Discover My Scottish Hometown - Kirkcaldy, Fife + Painting Wild Strawberries In Watercolour - Ep23

Hello & welcome along on this walk! If you're new here - my name is Sarah and each week I head out on a walk with my faithful companion Jack Spaniels, to explore somewhere in this beautiful country of Scotland and hopefully find something to paint back in my studio at home.
Today we are staying very local and exploring the historical sights of the town that I live in - Kirkcaldy in Fife, Scotland. I am originally rom Newcastle, which is across the border in England and I only officially moved to Kirkcaldy this year, so there is still plenty of unexplored places for me to discover.
Come with me as I walk the coastal route of the 'Lang Toun' from the ruined Seafield Tower, along the town's esplanade to Ravenscraig Castle and the historical Dysart Harbour, which featured as a location in Season 2 of Outlander.
I made some surprising discoveries on my way, including the jewel-like wild strawberries that I chose to paint, See how I got on with my paintings at the end of the video.
If you enjoyed this video and you haven't already, please check out my other videos - including the three special Skye episodes, where we explore some incredible scenery. Join me again next week as we explore somewhere else in Scotland and look for painting inspiration...
SHE WALKS:
Distance Walked: 6 miles / 10.3 km
My Gear:
Scarpa GTX walking boots
Acai Midweight Trousers
Lowe Alpine 'Aeon' 25L rucksack
SHE PAINTS:
Total Painting Time: approx 10 hours
Materials Used:
Arches 300gsm 100% cotton Watercolour Paper
Windsor& Newton 'Cotman' brush in size 00
Dyffle Watercolour Pens
Check out my Etsy store for fine art prints of all my paintings!
Link below:
www.etsy.com/u...
You can find me on Instagram for more walking and painting updates - @SheWalksShePaints
/ shewalksshepaints
If you like what I do and feel like contributing to my coffee & cake habit, I also have a Ko-Fi page:
ko-fi.com/shew...
I am part of the team at Scottish history & treasure hunting channel - 'Dirty Secrets of Scotland' along with my partner, Willie. If you liked this video - head across and check out what we do there too :)
/ @dirtysecretsofscotland

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you for watching!! If you want to support my channel, here are the links: My Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SheWalksShePaints My Ko-Fi page: ko-fi.com/shewalksshepaints Follow me on Instagram: @SheWalksShePaints instagram.com/shewalksshepaints/

[@LassieLori21]

I just found your channel. My grandfather was born in Dysart and our family has been in Fife for many generations. My Mumsie and I were there in 2019 for my Birthday. I lost my wee purse with my grandfather's picture, the Thistle I had just picked and all of my money. £700 I then lost my phone with all of the pictures I had taken of Ravencraig Castle and Dysart Harbour. Watching your video brought back the memories. I have since lost my Mumsie so this was a treat for me.

[@philipgrier9376]

Wonderful. Did you know that wwhen you walked up the steps from the beach at 15a;49, they were the 39 steps which inspired the John Buchan novel. If you count them now, there are only 38, that is because the 39th is under the sand!

[@shelleybarron215]

I love to see you on your walks. They help me get back in touch with the beauty of nature. I also love how detailed your watercolors are. They remind me of the plates done by artists for scientific books. Watching Jack romp around is a joy too! Keep up the beautiful work.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you Shelley!! So glad you are enjoying them 😊

[@carolhansen5419]

My paternal grandparents lived in Kirkcaldy so this was fun to watch.

[@beverlyethridge5084]

The strawberry print is delightful ❤

[@cassiepinkerton9400]

Oh how I love Strawberries, yummy! Jack Spaniels stole the show again. I used to work for a company in maine named Dysart's...... Love your channel!

[@BMW7series251]

Second watching!! Thanks Guys, loved it. Cheers.

[@susanlamb7431]

Love the music as well as everything else ..what an artist!

[@iansuehooper7542]

Lovely walk Sarah. We think you should call your dinosaur KC, short for Kirkcaldy. Sue and Ian, Australia

[@Alfred_51]

Thanks for this. Very good video

[@sandraadamson4944]

Love your videos and just watching the one with Ravenscraig Park. That and Dysart harbour is my local. I stay only a five to ten minute walk from Dysart Harbour. My husband used to have a boat in Dysart harbour. I see you looked at the shed next to the Harbourmasters. Many visitors have taken photos. Thank you for showing us your adventures.

[@WilliamHunter]

Born in Kirkcaldy so appreciate the walk

[@philipduffield9675]

I enjoyed you latest walk and painting around your new home town! Surprised you didn't end up at Stark's Park singing 'Geordie Munroe'. The David Latto version is superb. Perhaps Willie knows him?

[@maytodec]

I am thrilled to discover you and see your area. My Great Grandma was born in that town and the whole family for over 200 years lived there. I’ve wanted to see the area but so far haven’t been able to travel there.

[@stevecole7174]

Looking to move to the area. Really appreciate this. Thanks for taking the time to post this..

[@spotchapi6470]

Excellent photographie/filming , the videos are inspiring me to visit the fife coastline 😀 I visited Limekilns today 🥰

[@kristinhaislett9365]

Magical. Thank you Sarah!

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you Kristin! Thanks so much for watching & commenting 😊

[@linzertube]

It looks like you could pop those strawberries right off the page and into your mouth…drool-worthy artwork!

[@iriswaterford8881]

Just what I was thinking. From dabs of paint edible strawberries appear.

[@richardcampbell5784]

Wow to have that on your doorstep, me I've got Heathrow! And I think Jack has definitely got some otter in him. Excellent video😁

[@shewalksshepaints]

Haha! I’m sure you have some amazing places close by though and there’s definitely some less scenic places in Kirkcaldy too 😂 Jack is almost certainly part otter and also part monkey (for his cheeky personality!)

[@annaodoherty9199]

Those strawberries are beautiful Sarah!

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks lovely!!

[@alisonlyons4691]

Aaw what a lovely video. I so enjoyed the coastal walk following dear wee Jack as he dashed about chasing smells, he sure knows all the Dysart corners. Lots of nice info on the way. I think your paintings are beautiful and so much detail. Thank you both for all the work you put in. See you next time Alioban xxx

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you!! Yes, Jack never forgets anywhere we’ve walked and this was one of our regular ones 😊

[@craigjohnston2620]

This is superb, well done

[@louisaklimentos7583]

Lovely video thank you,

[@TheCatlady63]

A beautiful day for a walk . Jack certainly enjoyed it . Thanks for taking us with you.😊

[@reejan8109]

Loved this episode - have only been in Kirkcaldy briefly and didn't have a chance to do any touring around. If you lived close to Ravenscraig Park, before moving to Skye, you must have been fairly close to my cousins' on Citron Glebe. Hi from Canada.

[@KirkChauncey]

feels like home

[@helihead11]

This was a great video for me to find as I am doing research on my ancestors and find several connections to that area plus Cupar. But the research doesn’t show how beautiful the area is and why for 100s of years they choose to live there. Your videos show what I have not found before and I would say I courage me to plan a trip over if the opportunity comes up. Good job with you content and editing, I’m so glad I found your channel. Wilson in USA

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks so much!! 😊

[@spotchapi6470]

I visited Dysart today, (my family have been here for 50 years and had never been there!) Fabulous place, would merit being better known (or maybe not…too many tourists afterwards 😀) Loving following the fife coastline walks …Skye next year hopefully…thank you for your videos, always upbeat and fun 😁.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks! So glad you went to visit Dysart - such a lovely little harbour town 😊

[@lornaallan6993]

Kirkcaldy not been there in ages I to live in fife.came across u wen I searched Pitlochry on KZbin its My second home I need to do this walk

[@lindachadwick2911]

Jack certainly loves the water. I never knew Kirkaldy was so pleasant.

[@shewalksshepaints]

There’s nice bits and less nice bits…like most towns I guess! 😅

[@ddunn3489]

I would call it... Tinysauras Rex ! 🦖 And another Great walk and Painting !!!

[@shewalksshepaints]

Ha! I like that name a lot 😊👍

[@ddunn3489]

@@shewalksshepaints 👍👍

[@buzzingadventures1980]

Considering moving to Kirkcaldy from Macduff. Lovely video and the background music really nice👍, I keep looking for videos of Kirkcaldy town, but theirs not many.

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@shewalksshepaints]

You are very welcome - thanks for watching & commenting! 😊

[@lindamesa5122]

I will never get tired of the beautiful scenery and the interesting History of Scotland! Your so lucky! I think Jack knows the word better than sit he loves the water so much!

[@shewalksshepaints]

Aww thank you Linda! I hope I can take you on many more adventures around Scotland! Jack probably wouldn’t leave the water if we didn’t make him haha!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

You have a beautiful place to walk. Jack love it there. I have never seen water color pens for sale around here. I have not seen any water color pencils either. We have a University with an Art Department right here In Morehead. I have not checked their Book Store. I hope you did not take all the wild strawberries. I was taught to leave some for the birds and some for seeds (to grow more next year). Your painting is beautiful. Thank you for this video.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Hi Arvetta! Definitely recommend trying out watercolour pens - I get mine from Amazon, although I might look into a different supplier next time I replace them. They take a bit of getting used to but I really like them. There were so many wild strawberries in that patch and we only took a wee handful to try, so there were plenty left. When foraging we never take more than we need 😊

[@59tante]

Jack is the luckiest dog to such wonderful parents

[@rikspector]

Sarah, Our neighbor had a farm field near our brook, full of wild strawberries like the ones you painted. We lost our farm in 1959, but a year later I walked the abandoned fields and found a huge Box Turtle. In the late 19th and early twentieth century boys would capture and carve their initials on the under shell of turtles and I sometimes found ones like that. This one was very large for the type, and on it's shell was , " LT OPEY Yco. 189? He was possibly a Spanish American War veteran, but I never found out. I have no idea how old it was, but it must have been around 80. I almost took it home, but then I thought it better to leave it where it had grazed the Strawberries for so many years. I copied the carving onto a piece of brown butcher paper and kept it for many years as a reminder. Turtles love strawberries like yours which you captured so well, Cheers, Rik Spector

[@ilonamollema6467]

Just found your chanel thanks to Nicola's recommendation. I really love your walks, and the paintings are stunning. So, you've got a new subscriber. Saying hi from the Netherlands. 🤗

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you so much! It’s great to have you on board! 😊

[@julietprentice1103]

Seals, wild strawberries 🍓 and a happy spaniel all wrapped up in some stunning Scottish scenery! ... what's not to like! 😊

[@sharimullinax3206]

The flowers are beautiful! As is your new mascot. Jack always makes me smile! Nice walk. Beautiful painting! I have wild strawberries in my lawn for the bunnies, ground squirrels and birds.! You inspire me!

[@colinsamson2240]

Awesome video! I grew up in Kirkcaldy so this is especially enjoyable

[@andicampbell8621]

Are you Alan (the welder) son Colin?

[@colinsamson2240]

@@andicampbell8621 yes

[@andicampbell8621]

@@colinsamson2240 I used to work with yer dad. 1989 I think. Him and all the mad Rennies from Inverkeithing 🤣 You were still at colledge last time I saw you. Hope yer keeping well lawd 👍

[@colinsamson2240]

@@andicampbell8621 Hi Andi, I thought it was you but I wasn’t sure. Rather than communicate here, let me know your contact details and I’ll get in touch. Hope you’re keeping well. Sorry for the hijack!

[@wendyagrey8768]

Wow, what views. Doesn't take Jack too long to make himself at home in the water. I'm sure he doesn't understand you hesitation, lol. Absolutely lovely walk and painting.

[@eazy_gtag]

thats also my hometown :) ive been to where you are

[@franingram17]

I’ve been binge-watching all three of the channels you and Willie have since I discovered your Skye adventure yesterday!!!! I’ve already ordered the stunning thistle print. How I’d love to have the original painting💜. The film footage, drone shots, the boogie celebrations😅, Jack’s adorable antics. Thank you for brightening up my life you lovely people 😍🥰

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks Fran!! I’ve packaged up your print & it’s ready to send out tomorrow 😊 So glad you like the channels!!

[@teeteepalooza]

lovely walk…how fortunate to have it so close to home. the strawberries turned out beautifully. feels like i could pluck them right off the paper!

[@tarncoleman7854]

Jacks tail does not stop wagging ahh to be that happy all the time what a blessing like and sub everyone great video Sara

[@guadalupeknippen528]

Lovely walk. I never get tired of learning about your country's history. Jack and his every lasting love of the water is so much fun. Your painting is lovely. The seeds of the strawberries just pop off the page. Thanks to Willie's excellent video taping. 🌻🐕🇺🇸

[@futurasewing8330]

Greetings from Australia. Enjoying your walking trips around Fife, have visited Torryburn & Aberdour home of my father & grandparents. Jack has so much energy.

[@karynpowers3355]

I think you should call the Dino, “Shegurs.” (she walks, she paints, she grrrs)

[@gerrycornish8941]

Enjoyed this walk today! So lovely where you live! Painting as usual is stunning. You capture detail so easily. And of course I always enjoy Jack! It is good to see Willie in some of the pictures since he contributes so much. Great job!

[@Carolbearce]

I love the walk through your hometown. Jack sure does love the water and I’m sure he sleeps good when you get home. Amazing painting the the strawberries.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks Carol! Yes Jack is very good at tiring himself out haha! We were all ready for a good night’s sleep after this walk 😊

[@lynettepacella9880]

Just lovely as usual the scenery in Scotland is so lovely! And the harbor stonework just blows me away!💕💕WV🇺🇸

[@shewalksshepaints]

Glad you liked it Lynette! The harbour is so beautiful, I love being able to walk there from home 😊

[@amandabell8827]

You certainly live in a wonderful place, all that beauty and history! I can understand why you choose to stay there. Jack is such a water baby isn't he, it's lovely watching him get so exited about the beach. Your painting is stunning and has given me a taste for strawberries.....with some meringue and double cream perhaps 😀💗 x

[@shewalksshepaints]

Aww thanks Amanda! Yes we are lucky to have these places on our doorstep and always something new to discover. Wimbledon started today, so that’s always a good time to have strawberries and cream 😋

[@bonnerdebbie]

Your hometown is Beautiful, I think Jack would love anyplace with running water and/ or sticks, preferably both! Willie, the drone coverage was stunning. Love your takes at the end. I prefer "wild" fruits over grocery store everyday, they taste better. I have a section of my garden that I let blackberry vines grow every year, I have a couple of months of the Best blackberries in the world to me. Beautiful art as always, thank you!

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks Debbie! So glad you liked it 😊 Jack’s dream walk involves lots of water (both sea and fresh), plus lots of trees for sticks. Fortunately there are lots of all of these things in Scotland!

[@marydegenkolb9603]

What a beautiful place to live and walk. The strawberries are so realistic I could almost taste them. You really do have a talent.

[@singlespies]

Ah, what a pleasure to see this video. I was in Kirkcaldy, visiting from the US, last summer in late June - about the same time you made this video. I stayed at The Strathearn. After Kirkcaldy I visited Skye and Stornoway. I hope I will be able to visit this beautiful country again sometime!

[@kg4824]

I love watching your paintings come to life! Although I know it is not, you make it look easy. Such beautiful work!

[@BMW7series251]

Stunning Sarah. The walk was sublime and the painting amazing. The Jack really loved it!

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks John! So glad you liked our wee tour 😊

[@daveturnbull7221]

By the end of the painting section I was drooling! They looked so lifelike 👍 You're right Sarah, there are so often loads of lovely places right on our doorstep that we fail to really appreciate. This was all new for me as I've never visited the Kirkaldy area but I think I need to add it to my list. I think Willie earned that beer at the end of the walk - awesome drone footage throughout.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks Dave!! Kirkcaldy has its less scenic areas, just like most towns, but there’s so much history here to explore too 😊 I’d never been to Seafield Tower so that was new for me on this walk!

[@AO9R]

Who comes up with the descriptions at the end (i.e. "Strawberry Squishing Expert" for Jack Spaniels)? Quite the sense of humor.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Ah thanks haha! Those are mostly me, but sometimes Willie contributes 😅

[@80sunshine21]

What beautiful scenery so close to home. You are an excellent artist. Thanks for the enjoyable walk. Suzy AZ USA

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks Suzy! Yes, we really do appreciate having these places so nearby 😊

[@gypsycatharina]

Beautiful walk and the painting is so real! Thanks RINI.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you Rini! 🤩

[@sallya.2412]

I enjoy seeing the lovely scenery out there. The castle ruins and all the different flowers and plants out there is fantastic. Jack sure loves his swim at the beach. We have wild strawberries growing here except they are small and white when ripe. The strawberry painting turned out really nice, just the right blend of colors.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks Sally! That’s so interesting that yours are white when ripe. Completely the opposite here 😊🍓

[@Kazza_8240]

Thank you for a great local tour video, it's a really beautiful part of Scotland that you live, I've never been there. And those strawberries really did look like jewels, and you captured them perfectly, as always. 🤗

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you! So glad you liked it. Always something new to discover on your doorstep here 😊

[@richardserridge2767]

I've had a big crop of strawberries this year and I have a couple of alpine strawberry plants like these in their own tire planter! Lovely local walk!

[@shewalksshepaints]

Sounds great Richard - hope you are enjoying all your crop 😊

[@adamssecretgarden]

just love the historic walks and the painting. another great video :)

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you!! So glad you like the videos 😊

[@christhompson4270]

Wow you guys are lucky to have such beautiful scenery and walks right on your doorstep. That was an amazing tour. I remember picking wild strawberries down in Devon and they were really tasty, you definitely captured the strawberries perfectly. Take care and thank you for sharing 👍👏❤️

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you Chris! Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the things that are just on to doorstep, but we really do appreciate having these places nearby 😊

[@heybeautiful3647]

How does this young women not have millions of subs!? (My opinion) if she added local eats, her channel would soar. But thank you so much for your beautiful vlogs. ❤️👏 Greetings from Florida USA.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Aww thank you so much!! Maybe someday I’ll make it to millions haha! I usually do show the local cafe in my videos, as I am a sucker for a coffee and cake 😜

[@pennykaiser6667]

Scotland is so beautiful. You’re so lucky to live close to the sea. I loved the harbor. Your strawberry painting was amazing 🍓

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you Penny!! So glad you liked it 😊 We love being so close to these places!

[@karenk380]

The detail you managed to get on those strawberries is amazing! 😍 Lovely walk, beautiful scenery, interesting history as always🤗

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thank you Karen! So glad you enjoyed it all 😊

[@tinaredington1292]

Love the walks through Scotland with you guys though we hardly get to see Willie. But good boy Jack makes up for all, he has such a sweet face. Oh and Sarah your strawberries look good enough to eat, l can almost smell them from here. 😊🥰

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks Tina!! So glad you like the videos. I’ll try and get Willie on camera a bit more, although he keeps insisting on doing all these silly dances…🤔

[@tinaredington1292]

@@shewalksshepaints hehehe. Just tap him on the nose and tell him to sit. 😂 lt works for Jack. 😂😂

[@shewalksshepaints]

🤣🤣🤣

[@tinaredington1292]

@@shewalksshepaints 😂🥰

[@Lisa-gv6mj]

Hello from Michigan. Really enjoying your channel! Could you tell us how you stick your paper to the table before you paint?

[@shewalksshepaints]

Hi Lisa! Thanks for the lovely comment 😊 I use a paper based masking tape, with eco-friendly adhesive so it can be removed safely from the paper and the table, plus it can be recycled 😊👍

[@Frankie-so3by]

Beautiful place, lovely artwork 🍓

[@shewalksshepaints]

Aww thank you so much! Glad you liked it 😊

[@susanselko-millman4889]

SARAHsaurusrex You live in a very lovely area. Very lucky. Do people not swim in the water at the beaches?

[@shewalksshepaints]

Haha yes - great name suggestion! Lots of people do swim on the beaches yes - we have done below the castle before on warm days (although it is the North Sea, so not very warm in the water!)

[@stu4223]

I'm in Burntisland wow small world 💚

[@teeteepalooza]

a few million years! 😂

[@lynnebradley5857]

You should call the dinosaur Jackasaurus ☺️

[@shewalksshepaints]

Haha excellent!!

[@andrewsims4123]

Call your dinosaur "dogasaurus Jax"😀

[@oges74]

You live in such a beautiful area Sarah, can see why you love walking there often 🍓 I'm curious if the wild strawberries taste the same as a 'normal' strawberry?

[@shewalksshepaints]

Thanks Brett! The wild ones are very similar in taste to shop bought ones, although not always as sweet. They often have a sharper taste, but very nice when ripe 😊👍

[@susanalexander2323]

How about "Treck-si"

[@danieltporter959]

Ronald the Rex.

[@shewalksshepaints]

Haha thanks for the suggestion!

[@leslieturner7028]

We called snake spit