Never before, not even in the height of summer, have I seen Gullane beach as busy as it was on New Year's Day - the carpark full, the sands crowded with families, dogs galore, and even some brave people (in wetsuits) going for a swim. Despite the bitter wind and a smirr of rain, some groups were barbecuing! We enjoyed a bracing walk, and Pip and Mollie had lots of fun in the waves, so a good time was had by all, but it was nice to come home to a warm house.
I haven't been inside the church at Gullane, but I see it has three fairly recent stained glass windows - detail here, full picture on the artist's website, and click here for a slideshow on the making of them).
I've never been there but am particularly fond of Gullane as I chose it for a location in Hester's Story. I can see that I was right to do so. Hope the storms are not too bad there where you are today. Dogs look lovely!
Posted by: adele geras | 03 January 2012 at 04:10 PM
lovely photos! Arthur's Seat was also ridiculously crowded on New Years Day.
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | 03 January 2012 at 05:33 PM
I remember it from Hester's Story! It is a very nice place (and for those who like that sort of thing, is not short of golf courses).
Posted by: Cornflower | 03 January 2012 at 05:55 PM
Rehoboth Beach (in Delaware) was also ridiculously crowded for New Year's Day. Complete with children and grandparents wading in the waves. Here, it was a combination of a bank/state holiday (Monday) and lovely warm temperatures.
Posted by: rj | 03 January 2012 at 05:57 PM
I know lots of people go out on New Year's Day to blow away the cobwebs, but I couldn't believe the number at Gullane. Arthur's Seat must have had summit-congestion!
Posted by: Cornflower | 03 January 2012 at 05:57 PM
Lovely that you had some warmth - we were all well wrapped up against the cold (mind you, it can often be quite biting down there even in what passes for a summer!).
Posted by: Cornflower | 03 January 2012 at 07:09 PM
This is my idea of heaven - the sea and a stretch of beach! Super photos, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Deirdre | 03 January 2012 at 07:24 PM
Beautiful photos!! As usual! Love the one of the dog Leaping in the surf - they must have loved it.
Posted by: Nancy | 03 January 2012 at 09:18 PM
It's a very nice beach, and usually almost empty of people, but everyone there on Sunday seemed to be having a good time.
Posted by: Cornflower | 03 January 2012 at 09:39 PM
They did!
Posted by: Cornflower | 03 January 2012 at 09:39 PM
Beautiful just beautiful photos!!!
Posted by: Lesley-Ann Parry | 03 January 2012 at 10:26 PM
Georgeous photographs, love the colours....and the dogs!
Posted by: carole | 04 January 2012 at 01:30 PM
Dogs just don't care about cold and weather, do they? Amazing. Amazing.
Posted by: Nan | 04 January 2012 at 04:06 PM
Lots of fun for all.
Posted by: Cornflower | 04 January 2012 at 04:14 PM
That didn't stop them sleeping in front of the fire that evening!
Posted by: Mr Cornflower | 04 January 2012 at 07:04 PM