About Scotland

 

 

Opened in 1890 it has only recently lost it’s position as the Worlds longest Cantilever Bridge. Stretching a mile and a half it has also been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a true testament to Scottish Engineering.

From here we make a stop at Dunfermline Abbey whose foundations date back to the 10^th century. The Abbey was built in honour of Saint Queen Margaret by her son King David 1 of Scotland. 

From Dunfermline we journey along the coastal road known locally as the East Neuk, to the attractive fishing harbour of Crail. With its pretty fishing boats moored in the harbour and whitewashed houses the village has been a favourite place for artists and photographers’ for decades.

Moving on along the coast we pay a visit to Anstruther, the largest village on the East Neuk, with its narrow streets and old buildings the town still has that “Olde World” charm about it. There’s also an excellent Scottish Fisheries Museum telling the story of fisherman and their families during the booming herring years. 

Leaving Anstruther we head to the medieval town of St Andrews, where we give you plenty time to wander round the Old Town’s historic sights including Scotland’s oldest University founded in 1410 and the ancient ruins of St Andrews Cathedral dating back to 1158. St Andrews is also known worldwide as the “Home of Golf” and is a Mecca for golfers. The famous “Old Course” has been here since 1754. St Andrews also boasts one of the finest beaches in Scotland. The West Sands, beautiful sand and dunes stretching for almost 2 miles long. The beach is also famous for the opening scenes in the movie “Chariots of Fire”. 

Leaving St Andrews we travel along the beautiful Fife countryside to Falkland Palace. The 14^th century Royal Palace was the residence and hunting lodge of the Stuart Monarchs including Mary Queen of Scots. The palace also claims to have the oldest Royal tennis court in the world dating back to 1539.The Royal Burgh of Falkland is also worth a visit. Now a conservation village boasting a thatched building from 1610 Falkland is also known for its hanging baskets positioned around the village. 

From here we drive to Loch Leven. Sitting on an Islet on the Loch is the infamous Leven Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive after being forced to abdicate in favour of her infant son James V1 in 1567. She escaped a year later to England in the hope of support from her cousin Queen Elizabeth only to be executed in 1587.

From Loch Leven we make our way back to your accommodation and the end of what we hope has been a wonderful tour with us at About Scotland.