Blogs from Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe - page 2

After breakfast at Eleanor and Ricky’s, the first order of the day was a drive to Dunfermline to pick up a diamond drill for drilling into granite. We then made our way to the cemetery and Ricky did a great job drilling the two holes required to attach David Grahams plaque to the family headstone. We then bid our goodbyes to Eleanor and Ricky and headed north-west to the highlands via Perth by freeway then a scenic route through the Troussachs National Park with great views of Glen’s and Loch’s along the way. We took a slight detour to visit Balquhidder, a bastion of the McLarens but most famous for Rob Rot McGregor’s resting place however there is some despite as to whether he is in fact planted there beside wife and son. Before long we ... read more

Take that Pebble Beach, take that other links by the sea courses, Kingbarns may other less opportinies to use a running shot, but it really offers an array of great golf shots on land that seems to be reserved for exceptional golf - terrain, views, shotmaking and rewards for grinding it out. Kinsbarns was a competely different journeyon links land spread out through the hills to the edge of the sea. Three par 5's, the 3rd, the 12th and the 16th were my most memorable holes, though there were too many great holes to count. Justin accompanied us for another 18 and he came with more assistance and stories form the young course short past. The greens wer very similar in feel and speed as ours at SFL, as true and demanding, as well. The cameras ... read more

After a somewhat confusing drive up the coastal tourism route where the St Andrew 12 mile sign appeared no less than 3 times in 30 minutes, we arrived at Arron House. This included beautiful villages like Crail along the way. Like anxious children who were close enough to touch and feel something truly special, we were off, on foot, with bags on backs, to Jubilee. At 16:40, with the sun at 10 o'clock in the western sky, we were off. 3 hours later, we were finished with smiles, our first on-course stories and friends with 3 Scotman and two dogs. Ian caught us on the 5th hole with his too small dogs in tow. He shered his favorite course with great stories of players past and departed to meet his wife after the 14th. We were ... read more

Day 4 Kingdom of Fife and Beltane Fire Festival A quick breakfast and we are off to the Kingdom of Fife. Once across the Forth river we hug the coast and travel thru tine little towns. Stopped at Aberdour Castle hoping for a quick breakfast at the tea shop but sadly it was closed. Wandering thru the castle grounds we once again found St. Finnans church. Sunday service was about to start and I got to hear the choir practicing. Absolutely wonderful sound. Many of the parishioners were asking us to join in their service but since we were pressed for time we had to decline. Back in town we found the Woodside hotel had scones and coffee.. perfect. Away again along the coast. Heading this time for Anstruther…. FISH & CHIPS!!!! This place always has ... read more

Today is the day of the Benvie Reunion party luncheon and the second cousins from Montrose and Brechin are coming down to catch up. Also ,Amber who came to Tauranga late last year for a short period as she was completing her training as a doctor and her parents Ian and Carol who had visited us earlier in 2015.Ian is the son of John, who was Aileen’s late husband. So it really is time of great reunion! Carolyn and Trevor have gone to great lengths to make the day enjoyable and we can’t thank them enough and makes us feel very privileged to be part of the clan. Somehow they have put together a huge square table so all 16 of us can sit around together making it easier for conversation. We did offer to help ... read more