From childhood trips to the Highlands to his favourite Glasgow building, ScottishNews.com’s editor Paul Trainer shares the Scottish places, walks, bars and restaurants he keeps returning to.
Scotland is home to some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, historic buildings and food destinations - but what places stand out to those who know it best?
Paul Trainer has written about the best people and places in Scotland for the last 12 years. We asked him to share his favourite Scottish beach, building, street, view, walk and places to eat and drink.
From sun-soaked days in Fife to the dramatic scenery of Glencoe and the Isle of Skye, these are the places that have made a lasting impression on him.
What is your favourite beach in Scotland?
I think it’s probably Elie in Fife. I was up there with my wife and kids over the summer, and it was one of those rare, sun-kissed days when Scotland just looked remarkable.
It’s an amazing wee place, and you can go for really nice fish and chips afterwards at The Ship Inn.
What is your favourite building?
My favourite building is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
It’s a popular choice in Glasgow, but it means a lot to me. I like what it represents, I like that it’s free, and I like the number of people who have gone in there and been inspired by it.
It means a lot to the people of Glasgow and Scotland. I’ve also got memories of going there as a child and sliding across the marble floor on my knees.
What is your favourite street?
I really like walking down Great Western Road in autumn and winter, when the night light is just starting and it feels very cinematic. I can hear echoes of The Blue Nile in my head.
I also really like walking in Edinburgh, from the New Town down towards Stockbridge, with its grand old houses, little corners and wee parks.
What is your favourite childhood memory of Scotland?
Probably going up to Aviemore and Colymbridge with my parents, brother and sister when I was wee.
It was about exploring, and the journey itself was a big memory, travelling through all these different mountains and hills.
I like that experience of seeing the grandeur of Scotland for the first time.
Where is the best view in Scotland?
I think it’s probably when you travel from the mainland over to the Isle of Skye.
You start to realise that Skye has this otherworldly quality to it. It looks like nowhere else and has a bit of an aura about it.
I love that journey and the views when you see Skye for the first time.
What is your favourite Scottish walk?
My favourite walk is probably more of a hike: going up to the Hidden Valley in Glencoe.
My brother and I did it one summer, walking through what felt like winter, autumn and then summer again to get to the top.
It’s a bit of an uphill walk, but I would thoroughly recommend it.
What is your favourite Scottish food?
For me, it’s scallops, then venison, then probably some more scallops.
What is your favourite bar in Scotland?
My favourite bar is the Kelvingrove Café in Glasgow.
I also think Panda & Sons in Edinburgh is great. I love, going back to Skye, The Stein Inn is brilliant. Sitting there with a drink and looking out over the landscape is a fantastic experience.
What are your favourite restaurants in Scotland?
In Glasgow, I’d choose Eleven Fifty Five in Finnieston. I also like Unalome.
In Edinburgh, I love Barry Fish, and the food at The Stein Inn in Skye is really nice, too.
I think the best restaurant in the country is The Glenturret Lalique at Glenturret Distillery. Mark Donald is the chef there, and it’s world-class.
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