Newhaven Harbour

The small harbour of Newhaven lies on the Firth of Forth, and I popped down there for a bracing walk along the shoreline. It was once a thriving fishing village, a major port for landing oysters, an important centre for shipbuilding, and in its time played a role in the whaling industry. Its old Victorian fishmarket has been converted into restaurants, although the fishmarket function itself has been revitalised and includes a publically accessible fishmonger. It is wonderful to see fresh fish and seafood laid out ready to pop into the pan ..... and nowhere else has an aroma quite like a shop selling fresh fish. Newhaven is very much a mix of the old and the new, with modern developments along the seafront towering over the quaint little fishermen's cottages very much a reminder of its industrious past. Fishing nets and baskets line the harbour wall, whilst within its sanctuary boats bob up and down and the lighthouse at its entrance stands tall and proud against the elements, a beacon that called seafarers safely home.  

Although the sea looked less than inviting at this particular time, I had managed to find a not-quite-so bitterly cold day amidst the arctic conditions that have beset us for what seems like an eternity. However, reminders that spring was still on hold were very much in evidence. The snow-covered hills of Fife, the majestic Pentlands blanketed in white, snow-lined hills stretching out beyond the ever-expanding harbour at Leith, and Salisburys Crags and Arthur's Seat with their icing sugar peppering of winter were all clearly visible. Yet above me, the sun had managed to push its way from behind the clouds and pockets of blue sky were very much in evidence. Take away that biting wind and it would have been very much a beautiful afternoon in March. It is difficult to believe you are only a short bus ride from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. And there are many more places like this, places overlooked by many of the tourists that head for Edinburgh and its major attractions. Maybe more should be done to highlight such places, to bring folk to these delightful villages dotted around the city centre, full of history, true relections of Scotland's past, and wonderful places to spend an hour wandering around soaking up the views and exploring.