Rosyth,Scotland

Rosyth, Scotland.

Early this morning we made our way up the Firth of Fourth, under the old Red Bridge, [1840] still a spectacular sight ,then under two more ,side by side ,one now too small , with wind issues, apparently ,the third, a quite beautiful huge construction, opened last year, which connects the Motorway and is all weathers ,and one of the largest of its kind in the world, it sparkles in the sunshine said our guide, and later…yes it did just that.! A large part of the population live in this area and commute to Edinburgh.
Rosyth, our Port for today, is a Naval base, not really used now except for building new vessels ,the Prince of Wales ,new Aircraft carrier is here looking very well on in its construction.
We chose to go to Dunfermline today, Edinburgh juggling, irregular bus/trains didn’t appeal. I had read this had an Abbey ,and knew nothing else, we thought a taxi, as it wasn’t so far away. A free shuttle was awaiting ,with lovely local guides , to tell us SO much history on our short journey ,we couldn’t wait to get there.. Love their language.. This was once the Capitol of Scotland and learned people will know that ,it offered everything.! The solid old buildings ,of stone that make these places, high on a hill, with lots of character. The pedestrian High Street, sloping down to an impressive Town Hall.
Below the Huge Abbey, Graveyard, and Palace remains , where many Kings, Queens and Saints lie..The history is wonderful ,dating from the 1058 when Malcom Canmore was King, wife Margaret, his Queen , later became canonised. Robert The Bruce is buried in the Abbey ,with 6 other Scottish Kings. The Abbey was rebuilt over time, in the 1800’s,so solid and enormous, with beautiful stained glass, from so long ago. The Palace below is diminished ,but still the outer walls and windows remain in the façade ,stately and beautiful. Kings Edward 1st,David 11,James 1st and Charles 1st all born here..
In front acres and acres of woodland, parkland and gardens remain, huge deciduous trees and more ,dells and glens , leading to a further park ,Pittencrieff, with another story, beautiful herbaceous borders ,glass house with tropical plants, just went on and on, and we walked and walked.. steps, of the giants ,and squirrels, some came close…so exciting…tiny and so cute..! Hard to believe we were given no information ,on what was simply a hidden gem.! More and more unfolding as went .
The Park was inaccessible to all but the gentry, in times past. Owned by a Laird… A mill town ,linen ,silk and damask .The silk of the wedding dress of our present Queen was made here.
Andrew Carnegie was a bobbin boy in the mills ,emigrated to the US at 12, became the richest man in the world, from Steel Mills ,and then returned to give so much of his wealth to this town. He bought the Park, gave it to the Town and a trust to keep it, Libraries, swimming pools ,organs for churches ,he made Dunfermline special ,with many good deeds. There is a museum in his honour ,and another new one ,commissioned just a year ago ,winning an award for the best building in Scotland. It has lovely views to the Abbey and the Grave yard ,where the six Kings lie. Had one of the last looms, and exhibits of the fabrics, and the Royal history, along with life history in general, AND …scarily so.. has things from our times, like Toastie Pie makers, and mincers, we all knew…!
We were enthralled with this place, with views to the countryside away below, fortunate to have plenty of time to see it all, and also to have lunch in a nice Café in Debenhams…and a look at Marks and Spencer’s…on a warm and lovely day, we began with too many clothes ,fortunately layers..
There was a display of OWLS, real ones.. placidly sitting on a mat, about 6 different ones, from huge to tiny, tethered ,but I asked how they are so calm, they are hand reared and this was to bring attention to them ,and how precious they are..
Love being back in Scotland, Land of Our Fathers ,so to speak…! Everyday has new and wonderful discoveries. This is just skimming the surface ,and may not be of great interest, but it was such an unfolding journey ,of great finds ,we could hardly believe it all..!
Our sail away tonight under the Bridges and down the Firth for a long time with perfect, distant views of Edinburgh, the Castle standing out and Arthurs Seat in view, from our dinner table.. Not a cloud to be seen , to be fine again tomorrow….
Happy Birthday to our Grandcat, 13 yrs old today..clever girl.!Read more