A Scottish Neuk

By Linda Tancs

Famous for its idyllic fishing villages, Scotland’s East Neuk (nook) is generally accepted to comprise the most northerly part of the Firth of Forth and the land and villages slightly inland. St. Monans is the smallest of the East Neuk fishing ports, and that’s where you’ll find a picturesque windmill that was used in salt production to provide the power to pump sea water from tidally-fed reservoirs cut into the rocks offshore into salt pans. The industry is credited to Sir John Anstruther, who became the local laird in 1753. A village was named for him, which happens to be the largest of the Neuk and features a fisheries museum that tells the history of the fishing industry in the region. The festive spirit is in full swing this time of year, complete with loads of lights and Christmas markets.