Scotland: The Fife Coastal Road and St. Andrews

Scotland has been on our travel wish list for many years. My mom's family can trace our genealogy back to King Robert the Bruce so I have been eager to visit the motherland. More recently, Highland scenes from Skyfall, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Downton Abbey moved this country to the top of my list. In just over an hour, we arrived from Amsterdam into Edinburgh airport. The perks of living in Europe are starting to become apparent! Nana and Pops were set to arrive into Scotland later that evening on a train from London, so Pete, Jude and I had the day to do some exploring. 

Pre-baby, trip planning was a major hobby of mine and I would spend hours researching trips; where to stay, what to do, where to eat, etc. Post-baby, I am happy just to find time to purchase the flights! So when we arrived into the airport, apart from getting the rental car and needing to be near Stirling to pick up my parents that evening, we didn't have any other set plans. I wanted to see St. Andrews (not for the golf, but for the Royals) so we stopped in the visitor center at the airport to get directions. There, the Fife Coastal route was recommended to us to get there and we were told about the #1 Fish and Chips spot in Scotland (and at one time, the UK). Sold! Off we went with Pete at the wheel. The car suffered only a few minor casualties as we reacquainted ourselves with driving on the left side of the road!

Lovely fishing village town of Anstruther 

Really amazing fish and chips!

Jude was a travel champ that day and having missed his morning nap due to our flight, he fell asleep immediately in the car and slept the entire way to Anstruther. Next up, we continued onto St. Andrews where the sun was brightly shinning. We explored the ruins of the Cathedral, walked through town and the University, got SIM cards and stocked up on diapers and baby food at Tescos!

Exploring the ruins of the Cathedral in St. Andrews

A gathering of men in kilts at St. Andrew's University! 

Pete was excited to try Real Ales at this recommended bar, but alas, no babies allowed! 

The drive back to Stirling through Perthshire