – helping people ride further distances and explore more of the places they’re visiting. For anyone that’s ever dreamed of completing the iconic Land's End to O'Groats (LEJOG) cycle ride, but have been put off at the thought of tackling the 1,000-plus mile journey on a traditional bike, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has the answer. The Newcastle-based independent company has launched a new hybrid e-bike version of its 22-day Land's End to John O'Groats cycling holiday. The new e-bike trips in 2025 provide some added power behind each pedal, meaning more people can enjoy the epic ride from the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands. Despite the extra boost provided by the e-bikes, this is still a cha...

Read More

10Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Scotland’s best beaches for swimming, surfing and water sports 

From hidden coves to surfers’ paradises, taking in both city beaches and remote shores which seem to stretch for miles, a break on Scotland’s coasts offers something for everyone. Here we take a look at the best beaches in Scotland for swimming, surfing, water sports and family activities.  Related articles Scottish golf bucket list Sport in Scotland ‘Water wellness’ in Scotland Book: ‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes Island beaches  Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris is regularly included in lists of the most beautiful beaches. With miles of white sandy beach and clear blue water, visitors to the island may be forgiven for imagining they are visiting a Mediterranean archipelago. It is certainly one of the most spectacular beaches in the Outer Hebrides.  S...

Read More

25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Wilderness Scotland’s new trips for 2024: walking, retreats and road cycling

Wilderness Scotland has introduced a range of new guided trips for 2024. There’s a luxurious tour of the Highlands, with exclusive stays and access, a women-only retreat to the Cairngorms, and two new e-biking itineraries, to the Orkneys and the white-sand fringed Outer Hebrides.  Wilderness walking: highlights of the Highlands  This new nine-night, fully guided trip combines the very best of the Highlands’ wild beauty with superb, luxury hotels, offering the finest seasonal food, all while enjoying some stunning hiking. Highlights include: a boat trip to the remote shores of Loch Coruisk on Skye; hiking in Glencoe in the company of red deer and golden eagles; a visit to the Culloden Battlefield; hiking in the Cairngorms National Park; and guided tours of Scone Palace and the D...

Read More

31Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Sport in Scotland: events, activities and things to do

It may be the land of whisky, Munros, the Highland Games and football's Old Firm, but for many people across the world Scotland is the home of one thing… golf. With some of the best courses in the world - Gleneagles, St Andrews Old Course and Carnoustie to name just three - Scotland is the place that every amateur and professional golfer wants to experience.  It’s not just golf that sports travellers should visit Scotland for though. With its magnificent terrains, lochs and mountains, the country is a haven for winter sports and outdoor activities.  Related articles Scottish golf bucket list ‘Water wellness’ in Scotland Book: ‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes Best beaches in Scotland Major sporting events in Scotland Highland GamesEvents usually take place across Scotland throughout the ...

Read More

14Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

UCI Cycling World Championships attracts record crowds in Scotland

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland have taken the sport to “new heights”, according to UCI president David Lappartient. It’s estimated that one million spectators turned out to watch the 11-day festival of cycling, while millions more tuned in around the world. The final event of the programme, the Women Elite Road Race, brought the curtain down on the inaugural event that has seen 13 UCI world championships combined into one mega event for the first time ever. Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky claimed the top spot following a thrilling finish to the race that saw tens of thousands line the route between Balloch and Glasgow. It was the first time the women’s elite road race has closed a UCI World Championship, with 207 riders (including women under-23) tak...

Read More

27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Links, lochs and isles: Hebridean Princess to host UK ‘golf cruise’ in 2024

For one week only in September next year, the Hebridean Princess cruise ship will treat golfers to an awe-inspiring Gaelic links, lochs and isles “golf cruise” in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  The Hebridean Island Cruises' luxury liner, which is part of the PoB Hotels collection, accommodates just 48 guests. Taking place from 10-17 September 2024, the golf cruise will start and end in the town of Oban, which is known as the “gateway to the Isles”. Guests will enjoy seven nights on board the Hebridean Princess and the trip includes two gala dinners.  Available for golfers of all abilities, many of the courses are set in spectacular rolling sand dunes with stunning coastal views. “The added benefit is that nobody needs to be an expert to enjoy this wonderful cruise,” Hebridean Islan...

Read More

Asian Tour men’s golf: St Andrews Bay Championship 2023

Spain’s Sergio Garcia, South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel and Chilean duo Joaquin Niemann and Mito Pereira have confirmed their places for the Asian Tour’s inaugural St Andrews Bay Championship, taking place from 24-27 August 2023 at the Fairmont St Andrews.  The US$1.5m championship will be the 12th leg of the 2023 Asian Tour season and the sixth stop on The International Series. “As our first tournament in the country that gave golf to the world, the St Andrews Bay Championship promises to be a momentous week for us,” said Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour commissioner and CEO. “It’s fitting, therefore, that we should have major champions such as Sergio and Charl and players of the calibre of Joaquin and Mito to grace this auspicious occasion.”  Part of the Asian Tour’s 2023 “UK Summer Swing...

Read More

27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Scottish cycling holidays: epic adventures with Wilderness Scotland

From 3-13 August Glasgow and Scotland will play host to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, with the world’s finest cyclists set for fierce competition on the country’s trails, tracks and roads.  For those keen to experience their own two-wheeled adventure, specialist tour operator Wilderness Scotland offers a range of cycling trips across the Highlands and Islands. Either led by expert guides or self-guided, the trips offer challenging single tracks and sweeping roads, while the epic scenery of the Highlands unfolds at a slower, more immersive pace.  North Coast 500  Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most renowned road routes, but one best enjoyed at the slower pace of two wheels. This week-long guided tour takes cyclists to the NC500...

Read More

18Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Scottish golf bucket list: best golf resorts in Scotland

Here at Sports Tourism Media we love a bit of golf – and we also love Scotland. Okay, we're definitely not good enough to be swinging with the best of 'em on the top golf courses in the home of golf, but every hacker can dream, right? In this round-up – which is pretty much our Scotland golf travel bucket list – we pick out some of Scotland's best "stay and play" golf resorts and hotels (ranked in no particular order). These places are so picturesque that even if your game isn't up to scratch, they're worth a visit just to admire the scenery. And there's the bonus of a dram or two of Scotch, of course... Did you know? The East Lothian region is known as “Scotland’s golf coast”. Along 30 miles of coastal terrain there are 21 Scottish golf courses, which makes it the "g...

Read More

Tennis: The Glorious Garden Party at Gleneagles 

Gleneagles, a five-star luxury hotel and golf resort in Scotland, will host its Glorious Garden Party on Saturday 17 June from 12.30pm to 5pm.  Marking the start of summer and held in the lead up to the Wimbledon Championships, the event will feature a star-studded mixed doubles match on The Tennis Lawn featuring Johanna Konta, Naomi Broady, Thomas Enqvist and Xavier Malisse. The match will be umpired by Judy Murray. Set in the stunning Perthshire estate beneath the rolling Ochil Hills, guests will be treated to welcome drinks on the lawns where champagne and cocktails will be flowing, followed by a decadent afternoon tea. Spectators can also join in with the lawn games or explore the 850 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside. Tickets cost £250 per person. See more at gleneagl...

Read More

World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024

The Scottish city of Glasgow will host the 19th edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships from 1-3 March 2024. Events will be held at the Emirates Arena. Ten years on from hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014, this will be the first time that Glasgow and Scotland has hosted the World Athletics Indoor Championships, and the third time in the UK after Birmingham in 2003 and 2018. For more information, tickets and hotels see:  Event: worldathletics.org  Tickets: glasgowlife.org.uk Hotels in Glasgow: Expedia | Hotels.com Glasgow city breaks: LastMinute.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOCRZVanaRA   Editor’s note: Sports Tourism Media works with a number of affiliate partners. Products are sold directly by agents and operators. We may earn a com...

Read More

Pitlochry Highland Games 

The Pitlochry Highland Games will take place on Saturday 9 September 2023 at Pitlochry Recreation Ground in Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross, Scotland.  Attractions at the games include pipe bands, highland dancing, tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, putting the stone, tug ’o war, track events, children's races, cycling, massed pipe bands parade, stalls and catering. For ticket information go to See Tickets.  Image: pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk

Read More

24Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Guides

Sports travel bucket list: best sports museums in UK and London

If sporting history and memorabilia is your thing, then there are plenty of places to visit in Britain. From football and rugby to cricket and tennis, the UK has a wide range of world-class sports museums for fans to experience. Here we pick out some the best sports museums to visit in the UK and in London. Football museums National Football Museum Where: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, England Website: nationalfootballmuseum.comReview Scottish Football Museum Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland Website: scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk  Wembley Stadium Tour and Museum Where: Wembley, London, England Website: wembleytours.comHow to book: Buy a Gift | Red Letter Days  Arsenal FC Museum Where: Emirates Stadium, Hornsey Road,...

Read More

28Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes: a sports adventurer’s guide to Scotland’s wild waters

In her new book – Blue Scotland: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Scotland’s Wild Waters – sports adventurer Mollie Hughes picks out her favourite places across Scotland to paddleboard, kayak, swim and surf.  Mixing world-class surfing breaks with kayaking adventures on the west coast, and urban paddleboarding along the Clyde with invigorating swims in the lochs of the Cairngorms National Park, the book shows how to access and enjoy these varied blue spaces.  Hughes includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild water sports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland has to offer. Here’s her pick of the off-the-beaten track places to visit in Scotland.   North Uist, Outer Hebrides  “The Island of North Uist in the Outer He...

Read More