Lazy Day - Auld Grey Toon Edition

This won't keep you long.... After three straight days of play, Theresa and I couldn't have answered the bell.  And John was certainly happy to bask in the glow of his win on the Balcomie...

When we finally summoned the energy to leave our rented home, we took a lovely walk around St. Andrews.  It's a tiny place, essentially three major streets, with all sorts of alleyways and wynds weaving throughout.  While settlement there dates to the mesolithic (Middle Stone Ages), it's peak influence was a bit later:

St Andrews, in particular the large cathedral built in 1160, was the most important centre of pilgrimage in medieval Scotland and one of the most important in Europe. Pilgrims from all over

Scotland came in large numbers hoping to be blessed, and in many cases to be cured, at the shrine of Saint Andrew. The presence of the pilgrims brought about increased trade and development.[25] Recognised as the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, the town now had vast economic and political influence within Europe as a cosmopolitan town.[26] The Scottish Parliament met in the town in 1304, when King Edward I, in his capacity as overlord of Scotland, came to be received by Bishop William de Lamberton.[27] As many as 130 landowners turned up to witness the event ranging from Sir John of Cambo to Sir William Murray of Fort.[28]

In 1559, the town fell into decay after the violent Scottish Reformation and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms losing the status of ecclesiastical capital of Scotland.[29] Even the University of St Andrews was considering relocating to Perth around 1697 and 1698.[26] Under the authorisation of the bishop of St Andrews, the town was made a burgh of barony in 1614. Royal Burgh was then granted as a charter by King James VI in 1620.[30][31] In the 18th century, the town was still in decline, but despite this the town was becoming known for having links 'well known to golfers'.[26] By the 19th century, the town began to expand beyond the original medieval boundaries with streets of new houses and town villas being built.[26] Today, St Andrews is served by education, golf and the tourist and conference industry.[26]

Wikipedia indicates a population of 16,800 souls (though that's a 2011 estimate), making it the fourth largest in Fife....Just a tiny speck, with outside influence due to the Uni and the golf.

We started by walking to the cathedral ruins, which was shockingly close to our rental house:

In prior years I've ranted about those metal barricades, which don't seem to do much and ruin the ambiance of the ancient ruins.  But homage must be paid:

And to the forgotten man, Allan Robertson:

We then headed down to the East Sands, the less famous St. Andrews beach:

We did a drive by of a house there that could be under consideration for 2025:

It would be lovely down by the water (it's the white building), although spending the full period in Pittenweem has also been discussed.

Then a lovely walk along The Scores towards the castle ruins:

And ultimately the more famous West Sands, the Chariots of Fire beach:

And, most importantly, a pint and some nibbles at the Dunvegan:

I love that the photos of owners Jack and Sheena are so voluminous, that they need to be adhered to the ceiling to have enough space.  What you really want at the Dunvegan (at least on such a fine day) is one of their precious few outdoor table, but that wasn't in the cards.

We're to play the Craighead today, with a deteriorating weather forecast, featuring some bodacious winds.  Should we make it that far, Vegas has established the over/under for Scott's lost balls on No. 13 at 3.5.  You should seriously think about that over bet...

More later, but we are officially in winddown mode.