South Queensferry, Scotland, UK... Part 1 of 2

I was out again early this morning for the sail through the Firth of Forth to reach the cruise port of South Queensferry, Scotland. On our journey we passed the Inchkeith lighthouse and the Inchcolm Castle. Our driver John picked us up at Hawes Pier tender dock and off we went for a tour of the East Neuk of Fife area and St. Andrews. The East Neuk of Fife is an area of pretty coastal villages, each with their own character, pantile roofs and golden sandy beaches. Our first stop was Lower Largo…its main claim to fame is its connection to Robinson Crusoe. It is the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk by local man who inspired Daniel Defoe's story. My last thoughts of Robinson Crusoe were in 2020 when I climbed Selkirk Lookout on Robinson Crusoe Island off of the Chilean coast. This was a lovely little fishing village and the best ever shortbread cookies at the Crusoe Hotel and Pub. Next, we stopped at Elie, to see the sand beaches and Elie Ness lighthouse…we stopped in town and scored some souvenirs. Elie is known for its village with historic Edwardian homes, pristine streets, and colorful fishing cottages. From Elie we went to Pittenweem and explored the picturesque, whitewashed houses with their iconic red tiled roofs along the small beach. Then we wandered around the harbor and watched the busy fishing fleet at work. Next, we arrived at St. Monans, another gorgeous place to visit in the East Neuk. It is a picture-postcard village of white washed cottages and their distinctive roofs, set around an intricate harbour. Leaving St. Monans we drove to Crail. We meandered down the hill to visit and walked along the harbour walls for the best view of the harbor and its surroundings. All around the village is a treasure-trove of lively cottages, grand stone houses, quaint little lanes, and sandstone alleys. Our last stop was Anstruther another lovely seaside town. We walked the harbor front in Anstruther, with its beautifully preserved old fishing port lined with charming houses, unspoiled scenery and many restaurants. We had a great morning visiting the Kingdom of Fife, a beautiful coastal hidden gem. Our second part of the day was a visit to St. Andrews…this unique town is probably most well known as the mecca of golf for the game’s devotees. It is also home to one of Scotland's oldest universities, to a Castle standing on a rocky formation and to the partial remains of a once great cathedral. St. Andrews is a beautiful medieval town…our first stop was the ruins of St. Andrews Castle and then we walked to the ruins of the St. Andrews Cathedral. Luckily the bell tower remains intact and I was able to climb it and have a great view of the surrounding town and area around St. Andrews. St. Andrews is known worldwide as the home of golf. Both Ann and Cathy were thrilled with the visit to the St. Andrews Old Course and to be able to stand on the iconic 18th hole Swilcan Bridge. I must admit that St. Andrews is a fascinating place on many different levels and happy we spent some time here today. To add to the success of our tour through the Kingdom of Fife, our Driver and knowledgeable Guide John certainly made the day even more successful. If you ever need a guide in the Edinburgh/South Queens Ferry area you should contact John McCluskie at Kiltedblackcabtours@gmail.com. We all had a great day; great weather and the scenery was absolutely outstanding… We’re off to Invergordon, Scotland!