So I headed off from Banchory. The rear window needed a clean. It was a balmy 8 degrees. I could have used Fred’s hose and brush but easier to pay 2.99 for the car wash down the road and stay inside while the car got washed. So sparkling clean – cars get so dirty here, winter grit on the roads? – I headed south again. So good to have been able to spend a couple of days with more family. Must seriously commit to a weekly lottery ticket so I can spend more time here.

A bit of a scenic route out of Banchory before hitting the motorway to Dundee, around the edge of the city and across the Tay Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife. Supposedly called this because it was a Pictish Kingdom. But this seems to be disputed. Maybe because of the powers of the Earls of Fife. Maybe because it became an important centre of royal power. For more, Google Kingdom of Fife.Drove through some good looking, fertile countryside. Avoided the industrial areas on the southern coast.

First stop, St Andrews. University founded 1413. Cathedral founded 1158. Castle (last version) finished 1400. Restricted myself to the Cathedral ruins. Must have been massive. Climbed St Rules Tower which was actually part of an earlier church on the site. Graduation parade on.

 

Second stop, Falkland. James IV & V turned a castle on the location into a renaissance palace in the early 1500s. James V died here. It was closed for winter. Thats ok I’ve been there before but its a seriously cool little town.

Then a drive past Loch Leven and a glimpse of Loch Leven Castle on its island. Mary, Queen of Scots was held prisoner here until her famous escape in 1568.

Final stop, Dunfermline Abbey and Castle. Buggar, closed on Thursdays and Fridays in winter. Founded 1128 on top of an earlier church its the burial place of a number of Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce. Been before but was keen for another look. Sigh!

So it was on to Glasgow. Staying at the Piper’s Tryst which is attached to the national piping (as in bag) school. Wonder what time they start in the morning…..