If there is one thing people in Edinburgh are spoiled for, it's access to some beautiful wee coastal towns and villages nearby that are ideal for a day out or even a weekend away.
And, with the festive season in full flow, many of us will be looking to escape the bustling throngs of shopping crowds and Christmas-time tourists to find a wee bit of peace and quiet before the Christmas madness truly begins.
Many will also be looking for ways to distract the kids during the school holidays and the Daft Days, and with that in mind, we think one stunning little village might just be the answer.
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Lying just under an hour from Edinburgh in East Lothian, Gullane (pronounced 'Gil-lan' or 'Gul-lin' depending on which side of the village you are on) is a picturesque coastal village, that was recently named as one of the UK's 'most desirable', which has plenty to offer.
Found on Scotland's unofficial 'Golf Coast', it offers stunning views out to the Firth of Forth, with a huge stretch of stunning beach (Gullane Bents) that even on a cold day, is ideal for taking the kids and dogs for a walk - providing you wrap up warm.
And for inquisitive kids, there is even the nearby Saltcoats Castle to help fire up their imaginations, with the 16th-century ruins easily explorable.
When it comes to food and drink, celebrity chef Tom Kitchin has opened his Bonnie Badger here, which has earned rave reviews and is the ideal place to refuel with its delicious gastropub dishes.
While those looking for something a bit fancier will love the La Potinière restaurant, on Gullane’s Main Street, which uses sourced local ingredients to create expertly refined seasonal dishes.
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