Sunday May 26, 2024 – Queensferry for Edinburgh & St. Andrews, Scotland
As we sailed up the Firth of Forth, we could see that the weather could play a negative part to our day as this was to be the first tender port. On one side we were anxious to be the first to try out the new lifeboats (used as tenders), but on the other the wind and waves made us wish for a docking. The result was that we did drop anchor just past the old railway bridge (the first one made of steel) and the captain came on saying that the weather conditions were such that we could not consider tender operations. At first we feared that the entire day was going to be cancelled, but eventually we were told that we could disembark but some of the tours were to be either cancelled or reduced in their scope. Patsy and David were to go to Edinburgh Castle and tour Edinburgh, but that was reduced to a driving tour around Edinburgh. Part of the issue was that a lot of the Royal Mile leading to the Castle was closed as it was the Marathon running race. Anne had woken up with a bit of an upset stomach, so opted to remain on the ship and take the day off and rest. Probably over doing it over the past few days so that was a welcome rest. Roger and Anne were to go to the Golf Course and town of St. Andrews, which I did go by myself in the end and greatly enjoyed it.
The ship’s tenders were eventually never lowered and not used and they were able to get some larger local ferries put into service that acted as the tenders thus allowing a lot more people on each trip and as it was only 5-10 minutes to the dock, things really started moving along. I found my way to coach 10 together with the other 38 people and the young guide was very entertaining and informative during the one hour drive to and from St. Andrews. She explained that it was known for 3 things –
1) The reason we were all going – Golf – the oldest golf course in the world and the home of the R & A (Royal and Ancient) which is the ruling body of golf except for the USA where it is the USGA (US Golf Association), however both work together to establish the Rules of Golf and make the necessary amendments periodically. Both organizations have basically the same rules and regulations today.
2) Education and specifically the University of St. Andrews which is considered to be almost on a par with the best universities in the world.
3) The third aspect of importance was Religion. Andrew, the Apostle of Jesus preached after the death of Jesus and eventually he was crucified as well. However when presented with the cross, he said that it was so similar to that of Jesus and he was not worthy of that so asked and was crucified on an X shaped “Cross”. After his death his body / relics were brought to St. Andrews and a major cathedral was built to house those relics. Today unfortunately it is in ruins but parts can still be seen. However, he became the patron saint of Scotland and that is why the flag of Scotland is a white X on a blue background.
While I expected to see the course from afar and perhaps purchase a couple of memorabilia, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that as today was Sunday, the course was closed to golf and anyone can walk the course as they wish. The rain which had been with us since early this morning cleared up and so I immediately walked down the 18th fairway and over the famed bridge and then over to the second hole and all around, madly taking pictures everywhere. The course was spectacular, all one ever dreamed about and it was so amazing to be able to wander without a worry all over the course. A truly amazing experience for anyone that enjoys golf. After an hour or so wandering around the course and to the famed 18th, it was time to visit the shop. Even though there was the usual “stuff” – balls, tees, shirts, etc it somehow was extra special as it was the quality items from “The Home of Golf”.
After meeting up with the coach we returned to Queensferry, where I stopped at a pub for a pint and some food. The “all aboard time” had been moved to 7 PM from 5PM and Patsy, David and Roger enjoyed Ají-Wa (the Japanese restaurant) before retiring although P & D did go to see the show – Noir. Another amazing day and one more item on the “bucket list” at least partially completed, it would still be a treat to play the Old Course one day.
Roger & Anne Travels 