Saturday, August 29, 2009

Heatherhall Wood North Fife

Heatherhall Wood. It is estimated that these woods date back to the early 19th century. Ladybank Forest Group has signed a Concordant with the Forestry Commission, as owners of the woods, to bring them under local management. Located around Ladybank North Fife known as Anssmuir, Edens Muir, Carnfield Muir; Gravelpit; Heatherhall; Heggies Muir and wood on East side of Melville Roundabout. Approx, 500 hectares.



Heatherhall Wood off the B937 has bridle-ways and wheelchair accessed paths. More.

East Lomond North Fife

East Lomond rising above Falkland and the Howe of Fife, part of the Lomond Range of hills, volcanic in origin.

A panoramic view of East Lomond over the Howe of Fife from just South of Fruechie on the A82(T) The farms are about halfway harvesting grain taking advantage of good drying weather in between showers of rain.

Falkland Hill looking from the North across Auchtermuchty Common over the Howe of Fife.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Property for sale New Gilston North Fife

Greenside by New Gilston north Fife.
* Property Type : Detached
* Public Rooms : 2
* Bedrooms : 6
* Bathrooms : 3
* Garden : yes
* Garage : no
Fixed Price £535,000
Reduced price property. An extended detached villa set within a rural location. The property is positioned within mature garden grounds and has a paddock of five acres or thereby. The villa enjoys countryside views and towards Firth of Forth.

Lounge, sitting room, conservatory, kitchen / dining, six bedrooms, study, two bathrooms, shower room, utility , garage / snooker room, oil central heating.
An extended detached villa set within a rural location. The property is positioned within mature garden grounds and has a paddock of five acres or thereby. The villa enjoys countryside views and towards Firth of Forth. The accommodation is formed over two levels with the subjects comprising: entrance porch, main reception hallway, lounge, sitting room with dining area, open plan kitchen / dining room, conservatory, six bedrooms, study, two bathrooms, shower room and a utility room. Externally the property is positioned within mature garden grounds which contain various plants, trees and shrubberies. To the rear of the property there is a driveway for numerous cars and a detached garage which is presently used as a snooker room. For those who have an equestrian interest the property also has a stable block with a paddock of five acres or thereby. The property is completed by double glazing and oil central heating (please note the property also has electric, LPG and coal heating also).

Travel directions
Upon leaving St Andrews via Hepburn Gardens turn right at the mini roundabout into Buchanan Gardens. Follow this road along as it continues on into Strathkinness Low Road. Continue along this road and follow it on into Pitscottie towards Ceres. At Ceres continue on the B939 signposted Kirkcaldy and continue forward through Craigrothie. At the T-Junction turn left onto the A916 signposted Kirkcaldy and on this road continue forward for approximately two miles and turn left at the signpost for New Gilston and Lundin Links. Take the first exit on the left hand side and again take the next exit on the left hand side which leads to Greenside. Continue up the hill and take the first exit on the right hand side where a For Sale board will be in evidence.

Extras
Included in the sale price are all fitted carpets and floor-coverings.
Images

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

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Edinburgh Festival Fringe


On The Royal Mile just down from Parliament Square was this wonderful performance.


But twenty or so yards away more Edinburgh Festival fringe entertainment. It's everywhere all day long.

And just around the corner as I made my way to Nicholson Street, this lively performance presented itself.





Without doubt, born in Scotland

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Fife Coast St Andrews and Elie

From my home at Flisk North Fife today I toured some friends from South Africa first to St Andrews where we viewed the Cathedral ruins and on to St Andrews Harbour which gives this view of the castle.

Along the harbour wall, the end of which presents a safety railing where a visitor spontaneously struck a Titanic pose.

It's in the nature of events that a stranger then joins the act demonstrating that indeed dreams can become true.

Heading south one passes through, Borehills, Kings Barns, Crail, Kilrenny, Cellardyke, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans to Elie.


Ladies Tower Ruby Bay Elie on the Fife Coastal Path.

Monday, August 24, 2009

The River Tay 24th Aug North Fife

The River Tay today in North Fife overlooking Mugdrum island at Newburgh and into Perthshire. Yes a lovely day, the grain harvest about to begin, rain permitting.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Mary Ann Orr Steeple Arts Newburgh North Fife

Mary Ann Orr, Artist in residence at the Steeple Arts, Newburgh, North Fife is offering courses in thread art. The next is Textile transformation for fashion accessories. Learn how to de-construct recycled textiles and fibres and make your own. You will many samplers and choose one to make into a bag. You will use the technique of melding, free motion stitch, embroidery, cording and more. Course 13th-15th sept 10 till 4 with lunch break. All materials, threads and loads of tea, coffee and sticky buns free.

A wand in the wardrobe- wearable art follows on the 24th-26th sept. Learn how to transform the old into the new. As above and learn how to make a panel incorporated into a light summer linen top with a thread art collar. All materials, threads and yarns, 1.5 meters of soft cream linen or your own material included plus tea and sticky buns. More information about anything, contact:- Steeple Arts

A double sided work on exhibition by Bonhams London.



Mary Ann working on a piece "journey of the souls"

Picking through the palette of materials and fibre.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

The River Tay Aug 22 North Fife

Tonight, The River Tay resplendent as always.

Peacock Butterfly North Fife

Peacock Butterfly on Ragwort North Fife. Today for the first time the garden was full of Peacock butterflies, good to see.

A great book to identify UK butterflies.

Aberdeen Angus North Fife.

Today in the next field up from my home at Flisk North Fife lay father mother and calf Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Orchid Flowers North Fife

Orchid Flowers North Fife. Growing a Phalaenopsis Orchid in your home can be rewarding and fun. It is particularly well suited for the conditions you already find at home. Phalaenopsis hybrids flowers range is size from 2" to nearly 5" in diameter.

Colors range includes white, pinks, lavender and yellow in both solid colours and mixes of stripes and spots. Many new a bold colour pattern are beginning to show up also. Phalaenopsis flowers offer both exotic form and superb longevity. Individual blooms can last as long as 3 months. Flowers open sequentially at 2-5 day intervals along an arching spike.

This particular flower spike is one of two on a plant purchased from a local Lidl store Cupar North Fife and yes the flowers do last for months and grace both my home and studio. £5-99, a steal.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Budzi North Fife and Edinburgh

Mary Ann Orr and Lauren duPreez excited at moving the Budzi project onwards in North Fife and The Edinburgh fringe.

BUDZI. (Zulu for goat) Is an outreach program to provide transformational experience for disadvantaged people of the Eastern Cape South Africa.
Goats,which provide meat and milk to the indigenous peoples, are a sign of wealth. Enterprises have started where hitherto the skins were discarded,now collectives have been trained to tan and dye the hides. This product along with found fabric and recycled material is being combined creatively to produce the bags using the thread techniques inspired by Artist Mary Ann Orr. It is a win win situation, participants gain skills, exercise their natural creativity, waste is reduced and above all self esteem is induced through productivity, much improved economic income resulting in happiness.
Now what can be better than that?

This work can be seen and purchased at The Edinburgh Fringe.
Market Stall 1, Parliament Square. Royal Mile from 22nd - 31st Aug.

Treat yourself to a practical work of Art.

Happy Ladies.























Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Live Music Newburgh North Fife

The Bear Tavern, High Street, Newburgh North Fife. Every Tuesday musicians and those looking for relaxed entertainment, attend and exchange repartee, listen and contribute to the cacophony of ascending merriment till 1-00 am. Come on, join in and enjoy.






Other times in The Bear.

Sharon King the Steeple Newburgh North Fife

The Steeple, 67 High Street, Newburgh. Formerly the Town Hall now increasingly a space for community exhibitions, concerts and workshops.

Sharon King, photo by Sarah Cameron.
Sharon King at The Steeple, High Street, Newburgh North Fife this Friday 21st August. Singer songwriter, Sharon King engages with an audience in a way that is far too seldom experienced these days. Renowned for her relaxed intimacy at gigs she has a dry humour and wit which are endearing and candid.
Tickets, £5 from Twist Fibre, Newburgh, on 07958 531980 or £6 at the door.

Two Albums of Sharon King's Music.



Monday, August 17, 2009

The River Tay today August 2009 North Fife

Just driving home from Newburgh today and it's almost a compulsion to record. I hope you can enjoy as much as myself.



The River Tay at Blackearnside from Newburgh to Dundee.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Copper Beech North Fife 2009

Copper Beech tree in the middle of an arable field, left to be in all it's splendour as pictured before.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Auchtermuchty Festival 2009 North Fife

Statue of Jimmy Shand Auchtermuchty North Fife in his Honour. I remember as a boy listening to the BBC radio home service on Sunday mornings to Jimmy Shand and his Band. Auchtermuchty moves on and continues music in the town and not just at the Friendly Wee Festival. The traditional Music weekend along with community events attracts visitors from all over. This year's contributors, Aileen Carr, Norman Chalmers, Pete Clark, Conundrum, Henry Douglas, Jock Duncan, Barbara Dymock, Sheila Kinninmouth, Dougie MacKenzie, Hamish Moore, The Rosely Ceilidh Band, Doris Rougvie, Pete Shepheard, Jess Smith, The legendary John watt, Joe Aitken and many others. Music at many venues over 9 days along with story telling, craft stalls and a very good time. As last year.



Friday, August 14, 2009

Braehead Kirkbrae Collessie North Fife for sale

Breahead Kirkbrae Collessie North Fife for sale.
Offers over £535,000

* Property Type : Detached
* Public Rooms : 4
* Bedrooms : 6
* Bathrooms : 4
* Garden : yes
* Garage : yes

Fabulous architecturally designed detached villa in the hamlet of Collessie. Ideally located for transport links to Edinburgh and Dundee. The accommodation comprises sitting room, dining room, sun room, modern fitted breakfasting kitchen and sitting area, study/bedroom 6 cloakroom/WC, wet room, 5 bedrooms, master with walk-in dressing room and en-suite bathroom, family bathroom and further wet room. Gas central heating. Double glazing. Outbuilding with double garage and office space over. Gardens. Many special features.
Murray Donald Drummond Cook
Solicitors and Estate Agents
17-21 Bell Street
St Andrews
Fife
Scotland
KY16 9UR

Tel : 01334 474200
Fax : 01334 476366

E-mail : propertyadmin@mddc.co.uk
Website : www.mddcproperty.co.uk

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Alexander Laing LLB Newburgh North Fife

Alexander Laing LLB Portrait in the building that he financed and bequeathed to Newburgh as a museum and library for the the benefit of all. His collection of artefacts and objects are now scattered in other Scottish museums but his books and library remain largely in Newburgh. If you have historic and family links to the town, then a visit could be quite enlightening.

Original hand written manuscript by Alexander Laing LLB there sitting in the Laing museum Newburgh North Fife for you to see and maybe peruse.

Laing Museum Newburgh North Fife

Laing Museum Newburgh North Fife

The stairway to plenty, plenty of information and objects of interest. Fife Museum service also provide genealogical information accessible in the Laing Museum.

EXCERPTS FROM THE 1861 PAROCHIAL DIRECTORY FOR FIFE AND KINROSS

PARISH OF NEWBURGH.

THIS PARISH, containing the Royal Burgh of Newburgh, forms the boundary of the County on the north-west border. It is of a very irregular form, a portion of it lying along the margin of the Tay, while the remaining section stretches to the south, across the ridge of the Ochils. The whole has the appearance of an ill-shaped boot, or of the letter L, inverted. The portion which stretches along the Tay is about two miles in length, by scarcely a half in breadth; while the other portion is nearly three miles in length from north to south, by three quarters of a mile in breadth. It is bounded on the north by the Tay, on the west partly by the parish of Abdie, and partly by that of Abernethy in Perthshire, and on the south by Abernethy, Auchtermuchty, Collessie, and Abdie. The northern section is a beautiful level along the shore of the Tay, where the town of Newburgh is situated, and which is finely wooded in various parts of its surface. The southern portion, which occupies the ridge of the Ochils, is an alternate series of hills and valleys ; the former in one place, Craigsparrow, rising as high as 600 feet, and in another, the Blackcairn, 800 feet above the sea. The soil of the flat district is a very fertile clay, equal to that of the best parts of the Carse of Gowrie ; while that of the upper district is, for the most part, either a loose black loam, or a more compact ferruginous mould ; and, although shallow, is very fertile. The prevailing rock is trap. The whole area is about 1100 acres, of which about four-fifths are under cultivation, about 40 acres are occupied as orchards, and the remainder is either pastoral land, or waste, or under wood. The orchards owe their origin to the Monks of Lindores. The Parish enjoys good sea-ward communication through the port of Newburgh; and it is traversed by the turnpike road from Cupar to Perth, and by the Perth fork of the E. P. & D. Railway, which has a station at the town. More.

There are many 19th century book cases containing contemporary tomes, all accessible.




Newburgh High Street, locating the Laing Museum and Public Library.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Mushrooms North Fife Aug 2009

Mushrooms and Other Fungi of Great Britain and Europe, a fantastic and informative book. Someone borrowed my copy and I'm at a loss to properly identify the fungi below, perhaps you may know.
A reviewer said, This photographic guide by Roger Phillips was a wonderful book when it was published first, and still is one you must have if you're interested in mushrooms. I have a lot of photographic mushroom books in my library, and, nearly twenty years after its publication, this one has one of the highest standards in colour illustrations of fungi. The mushrooms have been photographed on a pan, not in the woods, but this only helps you to better see the features of each species. The identification of species - unlike other recent guides - is nearly perfect and stands very well after almost two decades. All in all, a very complete and magnificently illustrated book to start identifying mushrooms.Mushrooms and Other Fungi of Great Britain and Europe (A Pan original)

The largest is about 25 cm across, slug eaten.



We are at the beginning of the mushroom season, so it's eyes peeled and out looking.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Rosemount Property for sale Cupar North Fife.

Rosemount Property for sale Cupar North Fife. Rosemount is a highly individual B listed villa, Circa 1810. It consists of a 2 storey centre, flanked by bow fronted single storey wings with semi conical roofs.
The property is positioned within walled garden grounds, and is located within a convenient central position of the town.
The garden grounds are accessed by double wrought iron gates and the driveway runs from the front to the rear of the property where there is garaging and ample off street parking. There is an additional wrought iron gate offering pedestrian access.
The garden grounds are to the South of the property and in the main lawn (formerly a tennis court). There are mature fruit trees, a vegetable pot and two greenhouses.

Rosemount is entered via a large basket arched door which opens into the entrance vestibule. A further glazed door leads into the spacious hall. To the right of the front door is the cloakroom with a window to the front and to the left is the family bathroom with a window.
The south single storey wing consists of the drawing room and the library. The drawing room has a curved front facing bow window, ornate cornicing and an Adams fireplace with gas fire. An adjoining door leads to the library. There is also a door leading to a small conservatory.
The north single storey wing consists of a large double bedroom with windows to the front and side, the dining room with arched windows, and the adjoining breakfasting kitchen with windows to the rear. There is a also a utility room with double Belfast ceramic sinks. From the rear hallway access is gained to the small back porch and back door.

The staircase from the hall leads to the mezzanine level where there is a good sized shower room and cupboard. This room offers a window to the rear, Amtico flooring, and is fitted with a w.c. wash hand basin and shower cubicle. A further staircase leads to the upper level where there is a particularly attractive oval master bedroom with three storage cupboard with rounded doors and a window to the front. There is an additional double bedroom on this level.
There is a multi purpose cellar which runs the full length of the property and is accessed by a doorway in the hall.
The overall floor area of Rosemount is believed to extend to approximately 258 square metres or thereby.

Offers Around £350,000

Rollo Davidson McFarlane

67 Crossgate, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AS
DX : 560544 Cupar
Tel : 01334 654081
Fax : 01334 656350
cupar@rollos.co.uk

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Samye Ling Tea Party 2009

Samye Ling annual tea party held on the nearest weekend to the 8th August in commemoration of the inauguration of the Shrine room in 1988. Since 1975 I have been closely involved in the development of Samye Ling Tibetan Centre as a contributor and beneficiary. I am always delighted to visit, catch up with friends and eat cake.

The Cake, multi layered sponge fresh cream with fresh fruits and flowers, enough for the hundreds of guests to enjoy.

Lotus like Lilly flowers bloom in the water surrounding a statue of Guru Rimpoche at Samye Ling.

The Right Honourable David Steel Baron Steel of Aikwood, KT, KBE, PC engrossed in conversation with Lama Yeshey Abbot of Samye Ling.

Sherab Palden Beru, Master artist painter and teacher of thanka painting now 90 with Yanchen Tarap wife of Akong Rinpoche.

Dolkar singing a traditional Tibetan song.


Nawand Tashi and Dolkar in action.




David White playing Union pipes at Samye Ling tea party.



A superb wood carving of the Karma Kagyu Lineage and protectors.

Milarepa in touch the material way, courtesy Andrew Gordon.

John and Alice Maxwell entertain at the Samye Ling Tea Party.



Shrine Room doorway. Samye Ling Tibetan Centre Eskdalemuir Scotland. Go inside to discover oneself.

A group of early Samye Ling builders with Akong Rinpoche and Sherab Palden Beru.