Day 1 of three amazing days touring Scotland’s Highlands

East to St Andrews & north to Pitlochry:  Having agreed to the plan for the next 3 days, my driver, Alan, and I were soon heading out of Edinburgh towards South Queensferry.  This is a gorgeous town right on the coast west of Edinburgh.  History is everywhere I turn, and this town is no different, named after the ferry service established by Queen Margaret of Scotland in the 11th century.

Now it is known for the bridges that span the Firth of Forth – stunning (see photo).  The light, buildings, the bridges and even a fence, provided great opportunities for fun architectural shots. 

Soon it was time to find our way to the Queensferry Bridge so that we could cross the Forth and head east towards St Andrew.  This provided some real challenges, even for Alan – it seems that road closures and changes do not only happen in Melbourne. 

He found the way and we headed along the Fife coast (just inland with glimpses of water) towards Anstruther, a fishing village known for its “World’s Best” fish & chip shop.  Although the timing was perfect for lunch, it felt as if everyone in Scotland had the same idea – it was way too crowded to contemplate stopping there. 

So onwards to St Andrews, home of the famous golf course, the UK’s oldest university and the St Andrews Cathedral.  The Cathedral was our first stop.  I hadn’t done my homework, and assumed it was a large cathedral with beautiful architecture – in fact I’d wondered whether it would be possible to visit, being Sunday.  

It’s actually a ruined Roman Catholic cathedral built in 1158 (I’m sure that many of you are saying “of course it is”).  It’s in a beautiful location, right on the coast, and it’s easy to see that it would have been beaten by wind, rain, snow and sea.  The walls that remain show that it would have been immense – a place that people would have gathered in to celebrate and to honour.  Now it is a place for quiet reflection that is still used as the local cemetery.

Then to St Andrews Links with its 7 courses.  Being Sunday people were everywhere, particularly enjoying walking on the famous 18th hole, and playing on other courses that are part of this large public complex.  And there was the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, with members enjoying a sunny & windy round or two.  We visited one of the public club houses with views above the well-named Himalayas putting greens, and then crossed the road to the beach.  The tide was well and truly out – people were walking the length of it, with children playing or dogs chasing balls, or both.  This is where the famous race sequence of Chariots of Fire was filmed – I could almost hear Vangelis’ music!

We arrived at Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry, late in the afternoon.  My room was delightful, filled with light and with openable windows that allowed the delicious Scottish air to infiltrate every space.  And best of all I had my very own turret!  Perfect for enjoying a cuppa and looking out on the trees and gardens.