
The rich rural scenery of North Fife, Scotland, provides variety from the historic city of St Andrews and the quaint harbours of the East Neuk of Fife. A Royal Palace in Falkland, a Folk Museum in Ceres, a National Trust Mansion House near Cupar, Balmerino Abbey, Lindores Abbey, Newburgh, Dunbog, Glenduckie, Creich, Birkhill, Ballinbreich, Abdie, Upper Flisk and more in beautiful North East Fife. Also the occasional wander.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Oddfellows March Newburgh 2008


Old Years Night. The Caledonian Lodge of friendly Oddfellows Newburgh North Fife. First constituted in the early 19th century out of sectarian roots. It has now evolved into a more inclusive organisation raising funds for the elderly and needy in the Burgh of Newburgh.
Monday, December 29, 2008
December 28th 2008 Tayview North Fife
December 28th 2008 Tayview North Fife. A sunny day over the River Tay, At home the sun is screened by the north facing hill for about eight weeks in mid winter. Frost and snow remain much longer on the ground though the view may be sunny. These are the fields of Ballinbreich and Logie farms with a misty view of Dundee in the distance at the end.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tayview North Fife Dec 27th 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Dinner North Fife

The goose is oiled and smeared with a couple of desert spoons of Chinese five spice powder, pierced in the fatty areas and with a couple of pierced oranges inserted inside the bird, all placed on a bed of :-
3 sticks of celery
2 carrots halved length ways
2 parsnips " " "
4 or 5 inches of crushed fresh ginger, just a few heavy blows
The giblets, gizzard, neck, heart and liver
A good bunch of fresh sage with a little fresh thyme
A bulb of garlic, cloves squashed
2 onions sliced and sauteed till soft in a little fat
An apple quartered, all in a roasting tin.
Anything else you might have, like fresh plums, sultanas, whatever, enjoy the possible tastes.
Place in a preheated very hot oven for 10 minuets or so reducing to 180 centigrade for 2 to 3 hours depending.
A little water was added from time to time to the roasting tray. When the goose is removed the tray contents are strained and the fat separated from the sauce. There was nearly a litre of goose fat saved to be used at a latter date. A few choice pieces of the cooked giblets were blended with the liquid to create a fantastic sauce.
Before this a red cabbage was quartered and finely sliced with a few cloves and juniper berries added and sauteed in a little fat for several hours with a shot of grape juice and vinegar half way through with salt and black pepper.
The roast vegetables were:-
Potatoes, par boiled to nearly done, added to the hot water were , carrots, parsnips and jerusalem artichokes to warm, all drained and then tossed in the goose fat and added to a roasting tray with orange zest and flaked nuts.
Brussels Sprouts to accompany

I was a real sceptic to cookbooks a few months ago. 'It's alright for these celebrity chefs', I would say, 'It's their job to cook up gastronomic epics. We just don't have the time or money for it.'
However, I've admired Jamie Oliver ever since the infamous school dinners campaign, and I thought that I'd give this book and a few recipes a try, if only to confirm my cynical attitude.
Well, I'm converted. Contrary to my previous belief, it's all about proper, honest home cooking with foodstuffs that are readily accessible (from supermarkets and farmers markets), and the recipes are realistic and well explained in Jamie's endearing matey, lad-round-the-corner tone. Hardly pretentious like I first thought.
And, the incredible thing is; they work! Honestly, you'd think that it'd be of a 'maybe I'll get it right next time' affair, but it isn't. If you follow the instructions, you'll end up surprisingly close to the glossy photos you see in the books. And, of course, the end result is delicious.
As I said, I'm converted, and I feel genuinely enthusiastic about what I eat now. It really doesn't take up as much time or money as you think (perhaps even less when you get into the swing of things), and this will be a New Year resolution that I will eagerly stick to. And I have Jamie and this book to thank for it. Fantastic.
Oh, and I will never have my tomatoes any other way again.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Catherine Greene North Fife

One could of course consult the Book of Changes, a similar but different food for thought, if ancient oracle.

Draws on ancient Confucian commentary, which emphasizes applying practical wisdom in everyday affairs. The "I Ching" is the oldest and most profound of the Chinese classics, used as an oracle of fortune, a guide to success and a dispensary of wisdom. Wisdom revealed by divination. Deepak Chopra's book is through working with ones mind.I Ching: Book of Change (Shambhala Pocket Classics)

Sunday, December 21, 2008
Winter Solstice North Fife

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice. Hence the origin of the word solstice, which comes from Latin solstitium, from sol, “sun” and -stitium, “a stoppage.” Following the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter. Thank goodness, we are now into another period of growth and rebirth. Celebrations of many kinds are taking place the now. This book elaborates on this festive season starting with the Winter Solstice.The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas
Friday, December 19, 2008
Dark North Fife
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tay Day North Fife
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Biggar Scotland
Biggar Scotland. On my journey south from North Fife my preferred route is through Biggar, a quiet scenic amble to the motorway at Abington on the A702.
Wind Turbines

There are proposed sites in Fife and existing in North and South Scotland. It's true they can be seen to despoil natural habitats but that's what we humans do, out of necessity and hopefully a more balanced pragmatic approach.

Thursday, December 11, 2008
Amaryllis Lily



.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
East West North Fife
Friday, December 05, 2008
Property for sale Dunshalt North Fife
Fixed Price £199,000
Highly desirable and immaculately presented bungalow which has been tastefully extended to provide spacious accommodation. This semi detached property is tucked away in a quiet cul de sac on the very edge of the village with views over fields and towards the Lomond Hills and is in close proximity to children’s play park and football park. Finished to a very high standard with triple and double glazing, gas central heating, ample storage throughout, plus many other features. Accommodation Comprises Hall and Lounge, Large Bespoke Hand Crafted Dining Kitchen, 3 Double Bedrooms, Bathroom with Separate Shower Cubicle, Large Utility and Inner Hall, Triple & Double Glazing, Gas Central Heating, Gardens to Front and Rear, Garage
Lounge has lovely ornate fire surround, marble hearth, ornate cornicing, and laminate flooring. A particular feature of this property is the stunning dining kitchen with vaulted ceiling. The focal point for the room is the beautiful bespoke, handcrafted oak kitchen with ample storage units, integrated fridge, plumbing for a dish washer, ceramic Belfast-style sink, extractor fan, tile-effect laminate flooring and space for range cooker. The worktop incorporates a breakfast bar. A wide window gives a panoramic view across fields and french doors to the front lead out to the decking. Ample space for a large dining table and chairs. Very large utility well fitted with wall and floor storage units, sink and drainer, plumbing for washing machine, ceramic tile flooring, extractor fan and space for a tall fridge freezer,. The inner hall has ceiling hatch giving access to partially floored attic by means of a Ramsay-type ladder. Master bedroom is to the rear of the property with double mirrored sliding wardrobe doors. Bedroom 2 is a further double to the rear with built-in wardrobe. Bedroom 3 is a further double bedroom to the rear of the property with attractive high coombed ceiling. Bathroom has large corner bath, separate fully tiled shower cubicle, vanity sink unit, w.c., tongue and groove panelling to dado height, extensive tiling around the bath and extractor fan. Outside to the front a wrought iron fence separates the property from the road and has been landscaped with ease of maintenance in mind. Steps lead up from the path to large area of decking and front door. The rear garden is enclosed by stone wall and fencing and is laid out to lawn with borders stock with a variety of small shrubs. In one corner is an attractive timber gazebo. Large timber shed with power and light. The single garage has an up-and-over door, power, light and an internal water tap.
Dunshalt is situated on the B936 close to the M90 and ideal for travel to Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh and the large Fife towns of Glenrothes, Cupar and St. Andrews. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has its own village shop/post office/newsagent. The village nestles between Falkland and Auchtermuchty which both boast excellent local amenities with banks, shops, garages, surgeries, public houses, etc. Mainline train stations at Ladybank (5 miles) and Markinch (8 miles).
2 Allen Park Dunshalt North Fife for sale.
Fife Property for sale
This beautiful and spacious B listed villa, circa 1790, enjoys a wonderful location in the most sought after street in this popular village. There are views from the upper front windows over nearby buildings to the Firth of Forth and to the rear spectacular views over fields to Largo Law.
Although the property has been totally modernised and upgraded to form a beautiful family home much charm and character has been retained. It is in truly immaculate decorative order and benefits from gas fired central heating. On the ground floor it features a large lounge with fireplace, dado rail and laminate floor, elegant dining room, very well fitted kitchen with stable door and w.c./cloakroom. On the first floor there are two large double bedrooms each of which has access to a superb modern bathroom equipped with a good quality three-piece suite plus Jacuzzi/Sauna shower. The top floor has two double bedrooms each of which is pine lined and a further w.c. compartment. To the rear of the property is a superb garden which is beautifully laid out in lawn with well stocked flower beds, specimen shrubs and trees. There is a beautiful garden pool with cascade, summerhouse and shed. There is an attractive sitting area with pergola and of course wonderful views to Largo Law.
Not quite north fife but never the less a delightful part of the world.
Full description.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Frosty Tayview North Fife


Tuesday, December 02, 2008
December Tayview 2008


Monday, December 01, 2008
Seagull St Andrews North Fife
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monty Roberts Birthday Bash
Friday, November 28, 2008
Steading St Andrews North Fife. for sale

Offers around £480,000
Property Type : Detached
Public Rooms : 4
Bedrooms : 3
Bathrooms : 3
Garden : yes
Garage : yes
Unique detached villa with generous and versatile accommodation formed over three levels. The property forms part of an exclusive steading development and has views over the Dukes Golf Course towards St Andrews and the sea. The property has mature well tended gardens, three garages and provides off-street parking.
Lounge, dining room, sun room, breakfasting kitchen, study, three double bedrooms, master en suite, attic room, family bathroom, cloakroom / shower room, utility room, wine cellar, extensive mature garden grounds, single integral garage, two further lock-up garages, stunning views.
Photos.
Pagan Osborne Property Services
Solicitors and Estate Agents
106 South Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9QD
Tel : 01334 475151
Fax : 01334 477219
E-mail : property-standrews@pagan.co.uk
Website : www.paganosborne.com
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Graigie Hill St Andrews for sale

Property Type : Detached
Public Rooms : 2
Bedrooms : 4
Bathrooms : 2
Garden : yes
Garage : yes
An immaculately presented detached bungalow set within this much sought after residential area of Drumoig. The property is finished to a high standard throughout and enjoys an open aspect to the countryside and beyond.
Entrance hall / dining area, lounge, formal dining room, family dining kitchen, four bedrooms, (with mirrored storage), master en-suite, family bathroom, utility / laundry room, WC / Cloaks, double garage, block paving driveway for numerous cars, alarm, LPG central heating, triple glazing, mature enclosed gardens.
2 CRAIGIE HILL, DRUMOIG
Pagan Osborne Property Services
Solicitors and Estate Agents
106 South Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9QD
Tel : 01334 475151
Fax : 01334 477219
E-mail : property-standrews@pagan.co.uk
Website : www.paganosborne.com
Property Sales Service available:
* Monday - Friday : 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
* Saturday : 9.30 am - 1.00 pm
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Winning Design
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Christmas Lights Newburgh North Fife




Father Christmas arrives for the switching on of the Christmas Lights Newburgh North Fife.
Newburgh Action Group was formed in 2000 with 2 aims xmas lights and floral tubs and baskets in the town
We have been successful with both.
We won best kept large village in North East Fife for the second time running this year.
We organise a competition with the local primary school for a new light every year and this years winner is Laura Brister a P4 pupil.
This is our 7th year and we know have 30 lights in total which stretch from Cupar Road to the War Memorial.
We get no funding or grants at all for the lights all the money is raised through fund raising in the town and the generosity of local people and businesses and for that we are thankful.
We have Funday Sunday in the summer, coffee mornings, xmas concert amongst other things throughout the year
The cost this year is £6300 this includes over £4000 to Fife Council for putting the lights up, the new school light and the maintenance of the ones we have. It is a lot to raise from a population of approx 1700 but we are confident we can do it.
Switch on this year was 22nd Nov at 2pm
There were street entertainers- raffles- line dancers- church choir- tombola- xmas food - panto characters and a visit from Santa and his helpers who are the local Rainbows.
The lights were switched on by Laura the winner of the school competition at approx 4pm
The Family event followed in the Ship Hotel starting at 6.30pm. This is always a popular.
The committee work hard throughout the year to fund raise so are asking again for the support of the local people who have shown great generosity in the past.
total raised £1400
Information provided by PATRICIA DALRYMPLE.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Geese North Fife November
At this time of the year migratory geese dwell here in North Fife. It's always a delight to hear and see them skein in and descend onto the surrounding fields. Earlier this year A natural turning point in the year.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Eke Wilkie North Fife
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Painter's Handbook North Fife

It has been updated to accommodate the enormous changes in the art materials world during the past decade: in which many new kinds of revolutionary paints and pigments have entered the market; new health issues are addressed concerning outmoded and even harmful materials and practices; and new ASTM standards - of which the author Mark Gottsegen is the chairman of this government committee to set standards for the performance, quality, and health labelling of artist's paints and related materials - on light fastness and the general longevity of art materials are provided.The Painter's Handbook
House to let Burnside Cupar
Rent: £595 per month.
Rollo Davidson McFarlane
67 Crossgate, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AS
DX : 560544 Cupar
Tel : 01334 654081
Fax : 01334 656350
cupar@rollos.co.uk
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Property to let Cupar North Fife

£500 per month.
Property Type : Flat
Public Rooms : 1
Bedrooms : 2
Bathrooms : 1
Garden : yes
Garage : no
Attractive, fully furnished upper flat in pleasant residential area, a stones throw from town centre and railway station. Electric central heating & double glazing. Accommodation comprises entrance hall & staircase, lounge, fully fitted kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom with shower, shared garden/ drying green to the rear, privately owned garden to the side, private off street parking bay. Available immediately.
Pagan Osborne Property Services
Solicitors and Estate Agents
106 South Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9QD
Tel : 01334 475151
Fax : 01334 477219
E-mail : property-standrews@pagan.co.uk
Website : www.paganosborne.com
Friday, November 07, 2008
Autumn Food North Fife

This review is from: Jenny Bristow Cooks for the Seasons: Autumn and Winter (Hardcover)
...as summer peters out our thoughts return to Autumn and Winter cooking and reminds us of what an exciting time of year these seasons really are.
`Flavour, aroma and warmth - the very best from Jenny's Autumn and Winter cooking with heart-warming, easy-to-follow recipes originally shown on the UTV series.
Hallowe'en treats, mouth-watering jams and chutneys, imaginative ideas for Christmas food - and drink!'
'Jenny Bristow's unique blend of gentle warmth and clear, practical advice have made her one of Ireland's favourite cooks, renowned both for her highly successful UTV programmes and her best-selling books.....
As always, the distinctive Bristow style of maximum results for minimum fuss is applied to her featured dishes - this is an unmissable book for Jenny's thousands of fans, and for anyone interested in good food and the sheer fun of cooking.'
103 shiny high quality pages, split over 6 chapters:-
Snacks, Soups & Starters
Main Courses
Christmas Day
Desserts
Tray Bakes and Treats
Drinks
along with an introduction and sections on 'preserves', 'winter essentials', 'conversion tables' and a full index.
Each recipe is well laid out with opening text, number of servings, list of ingredients and a numbered method which is clear and easy to follow.
Some have servings suggestions and each has a finished dish photograph.
A taste of the recipes within:-
Season's End Tomato Soup
Savoury Buttermilk Scones
Crispy Red Onion Tart
Maple Chicken Wings
Broomstick Pumpkin Kebabs
Confetti Salsa
Chicken and Bean Cassoulet
Winter Vegetable Stir-Fry with Griddled Duck
Medieval Saffron Stew
Hot Grilled Prawns with Mushroom Mozzarella
Vegetable Christmas Casserole
Chilled Festive Cranberry Cake
Traditional Apple Pie
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Shortbread Biscuits
Toffee Apples
Sloe Gin
Mulled Wine
Chocolat
Lemon Yoghurt Cake with poached blackberries in an Irish mist. Jenny Bristow Cooks for the Seasons: Autumn and Winter
.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
M6 / M74 Entering Scotland
M6 / M74 Entering Scotland and taking the A702 at Abington. The roads are glorious and uncluttered, a joy to travel along on my way home to North Fife.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
M6 North to Scotland
M6 North to Scotland, here just beyond Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton, moderate traffic compared to the South bound which is normally congested. You will see the further North one gets how open the vista becomes along with the road, a much better journey where one becomes more relaxed even after six hours driving home to North Fife.
Autumn North Fife 2008

Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Google Video Car
Random happening on the M6 motorway. it took a while to figure out what the lump was atop the car. Yes it is a camera with cover. On driving by the Google logo became evident. This video is crude compared to the Google productions but of the same ilk. I travelled South to England last week leaving North Fife via the motorway system, we are approaching the Manchester Ship Canal Bridge at this point and the traffic becomes heavy and increasingly so to Birmingham. Always so much more relaxing on the return journey.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Potato Harvesting North Fife
Potato Harvesting Pittachope Farm North Fife. There was a time not long ago when potatoes hand picked by squads of women and children toiling in a back breaking way. Now there are squads of machines doing the job very quickly.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Nicholson Court, Cupar to rent

£600 per month
Property Type : Semi-detached
Public Rooms : 1
Bedrooms : 2
Bathrooms : 1
Garden : no
Garage : no
Brand new unfurnished town house providing first class accommodation with modern living facilities and a short walk to town centre. Gas Central Heating & Double Glazing.
Property comprises of Entrance hallway, modern kitchen, open plan dining/lounge, bathroom with shower, 2 double bedrooms, car port with door, utility room and private parking. Available mid November for let.
Contact :
St Andrews Branch
Pagan Osborne Property Services
106 South Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9QD
Tel : 01334 468614
Fax : 01334 476322
E-mail : propertyletting@pagan.co.uk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)