Lens-Artists Challenge #126 – A is for Anstruther and Archives

AFTER THE STORM, ANSTRUTHER

“There is magic in Scotland.”

Gayle Rankin

Among the many responses to Patti’s alphabet challenge this week, I doubt any others will feature Anstruther 😊. A small Scottish fishing town, Anstruther is well-known for its beautiful harbor and award-winning fish and chips (Yes, they were definitely calorie-worthy!). We were in Anstruther because of its proximity to St. Andrews, the revered golfing mecca. As golfers we enjoyed St. Andrews and the historic town that surrounds it. Beyond that though, we were absolutely charmed by Anstruther, and from there, the northwestern Scottish highlands.

LANDSCAPES FROM HEAVEN, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

“There are few places more ruggedly beautiful than the highlands of Scotland.”

Julia London

We spent a month in Scotland, driving to its farthest corners over one-lane roads that often included blind curves. Fortunately we survived the winding roads which were well worth the extra gray hairs. The area is breathtakingly beautiful and deserves the many accolades given it by poets and authors through the years. The light is like no other and the weather every bit as unpredictable and varied as is often said.

LOW TIDE, ANSTRUTHER

“Wherever I visit, wherever I rove; the hills of the highland forever I love.”

Robert Burns

We made so many photography stops during our drive from Anstruther to Ullapool that my husband began to wonder if we’d ever arrive. Along the way we encountered bright sun, cloudy skies, misty rain, and fog. By the end of the drive I was soaking wet with a slightly injured ankle (slipped off a rock – duh) and couldn’t have been happier.

ON THE ROAD TO ULLAPOOL

“It (Scotland) is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world.”

J.K. Rowling

One of the benefits of blogging during the pandemic is a return to the Archives and the treasure trove of memories they generate. I’ve included a few additional images from among my favorites of the area.

ANSTRUTHER, BEHIND THE WALL

“Did not strong connections draw me elsewhere, I believe Scotland would be the country I would choose to end my days in.”

Ben Franklin

DUNDONALD CASTLE, ONE OF OVER 2,000 IN SCOTLAND

“I feel a sort of reverence in going over these scenes in this most beautiful country.”

Queen Victoria

MORNING LIGHT, SCOTLAND

“Give me but one our of Scotland, let me see it ere I die.” 

William Edmondstoune Aytoun

CLOUDY SKIES, DUNNOTTAR CASTLE

“Poetry, the reading of it, the writing of it, the saying it out loud, the learning of it off by heart, matters deeply to ordinary Scottish people everywhere.”

Liz Lochland

Sincere thanks for your varied and creative responses to last week’s challenge. It seems most all of our followers enjoyed the freedom to feature their own favorites. Rest assured we’ll be offering the option again in the new year. In the meanwhile, we look forward to seeing your “A” choices. Please be sure to link them to Patti’s post here, and to use the Lens-Artists tag to help us find you.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season.

• December 6, 2020
• LENS-ARTISTS, Letter a, Scotland, Travel
• 143 Comments