September 20, 2025 – A Different Day than Previously Planned
On our Scotland schedule, we planned to drive from Aberdeen to Dundee today to view the University’s gardens. Instead, we meandered down the coast road, the A92, to visit Arbroath and Arbroath Abbey, Claypotts Castle (thanks to the guide at Arbroath, this is one of the rare days it is open.), to St. Andrews to the Castle ruins, and to our way to Cellardyke/Anstruther.
This part of Scotland is so different from the Highlands. We’re enjoying the differences and the landscapes. As with 99.9% of Scotland, it’s breathtaking.
Anstruther Abbey was important in the 12th century and proclaimed Scottish independence. The letter to the pope was a model for the US constitution. The Abbey ruins were gorgeous and the graveyard fascinating. The town was fun with lots of places to poke about.
Ours guide at the Abbey, (and apologies for not getting his name…) told us to visit Claypotts castle in a random, residential neighborhood just outside of Dune. It’s a small castle in fairly good condition. Just adorable. It was easy to imagine the empty stone rooms filled with medieval people milling about. We were very fortunate that it was open today.
We made our way to St. Andrews, stopping for a bit of respite at Balgove Larder. It is a lovely, upscale farmers market with many gifts and a café. Delicious. And we purchased more books, of course.
We made our way into the town of St. Andrews to catch one of the last tours for the day at the castle ruins. Fascinating history, and we also saw a wedding on the beach! Congratulations to the happy couple.
Finally, meandering a single-track road, we found our way to our next Air BnB stay. Our host met us at the property. It’s just lovely. It’s walking distance from Cellardyke/Anstruther, so we ventured into town for the evening. Cellardyke/Anstruther is an old fishing village. I feel as though I’ve stepped back in time as we walk the narrow, cobbled streets with homes tucked up against one another against the force of the sea and the wild winds that our howling this evening. The Bank Restaurant was bustling and very much what I have always imagined a British Pub to be like. Fantastic people watching.
I learned a new Scots word today — Coorie — which means to nestled or snuggle. It’s an good evening to coorie. If I’m using it in the proper way. The wind is wuthering — a term from my favorite book, The Secret Garden.
My head is full of the Elen book. I have so many questions that need to be answered with the story. One main question is where and when does she leave for America. More on that in a separate post. We’re weary travelers this evening, ready to stop to relax, read, and have pleasant dreams.
