FORGET boring socks, or a beauty gift set they’ll never use.
This Christmas, why not get your loved ones a present to remember by gifting them one of these unique experiences from across Scotland?
Take to the skies on the Loch Lomond Seaplane
Departures from outside Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Alexandria
From £159 per person
This magical seaplane offers people the chance to view Scotland’s west coast from a completely unique perspective. In a small group – with uninhibited views out the window – passengers take off in spectacular fashion from the iconic shores of Loch Lomond, soon flying over some of Scotland’s most magnificent mountainous scenery. There are two flight routes on offer depending on the duration that’s purchased, with the ‘Island Explorer’ flight path including views of Arran, Gigha, Islay, Jura and Mull. The pilot offers commentary throughout so it’s perfect for curious minds, too, who will get a whole new perspective on our fabulous landscape. For a slightly higher price, it’s worth booking the refundable ticket, to make sure that the booking isn’t lost at the mercy of the Scottish weather.
Try a tasting menu for two with paired wines at Haar St Andrews
1 Golf Place, St Andrews
£350 for two people (available without paired wines at £210)
This is the ultimate treat for foodies. Named after the infamous sea fog often found on the east coast, Haar is a restaurant that showcases the best of Scotland’s seafood and natural larder. Chef Dean Banks stresses the importance of locally sourced ingredients, an ethos that extends right down to the crockery used in the restaurant. This gift voucher offers two people an unforgettable experience of their Michelin-recommended five course tasting menu – with each course expertly paired with wines to create a truly indulgent experience. You can even push the boat out further and throw in a night in the adjoining hotel, Haar Rooms, priced at £465 for two people.
Cook up a storm at the Indian Cook School by Praveen Kumar
38 Edinburgh Road, Perth
£119.50 per person for a five-hour class
Forget cookbooks, this gift is the real deal. At the Indian Cook School in Perth, participants get a full day of expert tuition on making authentic, much-loved Indian dishes, including chicken bhuna, tandoori salmon, dal, chapatis and even pakora. Alongside his wife Swarna, chef Praveen Kumar will guide novice chefs through his secret tips and recipes for making the very best authentic Indian dishes. He has plenty of experience, having moved from a village in Southern India to work at some of Scotland’s finest restaurants (including Turnberry and Gleneagles), before opening his own restaurant, Tabla in Perth. The cook school welcomes all abilities, with the reward of a well-earned wine or beer to wash down your meal at the end.
Get wrapped in seaweed at Fletcher’s Cottage Spa
Archerfield House, Dirleton, East Lothian
£140 for 60 minutes
There’s plenty of spa vouchers to choose from this Christmas. But if you want your gift to stand out, why not choose something a bit more unconventional? At Fletcher’s Cottage, the spa that adjoins the luxurious Archerfield House in East Lothian, there’s a whole host of alternative therapies and unusual spa treatments alongside more traditional options. Of particular note is the VOYA Seaweed Leaf Wrap, where you are wrapped in warm seaweed (sustainably harvested from the west coast of Ireland) before being covered with a duvet and given a head massage. It sounds slightly mad but there’s a method behind it: as seaweed, packed with iodine, is a natural emollient and has been used for hundreds of years to treat a range of skin issues. It’s the perfect gift for a seasoned spa lover looking for something a bit different, or for anyone who favours natural products over harsh chemicals and synthetics.
www.archerfield.onejourney.travel
Rev your engines at Knockhill Racing Circuit
Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dunfermline, Fife
Prices vary depending on package booked. Karting sessions start from £21 per child and £27 per adult
Perfect for kids – and big kids alike – Knockhill Racing Circuit offers a day out with a difference. There’s a whole range of nail-biting activities on offer, including the chance to drive racing cars and supercars (or being a passenger while an expert zooms you around). For younger drivers, there’s a go-karting track to enjoy, with an option to buy an annual membership to the ‘Kids Karting Club’ for £40 a year. And if you have a teenager on your hands who is desperate to get behind the wheel, they even offer a teen drive experience for 13-17 year olds to take a spin in a ‘proper’ car and develop their skills.
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