Tour Auchtermuchty on a relaxing small
group vacation of my homeland

" I look forward to showing you my historic
Scotland, as only a native Scot can. "

Auchtermuchty's name - the field of the pigs - indicates that the community started as an agricultural one. The original field for the pigs was probably cleared from the forest which covered most of Scotland in medieval times. On the higher ground above the marshes of the Howe of Fife the land was fertile.

When the Scottish Monarchs began to stay at Falkland during the 15th century the village of Auchtermuchty started to grow, providing provisions for the Royal Court and accommodations for those who could not find it, or afford it, in Falkland. Thus though agriculture remained the mainstay of the village, by the beginning of the 16th century Auchtermuchty was turning into a commercial center.

The Royal Charter of 1517 allowed the Burgh to hold weekly markets on a Wednesday, and a public fair starting on St. Serf's day, lasting for eight days. The Burgh itself was allowed to buy and sell wine, candlewax, woollen cloth, linen cloth and other merchandise.

Auchtermuchty became a trading center situated ideally on the Stirling - Kinross - St. Andrews road and the Falkland across to Newburgh road.There was produce and grain from the farms and fish from the River Tay and Loch Rossie, which was not drained until 1805. Auchtermuchty at an early stage became a center for weaving linen which was processed in a bleachfield just north of the Burgh.

For the Independent Traveler to Scotland we also offer help with Airfares, Hotel Packages, and Rail Travel.

Leave The Herd Behind With A Small Group Tour of Scotland

All my small group tours of Scotland, which often include my native Fife, are paced for discovery and understanding, not just notching sites. Each small group is limited to an absolute maximum of 18 people, with a typical small group being just 6 or 8 people. I prefer to guide these small groups through Scotland in a relaxing manner, staying at two or three base locations from which we can visit places of interest - and not have to move luggage every day.

Tour Scotland guests tend to be travelers rather than tourists, enjoying seeing behind the tourist facade, while visiting with " locals " and seeing sites not normally seen by the regular tourist. Many group members visit Scotland to trace their Scottish ancestry; others to golf or fish; most come to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, historic buildings and gardens, and most of all, to meet and enjoy the people of Scotland. My Tours of Scotland can be best described as being " couthy. " It's a Scottish word meaning " gentle."

What goes into an unforgettable Tour of Scotland ? Lots of great scenery, for sure. Perhaps also a smidgen of something you can't quite put your finger on, but nevertheless creates a lasting impression. Maybe a piper playing in the pub; perhaps a conversation with a local; a shepherd working his dogs; fishermen landing their catch. All my previous group members have their own lists of defining moments. I wonder what yours will be ?

Any time from April through October is a really good time to Tour Scotland. Spring and early summer are my particular favorites. Forests, fields and glens offer a wonderful array of colors during that time of year, while the long Northern days of sunshine let you get out and enjoy it. There is also no shortage of things to do as all the best attractions are already open, and are far more relaxed away from the mid-summer crowds, whilst in the cities the Arts season is in full swing. But whenever you visit, you're always guaranteed a warm welcome in my Scotland. June through August is the best time to attend Highland Games on a Tour Scotland tour.

Here's a built by a couple of Tour Scotland members from last year. I think you will find the site interesting and informative. A Journey Through Scotland. For my latest Tours of Scotland photos click: May 2003 or Loch Ness.

Tour Scotland group members will have the opportunity to shop, play golf, visit local pubs and simply go for walks and enjoy local sights and sounds. Let me know your reasons for wishing to Tour Scotland, and see if I can best fit your needs. If you would like to visit independently, or as part of a small group tour, or on another Tour of Scotland, please e-mail me:

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Sandy Stevenson All rights reserved 2000.