Fife, St Andrews and the East Neuk
A full day’s tour could include a selection from the following places.
Over the River Forth from Edinburgh lies the ancient Kingdom of Fife boasting a variety of historical and beautiful places. These include the charming restored village of Culross with its quaint streets and houses as well as the historic town of Dunfermline with its ruined abbey and church, containing the burial place of Scotland’s most famous king, King Robert the Bruce. From there we can go across country to the picturesque village of Falkland to visit the favourite hunting lodge of the Stewart monarchs - Falkland Palace - with its lovely gardens and ancient tennis court. It’s not far then to St Andrews, known to many as the home of golf with its many golf courses but to others for its history, its a ruined Castle and Cathedral and the oldest University in Scotland – St Andrews University.
Here can be found a wide variety of shops and restaurants as well as golf and history so a visit here is planned to satisfy individual interests.
South of St Andrews lies the charming and attractive area known as the East Neuk with its delightful little fishing villages some of which were once rich trading centres with the Low Countries and the Baltic – certainly worth some photostops and with the opportunity to taste genuine fish and chips.
Visits to Kellie Castle, an old Scottish house in the vernacular style with a walled garden or to the House of Tarvit (former house of a wealthy Dundee Jute businessman) and its beautiful gardens are further possibilities. Both owe a great deal to the Scottish architect, Robert Lorimer. Alternatively, if you happen to be interested in art, there is always the town of Kirkcaldy (birthplace of Adam Smith) with its Art Gallery housing a wonderful collection of paintings by the Glasgow Boys, the Scottish Colourists and William McTaggart.
Tour options are endless.
