Lord Collier (LC) rides again! I set out early from Chinley for the first day of my journey north towards the start of the North Coast 500. Taking the M6 towards Scotland, there was a growing sense that the adventure was finally beginning.
My first stop was Falkirk and The Kelpies, two spectacular 100-foot-high steel horse-head sculptures beside the Forth and Clyde Canal. Designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, they celebrate the heavy horses that were once central to Scotland’s industrial and agricultural life. Their name comes from the kelpie, the powerful shape-shifting water spirit of Scottish folklore.
Standing beneath these enormous sculptures, their scale and intricate steelwork are impressive. But Falkirk meant more to me than simply seeing another landmark—it was the birthplace of my mother, making this an important connection to my own Scottish family roots.
From Falkirk I headed east to St Andrews, a town where golf, history, university life and the sea come together.
The town was bustling around the Old Course, the home of golf and one of the world’s most famous courses. I walked around the course and spoke with people about its influence on local golfers and the international stars who have played there. Golf is clearly far more than a sport in St Andrews; it is part of the town’s identity.
I then walked along the beach towards St Andrews Castle, continuing out along the pier on a beautiful sunny afternoon. From there I visited the impressive ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, once Scotland’s largest cathedral and a reminder of the town’s extraordinary medieval importance.
The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413 and the oldest university in Scotland was my last stop. Its historic buildings and traditions are such an integral part of the town, adding another layer to the character of St Andrews.
By evening I had reached Perth, an important stopping point on the route north towards Inverness. A local B&B provided a warm welcome and, following a recommendation from my hosts, I spent the evening at The Half Moon pub, celebrating three birthdays with local residents, enjoying Tennent’s and hearing some excellent Scottish stories.
Around 11, I returned to the B&B tired but very satisfied. The NC500 hadn’t officially begun, but the journey was already delivering everything I had hoped for—family connections, history, scenery, golf, good company and a taste of Scotland.
LC
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