Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

MacDuff's Castle. East Wemyss, Fife

This afternoon, I visited MacDuff’s Castle near the village of East Wemyss on Scotland’s Fife Coast.

This sandstone ruin was built by the Wemyss family and dates from the 14th century.

Due to lack of use it progressively fell into disrepair and the upper parts were dismantled for safety reasons.

This castle is just one, but perhaps the best preserved example, of prominent castles on hilltop locations around the Firth of Forth area (near Edinburgh).

MacDuff's Castle, East Wemyss, Fife

MacDuff's Castle, East Wemyss, Scotland

The castle is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Sibbald.

Macdiuff's Castle, East Wemyss, Scotland

Here is an image of the nearby coast line along which traverses the Fife Coastal Path.

Fife Coastal Path near East Wemyss, Scotland

A worthwhile visit. There is lots of history nearby in form of caves which have been used by man for about 5000 years.

View of Firth of Forth from Cramond, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Scotland’s Firth of Forth which is a bay or estuary where the River Forth completes its easterly flow into the North Sea near Edinburgh.This tidal fjord offers a wide range of interests for visitors and residents including:

• Bird Watching (including Basss Rock).
• Walking and hiking.
• Photography.
• Engineering ( Forth Road and Rail Bridges).
• A Roman Fort (at Cramond).
• Boat trips.
• Quaint and historic villages along the shores including the Fife Coast  and South Queensferry. 

Here is a winter view looking north from Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh.

View of Firth of Forth from Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh

Here is a view looking north towards Cramond Island and Dalgety Bay with tide at low ebb.

Causeway to Cramond Island from Cramond, Scotland

Here is the famous Forth Rail Bridge which spans the Firth and dates from 1890. The world’s first major steel bridge.

Forth Rail Bridge, Firth of Forth, Scotland

Overall, an impressive waterway which offers many recreational facilities but is also home to a petrochemical complex and  commercial docks.

Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Glamis Castle. This is a popular tourist attraction which is easily accessible from Edinburgh, St Andrews and central Scotland.

Glamis Castle has been the home of the Earls of Strathmore since 1372. The castle is perhaps best known for its links with the British Royal Family, in particular the late Queen Mother (1900-2002).

Regular tours of the castle last about 50 minutes and take visitors through the Victorian Dining Room, Medieval Crypt, 17th century Drawing Room, Chapel, Billiard Room and the Royal Apartments. Other facilities and attractions at Glamis include:

• Italian Garden
• Nature Trail
• Garden Walks
• Highland Cattle
• Exhibitions
• Shopping
• Food and Drink

Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland

Highland Cattle at Glamis Castle, Scotland

A visit to Glamis Castle can usually be incorporated in a tour of the the Fife Coast and St Andrews.