It was not a great distance to travel today, from Aberdeen to Edenborough, but it was a tiring day. We reached St. Andrews around 10:30, were we had a walking tour of the town. After the tour we had about two hours to explore on our own. When you hear about St. Andrews, all you normally think about is the world's most famous golf course. There is good reason for this since the modern game of golf started here about 700 years ago.
The first documented mention of golf in Scotland appears in a 1457 Act of the Scottish Parliament, an edict issued by King James II of Scotland prohibiting the playing of the games of gowf and futball as these were a distraction from archery practice for military purposes. Bans were again imposed in Acts of 1471 and 1491, with golf being described as "an unprofitable sport". Golf was banned again by parliament under King James IV of Scotland, but golf clubs and balls were bought for him in 1502 when he was visiting Perth, and on subsequent occasions when he was in St Andrews and Edinburgh.
A'iry Coos are everywhere!
They would not let us in... full Membership fee is $200,000. Annual membership dues are $28,100 (plus 7% tax).
Teeing off on first hole of the Old Course.
Since the British Open (The Open in you are in the UK) just concluded last week, all the stands and assorted facilities were still up. They said it would take weeks to get everything removed. This was unfortunate from a photography standpoint.
Here is Kay standing on the The famous Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course at the Home of Golf. The bridge was originally built over 700 years ago so shepherds could move their flock across the Swilcan Burn which meanders through what is now the 1st and 18th fairways. The bridge is one of the most iconic settings in golf.
The Jigger Inn, probably the most famous 19th hole in golf.
St. Andrews is synonymous with golf, but there is an incredible amount of history here. This was one focal point for John Knox, the founder of Presbyterianism. Knox was mostly responsible for the abandonment and eventual destruction of the Cathedral of St. Andrews.
The University of St. Andrews was founded in 1413. It is the oldest university in the UK and the third oldest university in the English speaking world.
St. Andrews Castle. There has been a castle at this location since about 1200. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The current castle ruins are closed for repair work.
We reached Edinburgh around 4:15 PM. Checking into our hotel, Courtyard Marriott was chaotic to say the least. They were supposed to have everything ready for us, but had not even assigned the rooms. When we finally reached our rooms, we had to meet at 5:15 for a short ride to our restaurant tonight, The Cellar Door. I was glad for the ride to the restaurant, because we walked back. It was uphill going and downhill coming back.
Below are a few views from the walk back. We are looking forward to exploring this grand old city. The buildings are magnificent.
Edinburgh is built on a series of hills. This is a view from one street bridge, to a street below. An example of the hills is our hotel. We walked into the lobby from street level and found that we were on the 5th floor!
I'll finish my post, with a photo of my beer for today. Harviestoun's Bitter & Twisted. It was a nice full bodied golden ale.
We will be in Edinburgh for there nights before flying to the Shetland Islands.
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