Burning Newburgh Bear

Last night the enormous and spectacular petroleum Newburgh bear was lit up above Newburgh village.  It marked the 750th year of being a Royal Burgh.

The iconic design of a Bear holding a tree is huge and can be seen for miles.   It is constructed from a shallow trench which the vegetation is regularly removed by locals. The design is lit up by cans of petroleum containing canvas sacks.  A simple yet effective tradition continued by the locals.

Newburgh has a thriving arts scene and is steeped in history and its great to have such a wonderful tradition burning bright on the hills of Fife.

Staying in Fife

Guests staying at luxury Lindores Lodge (self catering accommodation) The Newburgh Bear is only a short 1 mile drive alternatively guests can also walk over the farmland grass fields to overlook the bear (when unlit) and the new Lindores Abbey Distillery nestling at the side of the River Tay.

Lindores Abbey

Although a relatively unknown site today, Lindores Abbey near the Newburgh bear was once a very important and wealthy place, visited by Kings and Queens (including Edward I of England, John Balliol, David II, James III and IV), warriors and statesmen.

William Wallace even took refuge with 300 of his men after their victory over the English at the nearby Battle of Black Earnside.  The weary, battle-stained band stopped to drink from the Holy Burn, a strand of water running near to the Abbey before they entered. Wallace is said to have declared of the Lindores water that ‘The wine in France I ne’er thought half so good’.

Lindores Distillery

In 2017, spirit will flow once again from copper stills at Lindores Abbey. The team are building a new distillery and visitor centre and the countdown has started to the day when the stills are run for the first time.  Great Scottish distillers past and present will bring a very modern whisky-making approach to this ancient site.  Must see tourist destination for guests staying nearby at Lindores Lodge.