East Neuk Wide
The Kingdom Fife in Scotland has some of the most picturesque towns and villages to be found and the East Neuk in particular is steeped in history. Situated on the east coast, close to St Andrews, there are a vast variety of attractions and facilities on offer with something to suit everyone of all ages.
This part of Fife is known as the East Neuk; neuk being the old Scots word for corner. The East Neuk fishing villages are set in the natural harbours along the coast. Fishing boats these days are outnumbered by the yachts but at one time these small harbours were crammed with trawlers. Inland this an area of mixed farm and woodland with sea views and many quiet back roads.
Crail has one of the prettiest harbours in the area and is well known for shellfish. Dating back to 16th century, the curved breakwater was built to give it protection against the Forth, there are golf courses and the Crail History Museum. The Marketgate, now lined by trees, was once the largest medieval market places in Europe. Crail has a good choice of places to eat though you might prefer simply to sit by the harbour and eat your sandwiches. There is usually plenty going on and lobsters for sale.
Anstruther is a picturesque port which today, pleasure craft moor in the harbour where the fishing boats used to unload their catches. Anstruther’s association with the fishing industry has not been forgotten. The town is home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. Anstruther itself is a charming place. Take a walk along the cobbled streets through a rabbit-warren of little alleyways and wynds.
St Andrews holds a special place in Scotland's history. It takes its name from the Apostle whose relics, legend tells us, were brought to this place in antiquity by St Rule. Scotland later adopted St Andrew as her patron saint and took his saltire cross for her flag. Before the Reformation, the town was the centre of religious life in medieval Scotland. St Andrews is also famous as a place of learning. The university, founded in 1410-11, is the third oldest in Britain. The Home Of Golf, for many visitors, though, it's a game that draws them here, for St Andrews is the home of golf, the sport having been played here for some 600 years. The Old Course is arguably the most famous golf course in the world, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club is still the ruling body for the rules of golf. Fittingly, the Old Course hosted the Open during the millennium year and did so again in 2005.
East Neuk wide is home to these towns and many other villages along the coast and is perfect if you want to visit the historical Scotland.
Location Map: East Neuk Wide