Spotting a potentially lethal relic of the second world war is a sure way to set pulses racing.
For one couple enjoying what was supposed to be a relaxing break in the East Neuk, the discovery of an unexploded British-made Mark 15 floating bomb near Crail was enough to make them reach for the camera.
Roger and Lynda Thompson from the coastal town of Arnside, in South Lakeland, Cumbria, yesterday told The Courier of their experience.
They explained that while enjoying a stroll along the coast during a short stay in Cellardyke they stumbled upon the device.
Mr Thompson said, “We are keen walkers and, being blessed with fantastic weather, we decided to take a walk along the Fife coastal route from Anstruther to Crail.
“Imagine our surprise when, while taking in the fantastic views over the Isle of May and Firth of Forth, we noticed what I thought to be a mine a few yards from us, basking threateningly around the half watermark.”
He added, “We later informed the local coastguard who take all such reports seriously and we motored to the Forth station to show our pictures where it was confirmed this was indeed a mine.”
After the alarm was raised with emergency services, a specialist bomb disposal unit from the Faslane naval base was scrambled to the scene and carried out a controlled explosion.