Fife

"Beware Macduff;

Beware the Thane of Fife."

— The First Apparition: MacBeth – Act IV. Scene I —

— William Shakespeare —

“The Auld Lady can be as tantalizing as a beautiful woman, whose smile at once is a temptation and a snare, concealing heartbreak and frustration for some, joy and fulfilment for others, but possession only for the very fortunate few."

— Pat Ward-Thomas —

- comments on the Old Course. -

The Castle

St Andrews Castle was the official residence of Scotland’s leading bishop (and later archbishop) throughout the Middle Ages. Its size signalled the power and wealth of these important churchmen.

During the struggles of the Protestant Reformation, the fortress was fought over. During this brutal siege (1546–47) opposing sides created the castles’ most remarkable feature, a mine and countermine dug into the rock close to the castle battlements.

By the way, the souvenir golf balls I bought in the castle gift shop were cheaper than the same balls ate the golf club.

The Cathedral

Beyond the castle lie the ruins of St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The cathedral would have been huge and impressive.

On the grounds stands St. Rules Tower, part of the church that predates the cathedral. To the top of the tower, a 156 step climb up narrow stairs puts you about 100 feet above the town. Worth the climb, the views over the town are excellent.

St Andrews

The town of St Andrews was an interesting walk in its own right. We wandered around , found a restaurant for dinner. Its main feature were floor tiles in the washroom that were so disturbing I almost deposited my dinner on it.

One of the more interesting features was the West Port Gate, built in 1587 as a sign of civic pride, th features the city coat of arms. The gate was rebuilt in 1843.

The gate also demonstrates the fact that there is a University here, look closely at thee picture above. The King has a reed for a lance.