Thursday 14 January 2016

Sail The 7 'C's! Secrets To A Funky Scottish Life (In The 'Low' Season)


They don't call this time of year the 'off' or 'low' season' for nothing.  Between January and Easter, popular seaside villages become quiet and brooding. The tourist crowds have disappeared, the weather is unpredictable and some people find it all a little depressing.  Others know how to make the most of this special time, especially here in Pittenweem....

Cafe Culture 
There's a unique delight in stepping out of the biting cold, into the warmth of a welcoming cafe and inhaling the aroma of coffee, soups and freshly baked cakes. Funky Scottish is open Thursday-Sunday until Easter, so make a date for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea! 


Cooking Up A Storm

Alas, none of us can spend all day, every day in cute coastal cafes! So, get into the kitchen at home too.  Now is the time to really nourish yourself and your loved ones with soups for the soul, beautiful bakes and warming one-pots. Make big batches and put in the freezer...'real food' ready meals for a rainy day! 

Creative Retreats
Ahead of a bustling 'high' season and The Pittenweem Arts Festival, our resident artist - Karen Edward - uses this precious, quieter time to work on commissions and brand new projects. Whether or not you consider yourself to be 'artistic'', there's no better opportunity to uncover your own unique creativity. Turn old photos into a beautiful framed collage for your wall. Learn a new, exotic language. Write a short story or just send a heart-felt letter to a long-distance loved one. xo PS. We have a lovely collection of note cards in our cafe-gallery-boutique. 


Cosy Knits & Calming Candles

Bundle up in your cutest, comfiest knits and you'll be more inclined - even eager - to embrace the great outdoors. Or, curl up on the sofa, light the candles and enjoy the simple pleasures of your own little sanctuary. Take a peek inside our boutique, on the high street in Pittenweem, for inspiration.


Coastal Walks

Since Victorian times, the health benefits of tangy, coastal air have been well documented and nowadays science tells us there is indeed a healing magic in the seaside ozone! So, wherever you live, head for the beaches and paths around Pittenweem and the East Neuk...we guarantee you'll return home with an un-seasonal high!

Chips (On A Bench, At The Harbour)

If you're out and about, never miss an opportunity to 'warm the cockles' with a bag of chips, perfectly seasoned with salt and vinegar, perhaps accompanied by freshly battered fish...and enjoyed overlooking local boats tied up in their moorings. Remember, there's no better time to visit the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar....without the massive queues! 


Community Spirit

Whether you're a visitor or year-round resident, it's easy to become caught up in the busy-ness of our own lives.  So, the slower pace of the low season offers a special opportunity to get to know local people a little better.  Take the time to shop locally, visit your nearest pub or cafe, say hello on the high street or offer your neighbour a helping hand.  Who knows, you may forge unexpected friendships to be enjoyed for many seasons to come...




About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Friday 8 January 2016

The Pirates (& Priory) Of Pittenweem...



Who loves a good swashbuckling adventure on the high seas? We do! 

The popularity of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of The Carribean has ensured a mult-movie franchise. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a TV show (adults only!) to see you through the long winter nights, we can highly recommend Black Sails!



Still, what you might not know is that real pirates could once be found much closer to home, just off the coast of Pittenweem. In fact, pirates are linked to the history of our own village priory...

"The local parish church dates from the 16th century and nearby are the ruins of the priory. The priory was originally located on the Isle of May, 6 miles off the coast, however, a move to the mainland ensued when the administration was turned over to the Augustian monks of St Andrews. The move to Pittenweem eliminated the threat of invasions from sea pirates who were a menace to the original Isle of May site. The new priory brought a welcome boost to the area and as a flourishing town Pittenweem established itself as one of the most prosperous areas in Scotland." - BBC History 

So, there it is...a Funky Scottish history lesson to rival hollywood's most mischievous pirate tale...

Our hand-painted, bespoke pirate plate was created by resident artist, Karen Edward. Discover more about commissioning a ceramic gift at www.funkyscottish.com


About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Experience The January Blues (In The Best Possible Way!)



Feeling the January blues?  Don't despair! Stay cosy and cheer up your home with one of the latest additions to the Pittenweem Blue collection by Karen Edward at Funky Scottish...

The range which includes coastal-themed bowls and tiles now also features gorgeous kitchenware including casserole dishes, serving platters and pretty mugs...ideal for serving up warming, winter feasts.

This collection is inspired by the architecture of the East Neuk and our historical trading connections with far flung places, including Holland. 


"The East Neuk is unique in its architecture due to the connection with Holland and the lowlands. The crow step gables and the red pantiles are all Dutch influenced. The pantiles came over as ballast in the boats. They traded ideas, skills and building materials as well as Scottish skins, wool coal and salt. The houses are lovely to paint being quirky with odd shapes and outside staircases..."  - Karen Edward



"This range I call Pittenweem Blue is a wee take on the Delft tiles seen in many of the East Neuk houses. I went to Delft a few years ago and loved the artistic feel of the city...and of course the hand-painted ceramics in blue and white!!" - Karen Edward

Discover the collection in Funky Scottish on the high street in Pittenweem.  

The cafe-gallery-boutique is open during winter from Thursday to Sunday. 

See more work by Karen Edward at Funky Scottish via www.funkyscottish.com


About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!