On reaching Dunfermline we found our way to Pittencrief Park. A fantastic park right in the centre of Dunfermline, bought and donated to the people by Andrew Carnegie. The park includes a rugged area called the Glen, the original site of Malcolm's Tower, the remains of which can be seen today on an outcrop of rock as you pass through the park. There were numerous squirrels running about - obviously well used to being fed by visitors. Delightful to see but we are used to red squirrels rather than grey!
To the side of the park is Dunfermline Palace and Abbey, which is where we then headed. Of the monastery there are ruined walls and windows but they give a good idea of the impressive nature
of the buildings.
Dunfermline Abbey is a Church of Scotland Parish Church that occupies the site of the chancel and transepts of a large medieval abbey. The abbey was founded in the 12th century and was then sacked in the 16th century and allowed to fall into disrepair.
It has a beautiful doorway in the west front.
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| The West Door |
The old building was a fine example of Romanesque - displaying a strong sense of proportion and featuring numerous arches. Very impressive to see.
Dunfermline Abbey has received more of Scotland's royal dead than almost any other place in the kingdom and Robert the Bruce was buried here in 1329. Although his heart rests in Melrose, his bones lie here.
A wonderful visit somewhat curtailed by a very heavy shower!
The next morning dawned bright and much better-looking. A visit to RSPB Vane Farm was planned so sunshine would be very welcome. Initially we thought this was a new site for us but as we walked around we realised we had been here before - but several years ago. Even while putting on our boots in the car park we saw a range of woodland birds, including tree creepers - a little bird we always enjoy seeing.
Off on the wetland trail afforded us some lovely views across the fields - including 2 Little Egrets.
We spent a lovely time watching and listening to a variety of birds in hides warmed by the sun.
No birds that we hadn't seen before but still very enjoyable. Rounded off by a cup of coffee and a scone in the cafe, which has big picture windows so that you continue watching the birds while refuelling.
Moving on we headed for the Firth of Tay - passing by Falkland Palace, a place to come back to!
The water of the Firth was very picturesque. Even though the tide was out it was still a beautiful scene as we drove along above the water.
We were heading for the famous Tay Road Bridge and the city of Dundee. The sun was setting and gave us a beautiful sky as we crossed the Firth, passing the new museum and the Rail Bridge as we travelled on to Perth.
A stunning end to the day. The clear sky foretold frost over night and we were not disappointed. Everything was crisp and white the next morning. The boot of the car was so frosted that we could not open it to put the cases in!
Seeing the new V&A museum last night as we drove past encouraged us to go back for another look.
There were some interesting sights on the way....
We took a walk along by the water to see the Rail bridge - very impressive - especially when a train passes over it!
Along the waterfront there is also a memorial to the victims of the original rail disaster, although work there is not complete.
The new V&A Museum is looking quite spectacular. The outside is finished but the museum is not due to open until September 2018.
Next to the new museum is the Discovery Point - a visitor experience centred on Antarctic exploration.
As much of the displays are about the Royal Research Ship Discovery it is amazing to then be able to go on board Captain Scott's ship which in dry dock right next to the building! It is a great chance to see the conditions on board for the explorers.
Leaving Dundee we headed across the road bridge, with one last look back at the city, to head down the coast.
There are some beautiful villages along this coastline. We passed through St Andrews on the way to Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St. Monans and Earlsferry. A short wander through these villages show their quaint, never-changing faces.
A lovely journey along the coastline - followed by a delicious fish supper at Anstruther. A brilliant end to the day.
Next morning the weather had changed again - back to the dull drizzle, but we did experience a drier spell to view the three Forth bridges on the way home.
A fantastic viewpoint for seeing Scotland's famous bridges spanning three centuries, and a fantastic end to our trip around the area.
Along the waterfront there is also a memorial to the victims of the original rail disaster, although work there is not complete.
The new V&A Museum is looking quite spectacular. The outside is finished but the museum is not due to open until September 2018.
Next to the new museum is the Discovery Point - a visitor experience centred on Antarctic exploration.
As much of the displays are about the Royal Research Ship Discovery it is amazing to then be able to go on board Captain Scott's ship which in dry dock right next to the building! It is a great chance to see the conditions on board for the explorers.
Leaving Dundee we headed across the road bridge, with one last look back at the city, to head down the coast.
There are some beautiful villages along this coastline. We passed through St Andrews on the way to Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St. Monans and Earlsferry. A short wander through these villages show their quaint, never-changing faces.
A lovely journey along the coastline - followed by a delicious fish supper at Anstruther. A brilliant end to the day.
Next morning the weather had changed again - back to the dull drizzle, but we did experience a drier spell to view the three Forth bridges on the way home.
A fantastic viewpoint for seeing Scotland's famous bridges spanning three centuries, and a fantastic end to our trip around the area.
