Anstruther
Anstruther,
Fife, is where I was raised in Scotland. The ancient Royal
Burghs of Anstruther Easter and Anstruther Wester, lie on
either side of the harbour, which has become an important
herring fishing port. The manse of Anstruther Easter dates
from 1590. Both burghs have Churches with unbuttressed 16th
cent, towers, showing picturesque outlines, while the Church
at Kilrenny, a little inland, has a similar tower. St. Ayles
House is associated with the monks who once occupied Balmerino
Abbey.
Adjacent
to Anstruther Easter, on the north- east side, is CeIlardyke,
another Royal Burgh, these being now united under Kilrenny.
Out to sea is the tiny Isle of May, with its bird-watching
station and lighthouse, one of the earliest sites for a lighthouse
off the coast of Scotland. It is now a National Nature Reserve,
where more than 200 species of birds have been recorded.
