Sights in East Neuk
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Scotland’s Secret Bunker
Three miles north of Anstruther, off the B9131 to St Andrews, is Scotland’s Secret Bunker. This fascinating Cold War relic was to be one of Britain’s underground command centres and a home for Scots leaders in the event of nuclear war. Hidden 30m underground and surrounded by nearly 5m of reinforced concrete are the austere operation rooms, communication centre and dormitories. It’s very authentic and uses artefacts from the period, which make for an absorbing exploration. The Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has an exhibit, bringing home the realities of Britain’s current nuclear Trident policy. The bunker is a gripping experience and highly recommended.…
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St Fillan’s Cave
Just a short stroll from Anstruther, Pittenweem is now the main fishing port on the East Neuk coast. The village name means ‘place of the cave’, referring to St Fillan’s Cave in Cove Wynd, which was used as a chapel by a 7th-century missionary. The saint reputedly possessed miraculous powers – apparently, when he wrote his sermons in the dark cave, his arm would throw light on his work by emitting a luminous glow. The cave is protected by a locked gate, but a key is available from a nearby house.
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May Princess
The five-hour trip to the island on the May Princess, including two to three hours ashore, sails from three to seven times weekly (weather permitting) from mid-April to September (daily July to September). You can make reservations and buy tickets at the harbour kiosk near the museum at least an hour before departure. Departure times vary depending on the tide – check times for the coming week or so by calling, or check the website.
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Kellie Castle
A magnificent example of Lowland Scottish domestic architecture, Kellie Castle has creaky floors, crooked little doorways and some marvellous works of art, giving it an air of authenticity. It’s set in a beautiful garden, and many rooms contain superb plasterwork, the Vine room being the most exquisite. The original part of the building dates from 1360; it was enlarged to its present dimensions around 1606.
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Scottish Fisheries Museum
The displays at the excellent Scottish Fisheries Museum include the Zulu Gallery, which houses the huge, partly restored hull of a traditional Zulu-class fishing boat, redolent with the scent of tar and timber. Afloat in the harbour outside the museum lies the Reaper, a fully restored Fifie-class fishing boat built in 1902.
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St Monans Heritage Collection
St Monans Heritage Collection, on the harbour, is a wonderful small gallery devoted to the history of the St Monans’ fishing industry through a collection of 20th-century black-and-white photos and several artefacts. Most of the photos were taken by a local photographer and the collection changes regularly.
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Crail Museum
The village’s history and involvement with the fishing industry is outlined in the Crail Museum, which also offers tourist information.
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Crail Gallery
Crail Gallery is a local gallery with some terrific artists’ impressions of Crail and East Neuk and framed prints of St Andrews.
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