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The Castle Hunting season began again on the May bank holiday. Liam and I headed out to Blairgowrie on that day, and struck another couple off the list - although we had to miss out three more because of my bad leg. Since the sun decided to shine on us today, I decided to make a quick foray across the river to the Kingdom of Fife, where there are a handful of castles all within a two mile radius of one another. Linda 'wanted' to clean the house, and I thought it best just to get out of her way before she handed me the vacuum cleaner or a can of furniture polish. Liam was crashed out on the couch after having come home from his friend's 'let's-stay-awake-all-night-and-not-get-a-wink-of-sleepover'. I got my map out, planned my route, loaded up on coffee and sandwiches, packed my camera and lenses and headed out. First stop was the petrol station, though, since Linda doesn't seem to know how to put petrol in the car, and doesn't seem to understand that when the pointer is pointing at the 'E', and the yellow petrol pump light is lit, it is not a very good idea to be more than a couple of miles from a petrol station. I don't use the car very often, yet I always seem to get it when it has very little petrol in it (although I always leave it with at least a half tank). Anyway, I digress. I headed over the bridge into the Kingdom, and made my way past Wormit to Balmerino, stopping briefly to enjoy the view at Peacehill. My first port of call was Naughton Castle, where I saw a dying rabbit. I walked up the long drive to the 18th century house, which is built on the site of a 13th century keep. Unfortunately, there was nothing left of the medieval castle but the carved coat of arms above the Georgian door. Disappointed, I set off again. The other castles on my list were better - they actually existed (to a greater or lesser extent). All the time I was traversing north Fife, I was listening to the football. Happily, Celtic managed to win 2-0, putting us back on top of the league where we belong. Only two more games to go, and the Championship is in our hands! So... Celtic back on top, and four castles chopped off the list. This chap must have been an Aberdeen (or R*****s) supporter, because judging by the noise he was making he didn't seem to be very happy. I kept my distance!

A trip round north Fife

Mizzie was enjoying the sunshine this time last year