Susan Swarbrick

4 days ago | heraldscotland.com | Susan Swarbrick

Levengrove Park (Image: Newsquest) It’s that time of year where Scotland’s urban and country parks burst into life, showcasing a joyous tapestry of floral displays and leafy greenery in more viridescent hues than a Dulux colour chart. Here, we share five of our favourite park walks with great cafes to enjoy this spring. Levengrove Park, Dumbarton From breathtaking vistas to a wow-inducing formal garden, Levengrove Park is a real gem.

2 weeks ago | heraldscotland.com | Susan Swarbrick

I’m hoping that, as you read this, the sun is shining and you’re in the mood for a mini adventure. This week’s subject: harbour walks with great ice cream shops. Here’s my pick of five of the best to enjoy around Scotland. St Andrews, Fife The pretty harbour here is not only hugely photogenic, with its row of colourful houses, lobster creels and bobbing fishing boats, but also an idyllic spot to pause and watch the world go by.

2 weeks ago | heraldscotland.com | Susan Swarbrick

Following the Dava Way on the return to Grantown (Image: John Davidson) As a bit of a history geek, I love a daunder along disused railway lines. Conjuring in my mind’s eye what it might have been like for bygone generations as they travelled these same routes by train, seeing the landscapes flicker past the windows, like a series of frames from a film. The joy of walking, though, is that you get to experience it at your own pace.

2 weeks ago | heraldscotland.com | Susan Swarbrick

Homegrown Garden Centre, a former golf course clubhouse in Gartcosh (Image: Gordon Terris/Herald&Times) It is one of those glorious spring mornings where it feels like the sepia tones of winter are finally on the outs. Joyous bursts of colour are appearing everywhere. Yellow daffodils and purple crocuses. Green buds. A symphony of white and pink blossoms swaying high in the trees. If you’re anything like me, on days like this nothing beats a visit to a garden centre.

3 weeks ago | heraldscotland.com | Susan Swarbrick

The Phoenix Bar in Dundee (Image: unknown) My favourite place by author Russel McLean Where is it? The Phoenix Bar, Dundee. Why do you go there? To escape the world for a moment or two and quietly have a decent drink (even a soft one). Or to indulge in their famous chilli (marked on the menu with a ring of fire that “denotes the opening of Bonanza”). How often do you go? Almost every time I’m in Dundee. How did you discover it?