Mischievous Fifer

Playing with the words, saying that Fife is a “picturesque” place is quite right, as the first dwellers of these lands were the Pictish peoples who inhabited this area well before the Roman Invasion, and since those times Fife has always been an important economic engine with consistent farming, mining and fishing activities.

Fife will be quickly identified if you mention the city of St Andrews. This city resonates in the minds of people around the world as the cradle of golf and its world class University of St Andrews. Although the relevant role of this region through history goes a long way back: Starting by the Pictish and the Celts and the merge of peoples forming the Scots, who gave enough trouble to the Roman invaders as for them to build Hadrian’s wall, and culminating in the present day, with renowned artists and public figures dominating the public scene.

Kings, philosophers, artists including writers, painters, singers and dancers; politicians, millionaires, you name it, Fifers have always been intrepid people taking their talent above and beyond any limitation.

The long reach of Fifers at making an impression in the rest of the world has always been felt, with figures like Adam Smith in philosophy and economics, influential millionaire Andrew Carnegie, or our more contemporary novelist Ian Rankin or acclaimed painter Jack Vettriano, and this is only quoting a very few of the many Fifers that gained international prominence through their contributions.

Mischievous Fifer

Wandering through the coastal villages of Fife is one of my favourite “welcome tour” for visitors from outside, with a guaranteed satisfaction for the tourist. All these pretty villages, with ‘local specialties’ like the fish shops at Anstruther and the many cosy places to stop for a snack make it ‘piece of cake’ to entertain the curious visitor.

And while exploring the nooks and crannies along the coast, you bump into one of these characters that made history without even trying, a man whose desire for adventures entertained generations of readers, oblivious he once existed for real: Alexander Selkirk.

Statue to Alexander Selkirk, Lower Largo, Fife

Alexander Selkirk, born Alexander Selchcraig (1676 – 13 December 1721) in Lower Largo, Fife, was an “unruly” youth, sort of a rebel, and after he had shown some “indecent conduct in church” and was summoned to appear before the “kirk session” (church court) he was “gone to sea”.

He enrolled as a privateer, that is, a sort of ‘endorsed pirate’ and the adventures that followed culminated in him being ‘marooned’ (left behind) in a desert island in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile. With a musket, a hatchet, a knife, a cooking pot, a Bible, bedding and some clothes, he survived for four years in the island. Hoping to be rescued he had to hide from enemy vessels until finally a friendly vessel rescued him. Upon his return to Britain his story inspired numerous chronicles and articles, and also inspired one of the most famous adventures books: “The life and surprising adventures of Robinson Crusoe”, by Daniel Defoe.

Detail of plaque 

Alexander Selkirk, in my opinion, is the most extreme example of the strength of spirit, determination and ingenuity of Fifers. His legacy of adventure and tenacity, even bigger than the book he inspired, lives in the collective imagination of people all around the world.

Discover Fife with A1 Coaches!

A1 Coaches will pick you up at your selected pick up point and take you to your chosen destination. Just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com

Thunder in the Glens and a biker's world, with Joe

If there’s nothing like the smell of petrol and exhaust fumes for you, the roaring and rattling of engines pitches up your heart, and the open road expands your soul, you’re most probably a motorbike fan.

Bikers near Berwick upon Tweed

There are motorbikes, and then there is the Harley-Davison. This make has its own fan base and bikers from all over the world who ride Harley-Davison are proud to be members of the same “family”.


Thunder in the Glens is one major event in the UK for Harley-Davidson fans; it attracts people from all over Britain and the rest of the world who attend an impressive three day event in the middle of a beautiful, jaw dropping National Park.

Aviemore hosts Thunder in the Glens

To get a better perspective of what is it like to attend a gathering like this I have asked Joe, our Mechanic at A1 Coaches who is a biker himself.

Joe trying out his prospect new bike at the shop

Joe was brought up among bikes. As a matter of fact, he took his passion for bikes from his parents at a very early age: Joe’s mum loved to go on a ride with Joe’s dad when Joe was still in the womb. A “few years” later, Joe sports the rugged looks of a legendary biker and even his partner Dawn is a biker herself.

Joe- “With the kids grown up and settled, we’ve got a lot more time to spend touring on the bike” – says Joe. “I’m really lucky; my partner is also a biker! I find there are guys out there that don’t share their hobby with their partners. I’m lucky that my soul mate is also my comrade in adventures. When we are out on the bike we enjoy a sense of freedom, the exhilaration of the open road. Riding on a bike is a firsthand experience of the outdoors, very intense and invigorating, a completely different thing to being ‘caged up’ inside a car, as I see it”.

Q-“Why do you like Harley Davison instead of other motorbike makes?”

Joe-“Harley Davison got me hooked just by the way they sound. I am a mechanic, and the sound of certain engines is music to my ears. For example, the sound of a V8 engine is music to my ears. Of course, Japanese bikes can be very refined and well tuned, but there’s something about the Harley’s rumbling sound that really gets you. This “potato-potato” sound is like a song to me. And Harley Davison is also a lifestyle and a big family too”.

Q- Thunder in the Glens is a paramount event for a biker. Would you recommend it to those of us who are not bikers?

Joe- “Oh absolutely! It’s a big rally with something for everyone. If you are not a biker then you are in for a big parade of impressive motorbikes, all different, it’s a very colourful spectacle. And it doesn’t end there: plenty of things to do, during the day there’s also a family atmosphere, kids line up to see the bikes, although very small kids may cry with the thundering sound.
Many events are motor related like demo bike rides, Jeep demo drives, custom bike show and off road motorbike riding. On top of that there are lots of stands and outside entertainment, things like Scottish Knights battle scenes, live bands, you can even catch a vintage steam train at Aviemore.  Oh, Thunder in the Glens is a big rally that happens to be pivoting around The Queen of Bikes, the Harley Davison. There is a lot going on at Aviemore, I tell you”.

As a qualified specialist technician for the oil industry Joe has travelled to many countries and always found time to visit the local Harley Davison dealership collecting merchandise and memorabilia from local Chapters.

Harley-Davison shop in Alaska

A chapter is a HOG (Harley Owners Group) sponsored by a Harley dealership. A membership to a chapter connects you with other Harley owners in your area, giving you the chance to gather and ride with other local Harley owners, and to be a part of the Harley-Davison rallies and events, which are many and very well organized all around the world.

Here in Scotland there are two chapters, the west coast chapter, called Clyde Valley Chapter and the east coast chapter, called Dunedin Chapter. Dunedin means Edinburgh in Gaelic ( Dùn Èideann, and there is a city of Dunedin in Florida and a city of Dunedin in New Zealand).

A biker’s dream holiday in the USA

Daytona International Speedway

Joe travelled to the 76th Daytona Bike Week Anniversary, a big motorbike gathering, and had the chance to visit the city of Dunedin in Florida. Other members of the HOG Dunedin Chapter from Scotland were also there with Joe, and they proudly wore their kilts while strolling around Daytona Beach. As you see, belonging to a HOG Chapter goes a long way, and you will meet other members and make friends within this big family of Harley owners and other bikers no matter where in the world you go.

Joe and Dawn in the city of Dunedin, Pinellas, Florida

Biker’s event of the summer, Thunder in the Glens, Aviemore, 25 to 28 August 2017

Thunder in the Glens is one major event in the UK for Harley-Davidson fans. People from all over the world attend to enjoy the event.

By far, the largest Harley-Davidson rally in the UK nowadays.

A highlight of the event is the Saturday Mass ride out to Grantown on Spey which starts at 12:00 noon. And again, on Sunday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

To have a glimpse of the atmosphere at Thunder in the Glens of the 2016 event:

https://youtu.be/sMe7oBh78aI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uBWSDn6VrU

2017 Thunder in the Glens expects to attract bikers and general public from all over Britain and beyond.

A great opportunity to enjoy the impressive surroundings of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, Thunder in the Glens three day rally is a remarkable addition to the Scottish festival scene this summer.

A1 Coaches facilitates transport to this three day rally. For enquiries just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com

Surfing Scotland

In general, people may not think of Scotland as a surfing destination, although surfers from all over the world know well of Scotland’s immaculate beaches, wave quality and of all of the amenities available. The unspoiled natural beauty makes of Scotland a desirable destination really out of the ordinary for everyone, including surfers, and water sports lovers.

Touring and Surfing

The quality and variety of waves, winds and breathtakingly pristine, unpopulated beaches have all the ingredients for an unforgettable surfing experience. The most famous surfing locations are in the vicinity of all the treasures the land has to offer, from historic sites to astonishing geological formations passing through incredibly quaint villages and enjoying the most delicious local produce. Here are just some of the many popular surfing destinations:

Belhaven Bay, East Lothian, near Dunbar

Belhaven Bay

Belhaven Bay

With a big, wide sandy beach, with no rocks and shallow water, this is an ideal spot for beginners. Coast to Coast Surf School  offers kit hire and lessons.

Pease Bay, Borders, Scotland

Pease Bay

A versatile beach for a range of surfers and a more challenging reef for experienced surfers. Coast to Coast Surf School  offers advice and technical support.

Dunnet Bay, between Thurso and John O’Groats

Dunnet Bay

A beach that stretches for three miles on the north coast of Scotland where waves break all along. This is a recommended spot for less experienced surfers as there are easier peaks in smaller swells.

Thurso East

Thurso East

Very well known for being one of the best places for surfing waves in Europe, Thurso East has a particular wave pattern and its location in the northernmost village in mainland Britain makes of it an ideal destination to enjoy the charms of the Highlands.

Machrihanish, Mull of Kintyre

A jewel of a place for connoisseur surfers, with its famed “rivermouth peaks” in the bay, and protected surfing at the south end.

Machrihanish Bay

Westport Sandbar at the north end of Machrihanish Bay is changeable and depends on the tides but when the conditions are good, it’s worth the while.

Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

The Western Isles of Scotland, the Hebrides, boast stunning clean waters and dreamlike beaches with very sought after conditions for surfers. 

Surfing in Lewis

Dalmore is a favoured spot within surfers with a good configuration that enables a lot of fun when the swell is small. When it gets rough, it will make the day for those more rugged and experienced surfers.  

Valuable advice, support and equipment hire is available at the local school of surf, Surf Lewis

Coldingham Bay

Coldingham Bay

This beautiful bay near the Scottish borders is well served by the local surfing school and shop, St Vedas Surf Shop, with surfing lessons for all ages, even groups, offering all sorts of services from accommodation to equipment hire, repairs and assorted accessories. If you’re looking to get into the exciting and fun sport of surfing, you’re at the right place.

Isle of Tiree, Inner Hebrides

This amazingly sunny island, the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides is bathed by the Gulf Stream that makes for a milder climate than on the mainland, and sports some windy weather ideal for windsurfers.

Isle of Tiree, Pier

In October the island hosts the Tiree Wave Classic, the most prestigious and longest standing windsurfing event on the British calendar.

Isle of Tiree, Croft

An abundance of wildlife, a rich cultural heritage add up to the beautiful beaches and ideal surfing conditions.

The local surf school also offers technical support and equipment hire, well worth a visit: Suds Surf School 

Holidays in Scotland

Endless potential for an unforgettable holiday. Outdoor activities in the midst of Scotland's natural beauty, abundant wildlife and rich cultural heritage will take your holiday experience to a new level.

A1 Coaches will pick you up at the airport or your selected pick up point and take you to your chosen destination. Just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com

A spell on you.

Edinburgh. I can never get enough of the capital city. The magnetic attraction this city exerts upon me is astonishing, as if telluric forces would draw me to eagerly weave through grandiose squares, solemn stone buildings, cobbled pavements, wynds, and alleys, invoking the literary past that has inspired over 500 novels since the times of R.L. Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde story to Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting film.

 R.L. Stevenson

Literary legends have dwelled in the city and so have the characters of their literary creations. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, writer of Sherlock Holmes stayed in Edinburgh; Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Jekyll and Hyde and Treasure Island, was born in Edinburgh. Sir Walter Scott, best known by his Ivanhoe and Rob Roy and Robert Burns, Scotland’s national bard also lived and worked in this city of magnetic appeal to the creative minds.

Sir Walter Scott

It wouldn’t come as a surprise then when Edinburgh was granted the title of City of Literature by UNESCO back in 2004, and the city today is a living centre of artistic creation.


Edinburgh Academy, George Watson's Ladies College, Fettes College, James Gillespie's School for Girls have educated and inspired authors, with famous literary characters having ‘studied’ in Edinburgh, like Muriel Spark's Miss Jane Brodie and Ian Fleming's James Bond.

Edinburgh Academy

George Watson's Ladies College

The literary presence and heritage of Edinburgh is symbolized perfectly by the monument to Sir Walter Scott, and those who arrive at Waverly Station (named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverly) into Princes Street are welcomed by this Victorian monument to the prominent Scottish historical novelist, playwright and poet.

Princes Street with monument to Sir Walter Scott

In modern times Sir Walter Scott would be a truly Edinburgh Makar, a newly adopted title for the Poet Laureate in our modern age Edinburgh City of Literature. The Scots word makar means ‘one who fashions, constructs, produces, prepares, etc.’ according to the Dictionary of the Scots Language. In the context of literature, a skilled, versatile worker in the craft of writing is a ‘makar’.

Literary destinations, useful links.

Celebrating writers, we have literary destinations like Makars Court, at the top of the Royal Mile, a courtyard with carved paving stones dedicated to writers from the 14th century to the present day.

You can find here The Writers Museum, containing portraits and the works of some of Scotland’s great writers including Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Lady Stair's House, The Writer's Museum

Scottish Storytelling centre

The Scottish Storytelling Centre, also in the Royal Mile, with its modern architecture in contrast to its historical counterparts.  An award winning public building, it includes a theatre, book and gift shop and storytelling café.   It runs a full program of events for those wishing to cultivate their storytelling, music-making, singing and dancing skills.






The Scottish Poetry Library  welcomes budding poets and has an extensive range of poetry books and leaflets, regularly hosting poetry evenings.

Scottish Poetry Library

The National Library of Scotland is Scotland’s largest library situated on George IV Bridge.  Hosting world-class collections, it is a major research library. The library runs a regular program of talks, workshops and events.

National Library of Scotland

Literary Tours Edinburgh

Entertaining and amusing, here are several links that bring Edinburgh’s literary appeal and impressive scenery together:

For a start, having a look to the Edinburgh City of Literature  website will give us an overview of the latest events and tours.

A popular, informative and entertaining one is the Edinburgh literary pub tour, conducted by professional actors.

The Ian Rankin’s Rebus Tour  explores Edinburgh through the perspective of the fictional character of Rankin’s books.

Edinburgh Book Lover’s Tour  covers 500 years and penetrates the capital’s ancient wynds, closes and graveyards.  From historical writers to modern writers, the timeline of literary history is fully appreciated in this tour.

The Scottish Parliament Literature Tour introduces visitors to its connections with literature over the years from renowned, historical writers to today's popular authors.

Scottish Parliament

The Edinburgh International Book Festival in August is an absolute must for literary fans and a highlight of the year.

Edinburgh buzzes with life at every corner, exhilarating to your senses, and your imagination runs wild among the characters and spirits of the unfathomable number of stories that have and will take place is this wonderful eternal city.

You are always close to  Edinburgh with A1 Coaches. Plan your day out with us, just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com

Day Trip: Stirling Castle and High Tea at the Garden Centre

Treat yourself to a fun day out to Stirling, where we will be visiting the castle, reviving its history and significance, a wonderful day out with a real taste of Scottish heritage, the perfect location for an illustrative day out with family and friends.

Stirling Castle

Stirling castle, a building of magnificent architecture and historical importance sits on top of Castle Hill, a geological formation with steep cliffs that provide a natural defensive position.

Strategically situated on the crossing of the river Forth, it has been a stronghold since early ages.

The current castle’s early buildings date back to the fourteenth century, most of the principal buildings are from the fifteen and sixteenth centuries and the exterior fortifications are as recent as the eighteenth century.

Rich history, kings and queens of Scotland have been crowned in this castle.

Complimentary guided tours of the castle and Argyll’s Lodging are included with your entry ticket.

These guided tours take place throughout the day and are led by experienced and well informed guides. Audio guides, available in six languages, can be hired on the day.

On the way back, a stopover for High Tea, where we will also enjoy strolling through the beautifully assorted Dobbies Garden Centre, with a sublime Bakery to Go, a Delicatessen full with Scottish and international delicacies, Local Produce store, Local butcher, and amazing offers on the foodie section.

One delicious dessert at Dobbies

A delicious afternoon tea prepared by the award winning restaurant in Dobbies will be the perfect brooch for our day before we settle down comfortably in our seats for our journey back home.

Enjoy a Day Trip with A1 Coaches. Organize your day by calling 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com

Close to you! Loch Lomond

Scotland is gifted with lush natural beauty, and most people in Scotland live within easy reach of a National Park.

I would dare to say the whole of Scotland is a National Park, as beautiful landscapes are not confined to the limits of a National Park. This national treasure of nature and cultural heritage makes of Scotland an all round holiday experience. There is so much to see!

Cameron House, Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one of these national treasures, a natural paradise on earth with a rich cultural heritage of Gaelic roots, quaint villages and industrious people offering the best of the local produce to the world.

 Luss, Loch Lomond

Food and drink are elevated to art in this region. The outstanding quality of the local produce is the pride of the communities living in the National Park. 

Loch Lomond at sunset

 With idyllic places to lodge and eat, it is always a truly authentic experience to visit.

 Youth Hostel, Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park cover a big area, with Loch Lomond being the largest stretch of inland water in Britain. 

A boat bus service interconnecting the villages around the shores is a good opportunity to enjoy the loch and tour around the most picturesque villages, and some hiking and cycling trails include a boat bus ride to the next stretch of the trail.

Or just a trip on a boat peacefully cruising the lochs, with different cruises to choose from. Cruising Loch Lomond or Loch Katrina gives you the full experience of the lochs, islands and villages. 

There are several companies offering boat trips and boat bus service

Bagging Munros, hiking or cycling along beautiful trails, angling, playing golf, out on a trip on the Loch or enjoying the superb local food, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is really an exhilarating experience for everybody. 

Highland Games are held in Balloch each year in July, an exceptional opportunity to visit the park. 

Balloch Highland Games, Loch Lomond 

Distilleries and breweries around the Trossachs and Loch Lomond share the outstanding quality and spirit of this truly special place, and are an attraction themselves to the fans of the most popular and internationally renowned Scottish product.  

Local Water of Life

Raw nature, waterfalls, wildlife, and all the delicacies the local communities have to offer, your visit to the National Park is an unforgettable one.

Loch Lomond looking south from Ben Lomond

You can expect all sorts of water activities in the park, anything from fishing to wind-surfing

Boat yard in Balloch

or even taking off on a sea plane!

Sea plane at Culag

There is an operating sea plane company in Loch Lomond too!

Loch Lomond Sea Planes

As you see, there's something for everybody in the National Park just around the corner from your house!

Having Loch Lomond and the Trossachs close is a privilege we enjoy, and organising a day out is very easy. Talk to us, just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com.