Hey there, friends! Today we are going to head down to Berwickshire along Scotland’s southeastern coast to the pretty little fishing village of St. Abbs.
Originally called Coldingham Shore (because the fisherman who worked their boats in the harbor resided in nearby Coldingham), St. Abbs lies near Eyemouth, along the North Sea. It sits at the foot of St. Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve – 200 acres of breathtaking, wild, and rugged coastline. And breathtaking it is. Wouldn’t you agree?
The first building was constructed in St. Abbs in the early 18th century, with additional fisherman’s cottages built shortly after. By 1832, sixteen families resided on the shore, with twenty others living in nearby Coldingham. Fishing was the sole livelihood of St. Abb’s residents.
“In the late 19th century, due to Victorian romanticism and the desire to distinguish the growing village of Coldingham Shore from its larger neighbour Coldingham, the village changed its name to St. Abbs. This name was derived from the headland to the north of the village, which is itself named after the 7th century Abbess Æbbe, who at the dawn of the Christian faith in South East Scotland, founded a monastery on the summit of the Kirk Hill located out on the headland.” -stabbs.com
The harbor today is still very much a working harbor, and though very few people now call St. Abbs their year-round home, the area is a lovely place of respite for its visitors. It is a popular destination for people who enjoy walking, fishing, scuba diving, seabird-watching, and for those who just want to take in the crystal sea and the beautiful, rugged coastline.
Though St. Abbs lies only about an hour to the southeast of Edinburgh, somehow being there gives you the feeling that you have stumbled upon something of a secret much farther away. So while the tourists descend upon Edinburgh, the Highlands, the Isle of Skye, Glasgow, and other fabulous destinations, I highly encourage you – at least for a day – to hop in your car, point your wheels south, and spend some precious time on this beautiful piece of Scotland’s shore.
Trust me. You will not regret it.
Cheers,
*Memorial photo courtesy of Pixabay.
What a charming village. Great photos! Would be a great setting for a story. There goes my writer’s imagination again.
Hmmm, there’s a thought!
Thank you for taking me back to this delightful village. I was there back in the 80’s with an ex boyfriend, visiting members of his family. It’s good to see it is still such a beautiful and peaceful place.
Aww, I’m so glad I was able to help you recall a good memory. 🙂
Hey Wendy,
This looks like a great place of tranquility. What great photos– but I know they wouldn’t compare to being there. Thanks for taking me to this area of Scotland and sharing some of its rich history.
Best to you,
Connie
I appreciate your comment, Connie. And you are right. Seeing is believing. 🙂
Wonderful photos, Wendy, and what fantastic weather you had. I like the look of that cafe.