Did you know it took 4,500 workers to build the Forth rail bridge? Were you aware that the Forth road bridge was the longest of bridge of its kind outside the US when it was built? The Forth Bridges have been famous landmarks on the Firth of Forth for many years. Now rising out of the water like a white angel is the new Queensferry Crossing. Joining the family of the famous duo, each bridge has its own story to tell. Of all the places to visit in Fife, this location is iconic and absolutely worth a visit.

Telling the story of three bridges

Travellers would cross from Lothian to Fife in the area well before the invention of trains and cars. As methods of transport evolved so did the need for alternative ways of crossing this expanse of water.

Through remarkable feats of engineering, these bridges rose out of the water thanks to hundreds of workers, many of whom risked their lives to build them. The rail bridge came first and was completed in 1890. It had a total length of 2,467. and its highest point is 110m above water level. It is still in regular use to this day, and you can easily buy tickets and take a train ride across and back.

The Forth Road Bridge came next, completed in in 1964. It’s over 2.5km long. Until relatively recently was still used daily by motorists. Today, it has been semi-retired. The bridge is now for exclusive use by pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation vehicles.

Finally, in 2017, the Queensferry Crossing opened. For exclusive use by motorway traffic (you cannot walk across it), it is s the longest 3-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. at 2.7km. It’s absolutely worth a drive over to admire it’s beautiful design, and also the breathtaking views of the other two bridges spanning the Forth.

Perfect family day out in Fife

The bridges are a little under an hours drive south from Elderburn, and are worth a day trip to see. For many, it’s a bucket-list achievement. Take a trip over and stop for something to eat in South Queensferry. Also, don’t miss an opportunity to take a boat ride onto the water and see the bridges from a whole new perspective!

Build Bridges and visit us in Fife!

Our self-catering accommodation is near St Andrews, here in Fife and a beautiful drive from the bridges. Check out our special offers to choose the best time of year to visit. Find out more by getting in touch today. Call us on 07840 801 114 or email us here. So come along and discover more places to visit in Fife!

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St Andrew’s day celebrations take place every year in Scotland (and across the world) on the 30th November. What better place to celebrate the patron saint of Scotland than in the town which bears his name? Here in St Andrews and our surroundings, we have many events to choose from to mark the day. Once you decide on how to spend the day, don’t forget to book your break with us.

So what exactly is St Andrew’s Day all about?

First off, for the grammar purists, let’s be clear on one thing – the apostrophe. St Andrew’s Day has an apostrophe because it is his day we are celebrating. The town of St Andrews doesn’t have an apostrophe because, well…we think the town predates the use of them in the English language. It certainly makes proofreading blogs about St Andrew’s Day in St Andrews interesting!

But for those of you who are new to St Andrew’s Day we thought it a good idea to give you a brief summary of who he was and why the day is so important to us Scots!

About St Andrew

St Andrew was a Galilean fisherman before he became a disciple of Jesus. Many believe he was crucified on 30th November, 60AD, on an X shaped cross (remember this part, it’s important later) and his relics were kept safe. Exactly how the name and relics of St Andrews spread to Scotland and to Fife is up for debate, but it is thought that in AD 732 they were brought here by Bishop Acca as he looked for asylum with the Pictish king having been kicked out from his own diocese. These relics were originally held in Kilrymont, and it was this town which was later renamed St Andrews.

Then, one hundred years later in AD 832, the Battle of Athelstaneford  in East Lothian raged. King Angus led an army of Scots and Picts against the Saxons, but he feared defeat. He looked to the sky and say a large white X, and vowed that should he win the battle, he will name St Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The relics originally brought to shore included a tooth, a knee-cap an arm and finger bones. Sadly in the Scottish Reformation these relics were destroyed. But, in 1879, Archbishop Amalfi gifted Andrew’s shoulder blade and Pope Paul VI gifted further relics in 1969 to Scotland. These can be seen at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Why we celebrate

St Andrews day is the feast day of Scotland’s patron saint, St Andrew. Many Scots mark this day every year on 30th November and celebrate our Scottish culture, food and dance. The day also marks the beginning of Scotland’s winter festivals and has been an official bank holiday here since 2006.

So what is on in St Andrews?

The Big Hoolie

A big hoolie in Scotland is a big party, and there’s one happening on St Andrew’s Day! Piping, fireworks, dancing – everything is free and will be happening to make for a memorable day. Join locals and visitors alike and spend the day celebrating. Start your day at the community market on South Street from 11am. Find out more about the Big Hoolie here.

St Andrews Day Weekend at the R & A World Golf Museum

Golf lovers simply must spend some time at this golf museum which takes you back to the origins of our favourite game. And over the weekend of the 30th November and 1st December, you can enjoy family crafts and activities in their galleries.

Need somewhere to stay?

If this has got you warmed up and ready to celebrate and you are looking for accommodation near St Andrews, for St Andrew’s Day celebrations then check out our fabulous luxury lodges in Fife. We offer beautiful lodges surrounded by rolling countryside that are also ideal for accessible holidays. What’s more, we are only 3 miles from St Andrews! If you want to find out more then please call us on 07840 801114 or email us here. Join in the St Andrews day celebrations!

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Elderburn Lodges strives to provide amazing holidays for each and every guest that visits us. This means making sure that we are as accessible as possible to those with access requirements and providing top-quality support before and during your stay with us. This is why all of our lodges are equipped with standard wheelchair-width door frames, concrete pads to park on outside, and level access on the ground floor. If you need a holiday that is wheelchair accessible, look no further. We know that our lodges will provide you with a comfortable and easy stay, but what about when you want to explore Fife and St. Andrews? To help you with your adventures, we’ve compiled a list of the local firms with wheelchair accessible taxis.

Our list of firms with Wheelchair accessible taxis

Gibbs Taxis

Gibbs Taxis in Fife actually operate the largest fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the East Fife area. They have vehicles with low-angle ramps, tail lifts for larger electric wheelchairs and even vehicles with twin wheelchair access. The team at Gibbs taxis have many years of experience under their belts when it comes to working with wheelchairs and different chair models.

Gibbs Taxis are available to book by phoning them on 01334 303040. The company are also available to hail in taxi ranks, where the prices will be determined by the Fife Council metered fare.

Golf City Taxis

Golf City Taxis have one accessible vehicle on offer for those in and around St Andrews. Their Ford Grand Connect is equipped with the necessary tools to allow wheelchair access. The company run taxis between golf clubs, the airports, and train stations around Scotland, from Dundee to Edinburgh.

If you’re in need of transport from any of the airports or train stations in Scotland to our lodges or vice versa, Golf City will be able to assist you in your journey. Contact them today to book by calling them on 01334 477788 or visit their website.

St Andrews Airport Transfer

For those who need help getting to us from the airport or need to get back again, St Andrews Airport Transfer has a wheelchair-accessible Volkswagen Caddy that will allow you to safely and comfortably journey from our luxury lodges to your terminal, ready for your flight.

To contact St Andrews Airport Transfer and enquire about your airport shuttle journey you can call them at 01334 767676 or text them at 07817461979.

Cowdenbeath Taxi Service

With six wheelchair-accessible vehicles and a collection of very loyal customers, Cowdenbeath Taxi Service will do all that they can to make your journeys around Fife comfortable. Based in West Fife, this taxi service is great for those looking to visit Cowdenbeath Golf Course, Cowdenbeath Racewall, or the Lochgelly Golf Club.

To speak to someone on the Cowdenbeath Taxi team, call them at 01383 513333 or email them at office@cowdenbeathtaxiservice.co.uk.

Prompt Taxis

While Prompt Taxis are based over in Glenrothes, they offer taxi services across a large part of Fife and have multiple vehicles that are not only wheelchair accessible but that fit more than one wheelchair in. This can be incredibly useful for guests, and we understand that such vehicles can be hard to find!

As a result, Prompt Taxis have earned their place on the list. To book call them on 01529 758888 or fill out their contact form on their website.

M&M Taxis

Based in and around Cupar in Fife, M&M Taxis have wheelchair-accessible vehicles available to customers who need them. This is ideal for those visiting Cupar Golf Club, or the Cupar Burgh Chambers. There are also a number of parks in and around Cupar that may be of interest, such as the Duffus Park, and an historical site: the Hill of Tarvit.

To contact M&M taxis, call them on 01334 657555.

There is so much to do in and around St Andrews. Many places are suitable for those with mobility issues. Make sure you take a look at our list of things to do when you visit. And give us a call if you want to discuss any specific details before you book your stay with us.

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Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine. The region of Fife, located on the east coast of Scotland, is no exception. Fife is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants that offer a unique dining experience for foodies and travellers alike. We’ve put together a list of some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Fife. 8 of these restaurants are within 20 minutes of us here at Elderburn Lodges. The Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry is just under an hour away. Look and see which tickles your tastebuds, ready for your next stay with us.

The Cellar

Location: Anstruther

Tucked away through an arch on a narrow side street is The Cellar. Relaxed and homely, the restaurant has exposed beams, stone walls and a wonderful woodburning stove. It’s known for its unique and innovative approach to Scottish cuisine. The Cellar’s menu is a celebration of Scotland’s rich culinary heritage. They have one tasting menu that changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the availability of fresh ingredients.

Craig Millar @ 16 West End

Location: St Monans

Located in the heart of St. Monans, Craig Millar @ 16 West End is a must-visit destination for foodies and culinary enthusiasts. The menu is biased towards seafood and celebrates the best ingredients that Scotland has to offer. From fresh seafood caught off the coast of St. Monans to locally sourced game and vegetables, every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. The restaurant’s elegant decor and warm ambience create the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. And most of the tables have a superb view of the harbour.

Grange Inn

Location: St Andrews

The Grange Inn is housed in a beautifully converted, fully restored, 17th-century farmhouse with panoramic views over St Andrews and the bay. It has an intimate dining room that has exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and a cosy fireplace. There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere here, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to answer any questions about the menu or recommend a wine pairing. The menu offers exquisite dishes using seasonal local produce like beef, pork, mackerel, and wild sea trout.

Haar

Location: St Andrews

One of Fife’s most popular culinary destinations is the Haar restaurant. Located in the picturesque town of St. Andrews, Haar offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Scottish ingredients with modern cooking techniques. Moreover, the menu features various dishes showcasing the best locally caught seafood, game meats and seasonal vegetables. It is carefully curated to offer a range of flavours and textures, and each dish is presented beautifully. Dining at Haar is a truly unforgettable experience. You are transported to a world of culinary excellence when you step through the door.

Kinneuchar Inn

Location:  Kilconquhar

The Kinneuchar Inn has a long and fascinating history. Dating back to the 17th century, the building was originally a coaching inn for travellers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a small, cosy dining room with exposed stone walls and wooden beams, with an open fire in winter. And the ambience is mellow, with easy jazz playing in the background. The staff are attentive but discreet and knowledgeable about the delicious dishes on the menu. The menu changes daily, depending on ingredients sourced from local suppliers such as Balcaskie Estate.

The Newport

Location: Newport-on-Tay

The Newport is housed in a beautiful Georgian building overlooking the River Tay. The restaurant’s interior is elegant and sophisticated, and the decor is minimalist yet stylish, focusing on natural materials such as wood and stone. The restaurant also has a lovely outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy their meals while enjoying the stunning river views. The Newport also has an art gallery showcasing Scottish contemporary art. They source the ingredients used from local suppliers and farmers, so every dish is fresh and of the highest quality. They change their menu regularly to reflect the availability of ingredients.

The Peat Inn

Location: Peat Inn Village, Culpar

The Peat Inn is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the picturesque village of Peat Inn, Culpar. The restaurant is a popular destination for food enthusiasts worldwide, known for its exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and stunning surroundings. Offering a unique dining experience with modern Scottish cuisine, the head chef has carefully crafted the menu, using only the freshest and finest ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Moreover, the menu has various dishes catering to all tastes and preferences. The restaurant exudes an old-world charm with its exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and roaring fireplaces. The dining room is elegant and sophisticated, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. There is also a beautiful garden where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink or a post-dinner stroll.

The Seafood Ristorante

Location: St Andrews

The Seafood Ristorante offers local Scottish seafood with an Italian twist. This unique glass restaurant is located over the beach, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the coastline. With elegant yet understated decor the restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. And the knowledgeable staff are passionate about providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience. You can expect warm hospitality and attentive service from the moment you arrive. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list featuring local and international selections.

The Wee Restaurant

Location: North Queensferry

Opened in 2006 by Craig and Vikki Wood, the Wee Restaurant has been serving their customers some of the finest Scottish cuisine since then. And it’s name “Wee,” reflects the restaurant’s intimate, cosy atmosphere. The restaurant has only 28 covers, which means that reservations are essential. Moreover, their ethos is to serve seasonal good food and fine wine in a truly relaxed atmosphere. The decor is simple yet elegant, with white tablecloths and candles on each table. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to recommend dishes or wines.

So, there you have it! Fife really is home to some of Scotland’s best Michelin-starred restaurants, from seafood-focused menus to modern Scottish cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a celebratory meal with friends and family, these restaurants are sure to impress and make for a fab night out when you are staying with us here at Elderburn Lodges.

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An Ace Fife Fact

So Wimbeldon is nigh and right here in Fife we are proud to say that we are home to Britain’s oldest tennis court dating back to 1539! And no it was not tennis King Andy Murray who graced its surface but that of King James V and young James VI of Scotland. Queen Elizabeth II also visited it in 1958, so it has ‘served’ a great deal within the royal circle. Housed at Falkland Palace it is still in use today and is the only surviving example of jeu quarré design.

Putt this in your fact file

St Andrews can lay claim to the fact that it IS ‘the home of golf’. The Royal and Ancient Golf club was the authority that set the rules for the game worldwide between 1897 and 1952. Golf was first played here in the 1400 and became so popular that King James the II prohibited it due to it interfering with archery practice of his subjects. It was here in St Andrews that Mary Queen of Scots was a member of the local golf club and was probably the first female golfer.

Fishing for Facts

Back in medieval time Crail was extremely important in the Scottish fishing industry, so Robert the Bruce granted it the rare right to hold a Sunday market back in 1310. Evidence suggests that fish were exported from the port as early as the 9^th century. On the 25^th January 1765, 8 fishermen lost their lives at the mouth of the harbour in a fishing disaster, leaving the local population devastated.

Oats so interesting

Fife is the home the one of the largest Oats companies ‘Quaker’. Owned by Pepsico, Quaker has been producing Oats in Cupar for over 100 years and uses much of the oats that are grown in the Kingdom of Fife to fuel the nation. Quaker lays claim to the fact that a bowl of Quaker Oats will keep you fuelled up for 4hrs and 21 minutes!

DRAMatic Fact

It is said that Lindores Abbey near Newburgh holds the oldest record of distilling whisky. John Cor who was a monk here was apparently distilling as far back as 1494. “Eight bols of malt’ were granted to this clever monk by King James IV through the Royal Scottish Court at Falkland so that he could make whisky for him. The nearby Ormiston Hill supplied the spring water via Monks Well and Abbots Well. The Abbey is set to get back to distilling whisky with a £5 million project to construct a distillery and visitor centre.

So there you have it. You will now be able to start your holiday full of wisdom and you may be mistaken for a local given your local knowledge! Who thought holidays in Fife could be full of such wise and wonderful things.

There is much more to discover in this Kingdom. If you are looking for holidays in Fife then check out some of our great offers and come along for some fun!

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