Author Archives: The Scottish Pearl

A Day at Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline

Although I have visited Dunfermline several times, I had not walked their famous park, Pittencrieff Park. It was time to do just that.

Walking towards the park, it was a true delight to go through the centre where the City Chambers building dominates the skyline. It has a wonderful presence as it punctuates the High Street.

Like Edinburgh, Dunfermline has delightful green spaces right in the middle of the city centre. Pittencrief park is perhaps the most prominent one. Often referred to as “The Glen” by the locals.

The park and the estate were a gift to the people of Dunfermline from Andrew Carnegie in 1903. Pittencrief house stands majestically within the grounds.

The park is known for its peacock sanctuary and consequently one of the popular attractions is the fact that peacocks roam free in the park.

I was thrilled to see both white and colouful blue peacocks wandering the park.

We were privileged to also witness a mother with her babies, housed safely inside the sanctuary.

Roaming the Greenhouse and surrounding gardens was delightful.

I could not leave without walking along the glen.

There is something about hearing and walking beside water. Right? It is so soothing. It is like a gentle mind massage. At least these were the feelings that emerged while I enjoyed the walk in this tranquil woodland.

What a lovely park.

St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

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All eyes will be on St Giles Cathedral today as mourners take the opportunity to say “Goodbye” to the Queen.

Here are a few photos that were taken of this iconic building earlier this year.

Haddington on the Last Day of August

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I had planned to return to Haddington in Spring but life had other plans for me. As a result, Spring came and went with very little walking in beautiful Scotland. So when I saw plans for a group walk last week for Haddington, I jumped at it.

The Malting Building and Bridge across the Tyne

Haddington is truly a pretty town. After walking through the town centre, one passes a small dam and river Tyne next to the malting site.

With a short walk, we were surrounded by beautiful countryside.

As we continued to walk, we had an unexpected surprise. Amisfield Walled Gardens.

This garden lies just outside Haddington town. Dating from the late 18th century, it is one of the largest walled gardens in Scotland. I had no idea that this was there. It had large herbaceous borders, fruit and vegetable beds/orchards, wildflower meadow and woodland plantings.

A great find indeed. I could not get over all the apples! Especially those that climbed the walls.

Given the year we had, with so little rain and record breaking temperatures, it was lovely to see so many beautiful flowers.

The wall gardens were truly delightful. We continued our walk across the old bridge towards St Mary’s Church.

Linked to the church is another walled garden! Known as St Mary’s Pleasance.

As we entered this garden, we were greeted by an inviting hedge maze with views of the surrounding countryside.

The garden was divided into different areas or rooms by tree-lined paths which gave it a sense of mystery and anticipation.

What a delightful and rewarding walk. Truly one of discovery 🙌🏾

A Quick Peek in Luss

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I have been meaning to make a trip to Luss for quite some time and just like that, while we were driving around the West Highlands and Lake Lomond, we happened upon Luss!

With the heat this Summer, there were a lot of people enjoying the water but given our stop was a quick one, I only had time to scan the village and take a few pics.

Luss is a village in Argyll and Bute, located on the west bank of Loch Lomond. It truly is a picturesque village. I wished I had more time to explore but was thankful for the peek.

Called the Wild West in Edinburgh

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I have read about Springvalley Gardens countless times and I have been to Morningside just as many. So it was time that I actually made a stop at this location called the wild west of Edinburgh. It is also called a ghost town. So off I went.

I found it. It is located in a small alleyway off Springvalley Gardens. I certainly would not call it a “town” 😆

However, it does have a western flare. Apparently, this was built as part of a promotion strategy in the 90s for selling furniture at this location. The furniture shop has since closedown but the buildings remain.

I must admit my expectations were higher as I was expecting a town with distinct stores. But it did satisfy my curiosity and was worth a visit.

Walking Calder East in West Lothian, The Shale Trail.

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It has been a while. After starting the year with so much energy, I have slowed down a little. Okay, a lot. I had a few challenges to attend and have since regrouped. I like to think I’m back!

Last week I went on two group walks. One was titled “a Mystery Walk!”. It seemed fitting that I should join it. We ended up in East Calder, walking along the Shale Trail. Once the location of a bustling oil site, now a rejuvenated trail.

It was a revelation to me. I was unaware of the history and location until this walk. This was the location of the first commercial oil works in the world.

Once a collection of mines and oil refineries, manufacturing products from paraffin oil and candles to petrol. It operated for just over 100 years, closing in 1960. A mystery no more.