Warning! This is not the Highlands
2 Days Exploring St Andrews, Fife, Loch Leven Castle, Nature Reserves & Dunfermline Abbey as we create 2 wonderful New day tours departing Edinburgh in 2023
That’s right, no highlands of Scotland this week. Very contriversial I know. Most visitors want to come straight to Scotland and travel deep into the Highlands, but you all should know that the lowlands also has so much to offer and this week saw myself heading over to the east coast of Scotland. Searching for those new and exciting places we can't wait to share with you on our new day tours.
Elie by the Sea
My saunterings began over at the beautiful village of Elie (pronounced Ee-lay), south west of St Andrews. One point of interest that brought me to this very special place, is the Fife Coastal Walk. Arguably the most beautiful section of the multi-day hike, sights that could be seen included Ardross Castle ruin, Lady Tower and the Isle of May National Nature Reserve.
Lady Tower was constructed for the privacy of Lady Janet Anstruther in 1770. The daughter of a wealthy merchant local to Elie, Lady Janet enjoyed a swim in the bay of Elie Ness. After her daily dip, she would retreat into the tower to warm up, relax and change. Each time she went for a dip, in the town of Elie, a bell was rung to notify the locals that Lady Janet was swimming. This was to discourage any “peeping toms” from spying on the Lady, though I’m sure this had the opposite effect and became a signal for them to go have a peek.
Wemyss Caves
The ruin of Newark Castle
Dovecotes inside Doo cave
Further down the coastline is the lovely little village of East Wemyss (pronounced wee-mz). Originally a coal mining community, it is now famous for its caves stretching along the Firth of Forth coastline.
Known as Wemyss Caves, this site has historical carvings on the walls inside some of the caves, dating back 1,500 years ago! That’s going all the way back to Pictish folk, who we know very little about. This is down to the Picts leaving for little writing material behind.
One of the caves was used as a doocote (dovecote/pigeoncote), which dates back to the midevil times. Carved into the wall of the cave are nesting boxes where the pigeons were kept. They were an important food source for their meat and eggs which they provided. Pigeon dung was used by farmers for fertiliser, tanning leather and gunpowder production.
The cave is relatively open, but there was one section which stemmed off to the left into complete darkness, which I was brave enough to walk into. I should have known there would still be pigeons in it, some few out, and let's just say the discovery of a new high pitched screaming kelpie was heard in the cave that day… I got a wee fright, to say the least.
Mary Queen of Scots Prison
A selfie of myself braving the rain at Loch Leven, with Lochleven castle in the background.
After all the new discoveries of the previous day, it was time to head out into the pouring rain and start exploring again. Never let the rain get in the way of anything! We have a saying in Scotland, which is “there is no such thing as bad weather in Scotland, just the wrong clothing.” I believe it was Sir Billy Connolly, a famous Scottish comedian, who was quoted saying that.
Anyway! I was off again to a place I was very excited to explore. Somewhere that is teeming with wildlife and history going back millennia. Loch Leven National Nature Reserve is an absolutely stunning location, probably one of the highlights for me on this wee excursion.
Lochleven Castle is located on the second largest island on the loch, and one of Scotland’s oldest strongholds, though no contemporary documents survive explaining its early years of fighting through the Wars of Independence.
We do know the castle was in Scottish hands by 1313, due to Robert I (the Bruce) staying on the island. It was eventually granted to the Douglas family who took ownership of the castle in the late 14th century. It stayed with the Black Douglas Family for the next 300 years.
The castle is probably most famous for its involvement with Mary Queen of Scots. Mary visited the castle with her husband, debated with the famous protestant preacher John Knox, and eventually was held prisoner to and forced to abdicate her throne to her infant son, the future King James VI.
A Kings Final Resting Place
The resting place of King Robert I (the Bruce)
Dunfermline was awarded city status on 20th May 2022 as part of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. It has to be one of my favourite cities to explore. It has been a site of Royal importance since the 11th century. One place which is a must visit when in the city is Dunfermline Abbey and Church. The resting place of our most famous King, Robert I (the Bruce).
Malcolm III married his wife, Margret, in a small church close by the current site. Margret later became a saint, and her shrine was an attraction for pilgrims who travelled from far and wide to pray at this site.
The most fascinating thing about Dunfermline Abbey is the ancient kings and queens who have been buried here. None more famous than Robert the Bruce. This has to be the most inspiring location for any Scot to visit. Knowing that you’re in the presence of a true Scottish hero, makes you so incredibly patriotic. The security guard looked very confused when I walked out with blue and white paint on my face…
Andrew Carnegie’s humble beginnings.
Another fact about Dunfermline is that it’s the birthday place of the wealthiest man in the world in 1901, Andrew Carnegie. I visited the museum dedicated to his achievements and is also where he was born, in a tiny cottage room. From humble poor beginnings to the wealthiest man on the planet, his achievements are incredible.
Thank You!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post.
Stay tuned for over the next couple of weeks as we continue exploring Scotland on our mission to make Travel in Scotland even better
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