These are the lively oracles of God.

The evening talk on coronation rituals is given by the Emeritus Professor of  Cultural and Spiritual History. Whoever knew there was such a thing ? The talk is as eight. We arrive five minutes early. Most of the seats are taken but  the last two at the back are free. For plastic chairs they are remarkably comfortable. They have slightly padded seats.  A man offers us a glass of wine. We politely decline. The label says it's a Pinot Grigio but there's something about the exotic colour that says it's usurped the name. The crowd is jolly and local and in some cases well fortified by a glass or two ... or three of the exotic tincture. The talk starts , on the dot, of eight.

I'd been unsure whether we'd enjoy an hour spent exploring coronations symbolism but it's intriguing. We learn that since the 8th century the coronation service has started with the same hymn that is used in Papal investitures. The language used in the service has a quiet magnificence. The words woven together in a way that's alien to the modern ear.  I shall listen out for the line ' These are the lively oracles of God '. For Scots the Stone of Scone is the big attraction. It is said to be the rock which Jacob and later St Columba used as a pillow. In reality it's just a slab of sandstone with a great back story and would have been forgotten had Edward 1st not stolen it and had it taken to London. It's had a starring role in the proceedings ever since.  The professor sums it all up with the view that the coronation is the last ceremony that invokes the magic of previous millennia . Many will think of it as mumbo jumbo but he thinks a generation brought up on Harry Potter and Dungeons and Dragons will find it all strangely compelling. The professor has published a little book as a guide to the ceremony which is great fun  - https://www.dartonlongmantodd.co.uk/titles/2369-9781915412522-god-save-the-king

This morning the family diva is out of the car along the road and onto the sand in record breaking time. 

The beach is deserted except for Archie the arthritic labrador who is plodding slowly through the dunes. We go to the cafe in the student union. It's usually full of 'young people' but with all the students focused on exams we're able to get a table outside and watch the world go by. Angus has a bacon roll. Instead of being served in a bap it comes in some fancy form of cheese and tomato bread. Angus is a purist about these things and is unimpressed. Sophie by contrast is a full on convert to bacon in cheese and tomato bread. She believes that the sharing of the bacon roll has been less than equitable. She quietly biffs my hand with her nose to remind me she's still there.  We meet the development officer wearing a green tweed suit. He gives me two tickets to next weeks opera. ' Don't wear black tie. A lounge suit will do ' he says as if black tie is something people wear every day in a small Scottish fishing town. He's on his way to the Hebdomadars office - whatever that is.

We wander back through the exam buildings and down to the harbour where we've parked the car. Now the seas are calmer the dressed crab shop has started operation again which will please 'The Font' no end.

On the radio breakfast programme :https://youtu.be/E-9w0OMp3CI?t=57

We shall be going here for some new curtain material . Amazing what is made in small neighbouring villages :https://openstudiosfife.co.uk/artist/129