Defending the King on the Fife Coastal Path

A short walk on the Fife Coastal Path between Newburgh and Norman's Law, the highest hill in North Fife. Along the way we talk about the Newburgh bear, a heraldic device used by the Earls of Warwick, and thought to have been used by the first abbot of Newburgh Abbey, who may have been related to the Earls of Warwick. It is a design that in modern times has been carved into a hillside above Newburgh, and visitors to the town can follow footpaths leading to it. We also pop into the Lindores Abbey Distillery and reflect on times past. In 1306, for example, three Scottish knights met in Lindores Abbey and vowed to defend King Robert the Bruce, and his crown, 'to the last of their blood and fortunes.' The three knights were Sir Gilbert Hay of Errol, Sir Neil Campbell of Lochaw, and Sir Alexander Seton, the latter playing a key role in the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn. In the stunningly beautiful and tranquil grounds of Lindores Abbey we pause by what may be the stone coffin of a child, a Scottish Prince of long ago. With stunning views back to Newburgh and right across the Firth of Tay we continue on the Fife Coastal Path and pause near the site of a battle, or maybe a skirmish, that took place in 1298 between Scots soldiers led by William Wallace and English soldiers led by the Earl of Pembroke. It was the Battle of Black Earnside. Skirting Glenduckie Hill and Ayton Hill, we arrive on Norman's Law, or Dun Mor, once a great Iron Age Fort and settlement. We end with a celebration and view across the Firth of Tay towards Dundee. A truly magical hike in one of Scotland's most scenic areas.