Neuk is the Scots’ word for corner or nook and this serene corner of Scotland is well worth a visit. Jutting out into the North Sea on the Firth of Forth East Neuk has some of the prettiest fishing villages in Scotland. The sea is all-important to the area; it has shaped the coastline, the villages and the people of East Neuk all deserve to be experienced.
Crail is an old fishing village. Founded by the Picts the village has been inhabited for well over a thousand years. Its mid 16th century breakwater was built to afford protection from the storms off the Forth and was enhanced by Robert Stevenson’s pier in 1826. The history of the places comes out when you visit Marketgate. This was once the biggest market in Europe but the busy days of the medieval times have long passed and peace has reached the village.
Home to one of the most beautiful ancient churches in Scotland Crail has a wealth of architecture to enjoy. The National Trust has restored many around the harbour dating back to the 18th century but as you stroll through the village you may stumble upon a sixteenth century tollbooth or a historic dovecote.
Travelling around the coast of East Neuk from Crail you reach Anstruther. It was only a few decades ago that Anstruther’s harbour was so full of fishing trawlers you struggled to see the water. Now however the main link with fishing is through the Scottish Fishing Museum that is in the small town. The boats are as likely to take holiday makers on trips to see the puffins than in search of herring but sea wildlife tours are an excellent way to find out just how closely linked this part of Scotland is to the sea. Continue reading .......
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