Airline launches flights to ‘spectacular’ Christmas market city from Scotland

Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are covering the Christmas market routes to the “spectacular” destinations.

Jet2 said the new mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna, including new Bratislava breaks, start from Glasgow Airport on November 28 and run until December 22, with up to two weekly services on Thursday and Sunday.

There is also a new series of flights and breaks to Berlin with up to two weekly services on Monday and Friday from November 29 to December 16, and two weekly services operating to Krakow and Prague for the winter season.

At Edinburgh Airport, the series of flights and breaks to Vienna, also including new Bratislava breaks, have now started and run until January 5 with up to two weekly services on Thursday and Sunday. There are also two weekly services operating to Prague from Edinburgh.

Jet2 said: “Step straight into a fairytale this winter when you book one of our Vienna Christmas markets city breaks. 

“The famous Vienna Magic of Advent market is mesmerising. Held on Rathausplatz, in front of the 19th-century City Hall, with more than 145 stalls, this postcard-perfect market provides an unbeatable backdrop for a spot of seasonal shopping. At night, trees are embellished with lights to create an enchanting woodland.”

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “This winter will see us operate our biggest ever Christmas Markets programme, which comes in response to the phenomenal demand from our customers and independent travel agent partners.”

Ayrshire hotel celebrates ‘national accolade’

A popular Ayrshire hotel is celebrating after clinching a “national industry accolade”.

The Gailes Hotel & Spa, based in Irvine, has been named boutique spa hotel of the year at a major event in the UK beauty calendar. Owner SimpsInns picked up the award at this year’s British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) Annual Awards 2024, which were held at the Fairmont Windsor Hotel, near London.

‘Beloved’ pub in former city parsonage put up for sale

A pub in a former parsonage in a Scottish city has been put on the market.

The agent said Cloisters Bar in Edinburgh is an established and profitable public house in a high footfall area.

Simon Watson, of Christie & Co, said: “Established in 1995, the bar is housed within the historic former All Saints Parsonage, and the building retains many traditional features, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.”