#why are u trying to be wannabe historical about it

[oflorelei]

One thing that annoys me so hard is whenever i see people boil down grrms writing to be the most bland, MEDIOCRE, boring ass take ever 😭 guy LOVES fantasy, he LOVES to worldbuild with mythology in mind, he LOVES prophecies- characters like Dany are literally the walking embodiment of his love for fantasy and the fantastical. YET I have to keep seeing the most braindead, tumblresque, BLANDEST takes ever. "hOTD IiS aBOuT tWO sPoIlED dAdDy iSsUED bRaTS", first of all we all know grrm sold his soul to hbo like faust sold his to the devil- but he literally DENOUNCED the show 😭 to think this everburning car accident that plagues the screens of the times square in nyc is an ACCURATE depiction of georges work is laughable. Im not gonna tell you what the dance is about, BESIDES that with removing the fantastical aspect (literally blood betrayal, dying of the dragons, the long night coming again), also removing the obvious aspect of womanhood in westeroa something that is DRIVING FORCE ON WHY THIS CONFLICT EXISTS, is fucking laughable. Especially because George DOES write about this misogyny, internalized or not so much, to completely ignore that point to push the fucking stupid "holier then thou because i hate the targaryens BC they are conquerers despite the people they conquered literally comitting two mass genocides together with forced conversion" (on that point who tf of yall think u can seperate the hightowers from the faith pre-dance?), is literally my achilles heel. I need some of you all to use your brain and THINK, very hard and long, and READ thru awoiaf or one of the DOZEN OTHER NOVELLAS we have on the dance, the blood betrayal, the long night.

Also another quick rant: this wannabe 'historian' pov of "im just boiling it down to the most blandest, white toast bread, ignoring and misinterpreting the lore the the extent that it would make the dumb and dumber PROUD" is so annoying- coming from someone who is studying history with a focus on pre-modern era (aka middle ages) atm. This doesnt work for a world in which *dragons* and *magic* not only EXISTS but also indirectly or even directly influences the fade of the world.

My take? The blood betrayal definitively definitively is there, was written to resemble the dance of dragons (or the other way around). Yeah ignore a younger brother betraying his older sister who was the rightful heir to the throne of an empire only ruled by men till then. Yeah ignore how that sister is called amethyst empress (in a line of a thousand different gems names there could be), while her brother is called the bloodstone emperor (which is btw a GREEN STONE WITH RED FLECKS). Yeah ignore that this betrayal is what caused the Maiden-made-of-LIGHT to turn her back on the world meanwhile the Lion of the NIGHT came forth with demons (with what the others are compared to btw) to the realm of MEN. Yeah ignore that Dany is also suppose to mirror/parallel the amethyst empress and that fixing the wrongs of her ancestors is also her whole thing. Yeah ignore that the breaker of chains, the Prince that was promised, the one who has an dynasty resting on her back, whose downfall started with the dying of dragons in a war fought over the heir not having a dick, is also a (very) young woman, her womanhood also playing a part in her whole Story. Am i saying Rhaenyra or Dany are the AE reborn? Hell No, and if id bet my money on Dany. But both of them and their conflicts get so extremely paralleled with the Amethyst Empress History that you have to be literacy blind to not see that.

But thats my opinion, you can believe what you want as long as you dont boil hotd down to being the "truth" and ignoring the existing fantasy/magic as well as the world building relevant extreme misogyny.

[tatakaebomb]

Hiiii! Both of you are amazing writers — I even went to your wattpad to read more 😫.

For this specific request, I would like Ash to write it:)

Could you write a Sukuna historical au? Except Sukuna is just a normal human. He’s well known in the village bc he’s loaded with money or powerful and he wants to marry you even though you’re against it bc Sukuna’s a misogynistic asshole.

Sukuna thought you just needed time to think about the proposal, then u would accept but that changes when he saw you on a date with someone else. You secretly went on this date — even ur parents don’t know. Your parents (more specifically your mom) wants you to get married to Sukuna but fortunately your dad is protective of you. That is, until Sukuna goes to your parents’ house while you were out and tells them about this secret lover you’ve been seeing. He manipulates them into thinking you’re a sex worker and that you need to get married otherwise no one will want you (or something along that line).

Moving on, your dad gives in and when u come home that day, your bags are already packed and ready to go with Sukuna. It happens sooo fast, when you arrived home, Sukuna ends up having possessive sex with some mixed yandere themes. Just rough sex with degrading!!

Hope this is not too long, kinda got carried away, lmao.

You could add whatever you like, twist it up a bit, make is angsty, tbh I don’t really care, as long as I get more Sukuna content cuz that man has me on a leash.

Thank you so much and both of you remember to drink lots of water!!

Thankyou for the ask, I’ve never written historical AU before so this was something new. Sorry for the wait but tysm for this detailed suggestion, it was very creative.

- ash

tw : yandere themes, oral, non con, dub con, misogyny, mentions of rape, orgasm denial, cream pie, facial, deception, sukuna an ass hole, forced marriage, probs a lot more, 18+

NSFW 18+

wc : 2.8k

You were a daddys girl. You always had been and you always will be, thats why when you recieved the offer through the post your father was underwhelmed. Annoyed that somebody would want to take his baby girl from him

"Y/N Hes perfect! We can get started on your dress, prepare the wedding. I cant believe my darling is getting married to THE Ryomen sukuna!" Giddly, your mother bounced around the kitchen, almost passed out from the invitation.

"Mother I dont want to marry him." You mutter, hands crossed over your chest and eyes attached to the floor

You couldn't see what was so great about this guy, why does everybody love him? Woman swooned over him, men admiring him. He was nothing but a douche in your eyes, a try hard...a wannabe. Not to mention pretentious as fuck.

"Himari, I think give it a wait. Shes youthful."

-

"So what do you say y/n? Would you accept the honours of being my spouse?" He asks, hand cupped into yours as he rubs his thumb over. Cocky smirk planted over his face like he's doing YOU the favour.

His clothes reeked of his wealth, cape draped over his back and shirt cut so you could see the muscles running down his arms and biceps. Boots on his feet studded in diamonds and leather freshly stripped from the back of a cow.

"Sir. With all due respect I don-"

"I understand. Marriage can be complex, cooking, cleaning. I'm not ill-bred, ill look after our children." He chuckles, pearly white teeth shining like he knew what you was about to say. He could predict your worry, being married to someone as outstanding as him would be a hard job. But thats what marriage is for?

You caught his eye for ages, corset dress inching in your waist and bust of your breasts cupped up enough to see straight through you. He heard you were hard work, all about this feminist bullshit, but thats what drew him closer to you. The need to ruin you and swell your perfect tummy with his seed, for him to have a perfect, fiesty woman on his side. One thats different from the others, one that all men drool at but hes the one who gets to fuck you from the back till your screaming. To get you on your knees until your cumming at the sight of him.

"What? Ugh get off me-" You curse, swatting his hand away as you scowl at his vile words. For him to say that in such a public space is vile, imagine what he would do in the privacy of your shared room.

"-im only 20. I hadn't even thought of marriage!"

"Grown, a woman of your age should have kids by now. Im doing you a favour if anything!"

You knew you couldnt frown too much, scrunching your face is something rude women do. But you couldnt help it, you disliked this man with a passion, he was nothing but an ass hole in the shape of a prodigy.

Spinning around, the click of your small wedged heels trotted along the cobble floor, floppy hat held down in your left hand as you tugged down the weight of your dress with the other. Face starstruck and furious, but sukuna knew that was bound to happen. Sooner or later you'll be running back, begging for him to take YOU in. And for that he will wait, he will wait as long as you need, the build up to getting to ruin you in the bedroom was way to thrilling.

-

1 week passes and there was still no response to his ask. Its okay, your probably just considering the outfit your going to wear at your wedding as he bows down, pecks your hand, stares up into your shy eyes. Only to tear it off with his teeth whilst you speak with your family down the old telephone line, thanking them for their congratulations as you supress a whine as his fingers dance inside your tight pussy.

The weather outside was delightful, crisp sky, warm feeling. Not to mention the taverns and live saxaphone players. Sukuna loved this kind of weather, the opportunity to grasp at any compliment he can get for just revealing more parts of his skin.

-

"-And thats how I became courted to two women at once!" The man infront of you says, laughing at his own joke as he lifts the pipe from his lips and releases the air. The gas floating infront of your eyes and lips.

Pretty face rested tight on the palm of your hand as you mindlessly tugged at the loose hem of your dress. You came to believe you were hopeless at this dating thing, only attracting imbecilic men with egos bigger than their brains. Maybe this is why you were prohibited from dating.

"Ah. Well Satoru that sounds...delightful.."

"Doesn't it just! But it was a shame, none of the women had assets as beautiful as yours though."

-

Entering into the saloon, he was greeted with a smile by the boss. Waving him over to come sit by him and his friends. He was no stranger to this place, the owner loving him and wanting him to be his own son. Reminding him of how he was when he was younger.

"Sukuna! Havent seen you in a while!" The manager cheered, slapping him hard on the back as he nestled his fists in his hair. Sukunas wide spread arms resting on the back of the couch. Several other men getting up to greet him and sit around him.

"Quite a crowd you got in here today."

"Right on. Seems like a lot of beautiful women decided to come out."

"Alone?"

"Yep. And they're still curious why they get raped" A boisterous laugh eliciting from the men next to him, tears swelling up in the rim of their eyes from the top dogs own humour. He wasn't wrong though, bunch of cocottes.

"How's your wife?" Sukuna asks, sipping from the beer glass placed in front of him.

"Virtuous. I suppose you've found a woman you want to settle with?"

"Supposedly..."

"Well, if your still looking, the beautiful lady over there seems to be in a bit of a predicament. Perhaps you could help her out."

And thats where it happened, smile stripped from sukunas face as he sees you, pitched up on a high chair, legs crossed and red lipstick planting onto the glass in your hand as you sip on the wine given to you. Prohibition was a huge thing at this time, it was so unlady like for someone of your gender to be rebelling like that. But the worst thing was the man sitting infront of you, arrogant smile as he continues to talk on and on about himself. Sukuna couldnt believe it, you...on a date with someone else? Talking to someone else? Dressed up for somebody else? How could you do this- betray him like this, its so clear you dont pay any interest to the guy infront of you so what does he have that sukuna could not give to you. Your getting way too big for your boots and as a man, sukuna has a moral obligation to do whats right.

"Im sorry, would you excuse me? I have something I need to do."

"Leaving so soon?"

"...My apologies, please forgive me.."

-

Opening the door to your parents home you were faced with the noises of your mothers weeping and crying, the aura anger and disappointment, something you've so afraid of. Stepping in, you attempt to slip off your shoes, the tip of your toes bumping into the feeling of the wooden trunk, tied neatly with a bow. Inside sat all your possessions, thrown in with recklessness and lack of care.

"YOU WHORE! I cannot believe the nerve you have to appear foot on in this home!"

Glancing upwards, you were met with the red eyes of your mother. Her hand occupied with what looked like a comb and arm held back. Her face flushed with nothing but anger, you've never seen her quite so distressed.

And there you saw him, fauxly upset expression dragged on his face, hand rubbing on the small of your mothers back and hand gripped on her wrist to prevent her causing any harm to you - wouldn't want her damaging what's rightly his.

"W-what?"

"Y/N...-" You heard him speak, husky voice low and intimidating. Hand still rubbing your mothers back as she leaned to weep in his broad arms. "Your dishonourable, its only right your family knows. I apologise that they had to find out this way"

"Pardon..."

"Dont speak so tedious, entering this home KNOWING you’ve came back from working at a whore house. Only God can save you at this point…’

Spinning your head behind you were faced with the murderous look of your father, the one whose always sheltered over you, always defended your name, now ridiculing you, mocking you for something you were so clueless about. Your poor heart was about to break.

‘Your bags are packed, we don’t ever wanna see you again…’

Your face was hit with a heavy weight thrown at it, cheek bruised and your eyes swelling with tears.

‘I-father I don’t understand…’

‘Sukuna revealed all. You labour as a prostitute? I told you she should be courted and sent off…’

‘Prostitute?! Don’t be ridiculous, I would never-‘

‘Don’t deceive your parents y/n, there’s no point in creating a masquerade for your actions’ Sukuna spoke out, stern look in his eyes as he picks up your hand in his own, running the tips on your knuckles.

‘Your getting wedded. Your lucky somebody like sukuna would ever take you in…’

And with that your mother and father left the property, leaving you and the man of your misery stood tall and prideful infront of you. Captivating look in his eyes, like a predator whose just caught and torn apart their prey.

‘I- why?’ You sob, voice choked and bubbly from shock.

A loud slap to the side of your face startled you, it was ten times harsher than any you’ve ever felt, small body stumbled back and cheek bruised and sore. Your hands gripped up in a flash and body pulled towards him, the stench of alcohol and lust beaming off his figure.

‘Out with another man? What happened to my marriage proposal y/n? Your lucky a man like me would even want to take you in after hearing about your reputation…’

‘I-I never accepted it you scoundrel! Why lie to my parents…’

‘A white lie never hurts, but fuck I’ve been wanting you for too long…and now that your mine I’m never letting you go…’ His greedy lips quickly moving to attack to your neck, dark purple hickeys implanted in your baby soft skin, finally marking you as his.

‘We’re not even married! Don’t fornicate…please I don’t want this!’

‘Stop…squirming- fuck you are spoilt aren’t you’ Teeth moving down to harshly bite into your flesh, a scream eliciting from your gaped mouth, tears forming on your waterline as you try your hardest to push him off. Attempts useless in the tightness of his grip.

Slamming your body on the door, he inched lower towards your back, hands trembling over the clothed skin of your ass and hips, fingers gently prodding near to your clothed cunt.

‘A-aren’t you meant to be a gentleman?!’

‘Sluts don’t get my respect’

SLAP

‘They earn it…’

The rattle of your ass had his eyes lust blown, cock stirred in his pants at how your skin managed to shake so much even with material covering it. He took no time in tearing apart your dress from the zip on the back, watching the material drop to the floor. Exposed body covered in a simple bra and panties.

‘Is this why you didn’t wanna marry me? You were too afraid of showing me this body?’

‘Go to hell-‘ you spit, head still pushed deeply into the walls as you murmur the words out as loud as you could. Body trembled and shook with fear.

A fast arch of your back and insert of his cock had you screaming, your cunt filled with his large girth. All 12 inches rammed into your tight, unprepped virgin hole. Forced slick doing nothing but acting as slight lube for him.

‘Ah- I don’t appreciate women speaking to me like that…might have to teach you a fucking lesson.’ Fingers delving into your mouth, tearing your lips apart and dragging out your tongue. Panting noises coerced from your fragile body.

The flesh of your skin wiggled and bounced off his thighs, material of your underwear rimming sukunas tip every time he pulled out and slammed back inside of you. Choked moans and gasps pushed out of your weaker, tighter, smaller body.

‘A-Ah please…’

‘Please what?’

SLAP

‘Please s-sukuna I- it hurts…’

‘Nah, I own you now baby, waited too long to fuck this pretty pussy.’ He says, mesmerised in the way you take him in, the trembling of your legs under his touch. The way his biceps from grabbing you and twisting you how he wants you, the saliva collecting at the centre of your cleavage. ‘Say my real name..’

‘D-daddy..’

‘Daddy? Didn’t expect that but I’ll take it’ he laughs egotistically, secretely fawning at how sweet you sound, at how he’s achieved his one ultimate task of changing you. Making you his, marking you as his and fucking you as his.

‘S-shit what’s th- this feeling-‘ you mutter, stomach tightening and fingers gripping aimlessly at the wall for some help of release.

‘Dont fucking try it. Don’t cum.’ Pace quickening, his balls begin slapping at the under curve of your as. Your tired mouth and sore throat groaning at the bliss coming over you. Sukunas cum quickly filling up the parting between your legs, cream swiped up and down, melting and mending into your slick.

‘M so close-‘

And with that he stopped, grip on your hips and face moved to your shoulders. Forcing you down on the floor, weakened body hurt and the bruise on your cheek from the previous slap clearly evident. Water filled eyes and thighs tightening from your denied release.

‘W-why…’

‘Aw, you ‘gn cry? Your so fucking pretty, atleast cry when your choking on daddys cock hm? First and last cock you’ll ever have…’ he says, tugging up your chin and rubbing his dick infront of his face. Softened dick hardening quickly once again from your gutted expression, from how he managed to fuck up the life of an innocent, Victorian girl. The ones he’s wanted for so long, to teach, to change, to fuck, to breed… ‘your fucking MINE!’

Rubbing his tip across the rim of your lips, your salted tears dripped down to his cock, sensitive tip almost exploding once again from the feeling of your hitched breath so close to him. The doting look in your eyes peering up to him, begging him not to do this.

‘I’d fuck you better than that man ever could, your mine…got it?’ The query alarming you, your head nodding in pure fear of what he would do to you if you disobeyed him.

‘Good girl, mine mine mine…Open wide baby…’ and with that he forced your jaw open, slamming his girth to the back of your throat. Gagging and retching sounds forced out of your weak body, hands moving to claw at the skin on your thighs as you forcefully took it. Tear stain cheeks hollowed and puffed out from the tangy feeling of his shaft rammed deep inside you. Warm breath and coated saliva gathering along his most sensitive parts, hips rolling quick and the back of his head rolled back in ecstasy.

‘Sh-shit- should’ve fucked you so long ago..’

Your tongue ran across the rim of his slit every time he slammed into your mouth, the forced cup on your jaw making you stare up at him. Dark, sorrowful look in your eyes sent him off the rails. The wet spot inbetween your thighs growing again, tits jolting and moving with every thrust, you looked so innocent, so needy for sukuna to fuck you dizzy.

Short spurts of cum sent to the back of your throat, sour flavour tanging the tip of your tongue, body gagging and moaning, jolts sent to the core of his stomach, exploding straight onto you, mouth and tits covered in all his sperm. Completely marked and ruined, filth, disgusting, you were the prostitute that your family feared you would become.

‘Fuckk…’ sukuna rolls out, peering at the drips of cum running down your tits, ones you made no effort to move, instead focused on preventing yourself to cry, knowing he’s the one your forced to spend the rest of your life with.

‘I hate you…’ you spit, jaw cupped and plunged towards his lips, tongue swiped and sperm from his cock pushed down into your throat, assuring every last drop is swallowed and taken in. Every last part of him is inside of you…

‘…You’ll grow to love, both me and the tons of seed I’m gonna breed inside your tight pussy..’

-

[vacationsoup]

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[Duplicated:274064] A Guide to St.Andrews

Interesting Facts, Things to do, Places to See and Where to Eat in St Andrews

A seaside town north east of Edinburgh St Andrews is most famous for it’s golf courses and university.

St Andrews University occupies many of the beautiful and historic villages in St Andrews, it has seen many famous students over the years including actor John Cleese, Author, Fay Weldon and most famous of all the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who first met at University.

Founded in the early 15thcentury, St Andrews was Scotlands’ first university and the 3rdoldest university in the English-speaking world.  It continues to attract students from all over the world.

The St Andrew Links Golf Course has 7 separate courses, The Old Course, The New Course, The Castle Course, The Jubilee Course, The Eden Course, The Stratyrum Course and The Balgove Course.  You can pre-book all courses online except for the Balgrove Course, simply turn up for the day.  The Old Course., reservations for this are hard to come by and fully booked for the majority of 2019, however, they do run a ballot system, you will be informed 2 days prior to play if you have been successful, the system requires 2 players and a specific handicap.  For more information visit the clubs site, they also have some special offers so it’s not as expensive as you might think. St Andrews

One of the most famous and most popular tournaments is the Alfred Dunhill Tournament, which sees professional golfers playing alongside famous amateur golfers.  The 2018 tournament saw celebrities including Peter Jones from Dragons Den, Ronan Keating, Hugh Grant and Greg Kinnear so a great opportunity to do some star spotting as well a watching golf. Alfred Dunhill Links

There are many other sporting activities to try other than golf.   How about Land yachting, which is a combination of sailing and motor racing, basically a buggy with a sail on top of it!   Also on offer are better known water sports such as Kayaking and surfing. Blown Away

Looking for more of a thrill?  Just 5 miles outside of At Andrews is a skydiving school.  Tandem jumps are offered for those with no experience, a dual harness secures you to a qualified instructor.  Prices from £270.00 so not a cheap day out but certainly one we think you’ll remember forever!

Sky Dive St Andrews

But there are also plenty of other things to do and see in St Andrews besides golf. A walking / food tour is a great way to learn about the historical town from a local whilst also enjoying some local food, wine, beer and whiskey on the way.   Tours start at either 1pm or 5pm and with around 4 or 5 stops at different establishments. Eat Walk St Andrews

Scotland is probably most famous for whisky but many distillers have now branched out into offering gin as well.  Eden Mill is located just outside St Andrews and offers both blended and single malt whisky, including a range bottled in hip flask style bottles. There is the original Eden Mills Gin, the very popular pink gin and now a Golf Gin, made using botanicals found around the coastal golf courses in the region.   They also produce 8 different craft beers, so something for everyone (except Tee totallers!).   Book a tour of the distillery or why not enroll in Gin School?  You can make your own gin and even have it bottled with it’s own label an ideal keepsake or a great gift to take home for a friend or relative who loves gin. Eden Mill

If you are visiting St Andrews at the end of July then the town has it’s own Highland Games. St Andrews Highland Games

After all the sporting activities you might want to treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a spa day.  The Kohler Water Spa at The Old Course hotel has hydrotherapy pools, an indoor pool, a roof top hot tub, a swan neck jet spray to ease those shoulder muscles, steam room, saunas and a whole range of massage options, facials and much more or simply relax on a lounger by the pool with a glass of champagne.

The Old Course Hotel Spa

Looking for a chilled day, if the weather is warm (yes it is occasionally in Scotland) then why not pack a picnic and head to West Sands Beach.  This 2-mile stretch of sands is were the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire was filmed.  It’s about 15 minutes walk from the town and it’s dog friendly too. West Sands Beach

A fun way to explore the city with children is to purchase a treasure trail. There are 3 different themed Treasure Trails in St Andrews, including a spy mission (for those wannabe James Bonds) and a mystery themed Trail as well as the treasure hunt. Purchase the trail for £6.99, you can either print it yourself order in advance and have a printed guide posted to you, you can even have them personalised so great for a birthday. Treasure Trails

Children of all ages will love a visit to the Aquarium.  See everything from cute seals, fluffy meerkats to sharks and reptiles. Children can also feed the animals (only the cute fluffy ones, not the reptiles or sharks!). St Andrews Aquarium

For cold and wet weather days and a good dose of culture and education visit The St Andrews Museum.  The Museum details the history of the town, with regular exhibitions throughout the year and it’s free to enter.

As St Andrews is the home of golf a trip to the town should really include a visit to The Golfing Museum.  Learn everything there is to know about golf since the game began over 500 years ago.  Despite Scotland being the home of golf it was in fact banned in 1457, by King James II of Scotland who also banned football. British Golf Museum

St Andrews is also home to Scotland’s secret bunker, spanning the space of 2 football pitches, the bunker is located under a farmhouse and wascreated as a safe house for the government should the country get caught in a nuclear war. It housed its very own broadcasting studio, staffed by the BBC, to ensure that in the event of a nuclear strike emergency broadcasts could be transmitted. All other radio and TV channels would automatically go off-air and the emergency broadcast would inform people of the dangers. The bunker also had it’s own chapel and resident clergy throughout the cold war. The Secret Bunker

The Botanic Gardens have events for children scheduled throughout the year called Planet Botanic; activities include planting, den building, rock pooling and outdoor art. Botanic Gardens

St Andrews Castle was the official residence of Scotland’s bishops (and later archbishops) throughout the middle Ages. They were Scotland’s leading churchmen so had to be prepared to defend themselves and the property of the Church – hence their strong castle. Its scale demonstrated the power and wealth of the bishops, and it was the setting for many important events, which determined the course of Scottish history.  St Andrews Castle was a bishop’s palace, a fortress and a state prison during its 450-year history.

The Cathedral was Scotlands largest medieval church. If you can face the climbto the top of the 33m tall St Rule’s Tower it is well worth it for the views over St Andrews and out to sea.

Retail Therapy

Surprising St Andrews has some really great independent shops, and not just ones that sell jumpers with diamond patterns and long socks.

For a designer fix head to Sam Brown Boutique for a great selection of womanswear, accessories and scented candles. Sam Brown

If you’re looking for tartan or cashmere head to Johnstons of Elgin for mens, womans and childrens clothing as well as luxurious throws and cushions. Johnston of Elgin

As you would imagine, a town with one of the most famous universities in the world is bound to have a good book shop, well, it has two actually.

Topping & Co is the largest independent bookshop to open in Britain in the last 30 years. Feel right at home with floor to ceiling bookshelves, a wood burning stove, free-flowing coffee and regular book signings and talks. Topping Books

For a fine selection of antiquarian and second hand books visit Bouquiniste Bouquiniste

The Sky Candle shop will ensure the scents of Scotland can be enjoyed long after the holiday ends.  The Scottish collection includes Heather, Pine and Gorse scents. Skye Candles

For those with a sweet tooth, Burns is a traditional sweet shop that has been in St Andrews for over 60 years.  Step back in time with real old-fashioned favourites such as Rhubarb and Custard, Strawberry Sherberts and many more. Burn Sweet Shop

For cheese lovers I.J Mellis has a great selection of artisan and farmhouse cheeses including locally made cheeses and very expensive French butter. Mellis Cheese

With so many historical buildings, ruins and its seaside location make St Andrews a great place for photography.  Impress the folks back home with some really great Instagram shots by taking a 3 or 4 hour photography tour of the town.  It’s also a great way to see places not on the tourist trail. St Andrews Photo Tours

Food and Drink

Just outside the town, Balgrove Larder is a must for all foodies, whether you are after some local produce to take back to your holiday home to cook up a feast, a cup of tea and a freshly baked scone, a steak supper or some beautiful flowers for your dining table, Balgrove Larder has everything you might need, even some excellent homemade ready meals if you’re feeling lazy.  They also offer butchery classes if you want to indulge your inner Julia Child and learn how to French trim a rack of lamb.

The former sawmill is home to the steak barn, the menus offers a selection of their 28 day matured steaks, homemade burgers and a weekly specials menu.  There is a small wine list and beers and gin from local distillery Eden Mill.

Special events are held throughout the year including an evening Christmas market, flower arranging, festive menus etc.

Balgrove

The Seafood Restaurant is a must for a touch of luxury, amazing locally sourced seafood with stunning sea views.  The restaurant is located right next to The Royal and Ancient.  As well as the usual seafood platters, oysters and smoked salmon expect to find inventive dishes on the a la carte menus such as John Dory with Orkney scallop, truffle gnocchi and sweetcorn or Wild Halibut with razor clams, coco beans and verjus.  All menus have locally sourced meat options and there is also an interesting vegetarian menu as well as a very reasonably price Bollinger Sunday lunch menu at £29.50 for 2 courses with a glass of Bolly. The wine list is impressive with over 35 Italian wines and 29 French Wines as well as New World Wines. The Seafood Restaurant

Champagne and Prosecco brunch specials are also on offer at Rogue, enjoy a full Scottish Breakfast (that’s with Haggis and 2 types of sausages) with either Prosecco or the champagne of choice at this establishment is Veuve Cliquot.  They also have a full a la carte menu with plenty of local seafood and steaks as well as a dedicated childrens’ menu. Rogue

For a touch of luxury why not have a Savoy Afternoon tea at The Fairmont Hotel.  Served in the Atrium Lounge which features a 60m lighting sculpture that hangs gracefully above.  Worth going just to see this which is quite an amazing work of art. Chose between the Savoy Afternoon tea and the Traditional Scottish Afternoon tea, both available with champagne as an option if you want to make it a truly special occasion. The Fairmont St Andrews

The Fairmont Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel set in 500 acres, it enjoys a hilltop position with views out to sea and over its’ two golf courses.

For a low-key relaxed place to eat, try The St Andrews Brewing Co.  Offering a selection of traditional pub style food to complement their many selections of beer, they even have a Christmas Beer as well as an Espresso Beer “A beautifully balanced porter, which starts with an espresso nose and ends with a chocolate, malt led finish” If you’re not a fan of beer they also produce three exotic sounding gins, Pink Gin, Lemongrass and Ginger and Orange, Cardamom and Tonka Bean.

St Andrews Brewing Co

Mitchells Deli is well worth a visit, whether you just want a bottle of wine and some olives, a great selection of take out meals, amazing sandwiches, afternoon tea or a relaxed meal, you will find everything here.  A mixture of traditional fair mixed alongside modern day classics, such as avocado on sourdough bread or Rose Harissa spiced Chicken wraps.  A childrens’ menu is available and there is live music every weekend.   A short wine list is available, plus local spirits and more local ale including the Drygate Disco Forklift Truck, Mango Pale Ale apparently brewed in Scotland!

Trip Advisor quotes: The Best Haggis in St Andrews” Mitchells

Eat like Royalty.  The North Point Café is something of an institution in St. Andrews and supposedly the scene for the first date between Prince William and the then Kate Middleton.  It has a reputation for the best pancakes in the town, as well as a great selection of cakes.  It’s so well known it doesn’t even need a website.

The Saint Bar and Restaurant is the place where the young and trendy of St Andrews hang out.  As with all establishments local produce is in abundance on both the menu and drinks list and they also serve Haggis.   We recommend ordering the Harviestoun Schiehallion at the beginning of the evening and the far easier to pronounce, Cold Town lager towards the end! Saint Bar & Restaurant

St Andrews isn’t the place you’d probably expect to find a traditional Italian Gelato but there has been one in the town since 1908 and still belongs to the same Italian family.  Expect the usual flavours plus some with a Scottish twist including Scottish Tablet and Cranachan Jannettas

Strange Scottish Foods you are likely to come across on your travels

So what is a Scottish Tablet? No it’s not an Ipad, a Scottish tablet is a medium-hard, sugary confection made from sugar, condensed milk, and butter, which is boiled to a soft-ball stage and allowed to crystallise. It is often flavoured with vanilla or whisky.  Think fudge.

Cranachan is a dessert of cream and fresh raspberries mixed with Scottish oats and whisky – so slightly better for you than a tablet but not much!

Irn Bru – the Coca Cola of Scotland and a favoured hangover cure for many a Scot.  Approach with caution if you spill it on the carpet it literally does not come out, don’t even ask what it does to your insides!

Haggis – the most famous food to come out of Scotland and still a mystery to many people.  It is a mixture of the heart, stomach or liver of a sheep or calf; minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach though now often in an artificial casing instead.  Traditional served with neeps and tatties (Turnips and potatoes mashed together) and gravy.

A more sophisticated dish is Balmoral chicken, a chicken breast stuffed with haggis, wrapped in bacon and served with a whiskey sauce.

Porridge is of course another famous dish from Scotland and one that is very popular around the world as a healthy breakfast option, however, be aware, in Scotland they often make it with cream and sometimes butter so not as healthy as you might think.

Travel Tip created by Helen Thomas in association with Vacation Soup