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Angus,
Dundee and the Kingdon of Fife is an area of dramatic contrasts
- the rich farming patchwork of Fife with the backdrop of Perthshire's
high hills , the city bustle of Dundee with the silence of the Angus
glens.
The
rich contrast means that it is easy to spend a day enjoying the fishing villages,
or the Angus coastline, with its rocky bays and red sandstone cliffs, or the shops
in Perth or Dundee, and yet the lochs and glens of Highland Perthshire are never
far away.
The Kingdom of Fife
The
Kingdom of Fife boasts two ancient "capitals": Dunfermline, the seat
of early Celtic kings, and the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, and St
Andrews, the ecclesiastical capital. To the west of Dunfermline lies Culross,
with its atmospheric 16th and 17th century domestic architecture. Below the shadow
of the Forth Bridge is Deep Sea World, the largest aquarium in Britain.
A short way
to the east, Falkland Palace was a former hunting lodge of the Stuart
monarchs and a favourite of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Myres
Castle, a unique 16th century castle and one of Luxury Scotland
member properties, is located near Auchtermuchty in Fife.
Follow
the Fife Tourist Route signs from the Forth Road Bridge through the coastal towns
of Fife to Dundee to enjoy spectacular seascapes and views of the Firths of Forth
and Tay; through coastal towns and villages including Aberdour, Burntisland, Kirkcaldy
and Leven before reaching the East Neuk of
In
the East Neuk of Fife - 'neuk' is Scots for corner - Scotland's European links
are recalled by the Dutch influence in the local architecture of a string of attractive
fishing villages including Pittenweem and Crail. The Scottish Fisheries Museum
at Anstruther explores the long struggle with the sea. Yet another reminder of
the influence of the sea is the choice of seafood restaurants in the area.
The university
town of St Andrews blends religious history with an academic air,
(standrews.jpg / connoisseurs site) though it is better known as
the "Home of Golf". It is also the location of St
Andrews Old Course Hotel & Spa.
St
Andrews also offers outstanding shopping, fine beaches, two local history museums
and the British Golf Museum, as well as St Andrews Castle and Visitor Centre and
the St Andrews Sea Life Centre. Also within easy reach of the town is the Fife
Animal Park, popular with families.
Angus and Dundee
Angus and
Dundee make an excellent touring base. Heathery hills and glens,
castles, gardens, beaches and Dundee's premier visitor centre, Discovery
Point, are matched by a full range of accommodation, places to eat
and shopping.
Discovery
Point with the famous ship RRS Discovery Captain Scott's vessel on his Antarctic
explorations, berthed alongside, tells the story of the ship and its dramatic
voyages. Dundee's heritage is also on view at the McManus Galleries, while the
Verdant Works also interprets the past. Formerly it processed jute, imported from
India. Now, using audiovisual displays, this visitor centre tells the tale of
how Dundee became famous for jute products. Look out, too, for the city's new
Arts Centre, which opened in 1998. Northwards
lies Angus, with its outstanding coastal scenery, including beautiful sandy beaches.
Arbroath is noted for the ruined 12th century abbey, right in the town. Here in
1320 was written perhaps the most famous document in Scottish history, the Declaration
of Arbroath, stating Scotland's case for self-rule. Contrasting with coastal interest
are attractive and peaceful glens such as Glen Esk or Glen Clova. In
between mountain and sea are many places of interest including Brechin Round Tower,
the House of Dun near Montrose, the formal garden of Edzell Castle and the regal
splendour of Glamis Castle, childhood home of HRH Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
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