KINGDOM OF FIFE

Towns & Villages

ABERDOUR

Black Sands beach, Aberbour - Photo: Simon Johnston CCL

Located between the Forth Bridges and Burntisland, on the A921, Aberdour gets its name from the River Dour on which is stands (Aber = mouth of river + Dour).

On one side of the river stands the ruined Aberdour Castle with its walled garden, now in the care of Historic Scotand (see attractions/heritage) and on the other stands Aberdour House, present home of the Earls of Morton, to which the Douglas family moved from the castle in 1725.

ANSTRUTHER

Largest of the coastal villages of the East Neuk, its harbour is used by both fishing an pleasure craft. It is from here that trips aboard The Princess of May depart for the Isle of May in summer months. Anstruther is also home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. (attractions/museums).

View of Anstruther Church across the Harbour - Photo: Alison Stamp CCL

AUCHTERMUCHTY

BUCKHAVEN

Macduff's Castle with Wemyss Caves in the foreground, near Buckhaven - Photo: Kevin Rae CCL

It is difficult to imagine today that in the early 19th century, Buckhaven, on the Firth of Forth was reputed to have the Scotland's second-largest fleet of around 200 fishing boats. It also had thriving textile weaving and coal mining industries but eventually all these declined and Buckhaven became a small holiday resort.

The local Museum features the history of the fishing industry and is worth a visit.

BURNTISLAND

Rossend Castle, Burntisland - Photo: Kevin Rae CCL

This Royal Burgh owes its existence to a natural harbour probably used originally in prehistoric times. It is claimed that the invading Romans, under Agricola, landed here and established it as a naval base around AD85. In the 12th century the Castle of Rossend was built as the residence of the Abbots of Dunfermline. (It has now been modernised and is used as offices.)

King James V granted the town a charter in 1541 since when it developed and thrived as a trading port and naval base. In 1563, Mary Queen of Scots stayed here and in 1651, Oliver Cromwell's English army arrived and troops were garrisoned in the town.

Although the town's Aluminium industry still survives, the fishing, shipbuilding and coal exporting have all gone leaving Burntisland to its residents and holidaymakers.

In the local library, which was gifted in 1906 by Andrew Carnegie, there is a small display of the town's history.

In many parts of Fife there are hills which are the remnants of volcanic plugs and one such hill, just inland from the town, is "The Binn". Walk to the top you will have excellent views over to Edinburgh and up to the Bridges.

View towards the Binn, Burntisland - Photo: Kevin Rae CCL

CARDENDEN

CERES

Pack Horse Bridge, Ceres - Photo: Jim Bain CCL

Surrounded by farmland a few miles south east of Cupar, is Ceres, which has been described as "the most attractive village in Scotland".

Known to date back as early as the 12th Century, as a Scottish village it is unusual in that it is built around a village green. On the green is held the oldest annual games in Scotland, which celebrate the return of the village menfolk from the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

An old bridge over the Ceres Burn leads to the Fife Folk Museum.

CRAIL

Crail is one of the oldest Royal Burghs in Scotland having been granted its charter in 1178.

It is said that the Dutch built the harbour, the town becoming an important port for the export of salt, fish, mutton and woollens. It also became famous for its locally caught and smoked haddock known "Crail Capon".

Today, the older narrow streets down by the harbour make Crail itself a tourist attraction. Worth seeing are the 12th century St Mary's Church, the 17th century Market Cross, the 18th century Tolbooth, 17th century Customs House and Crail Museum and Heritage Centre.

Crail Harbour - Photo: Bob Jones CCL

CULROSS

Culross Town House - Photo: Colin Smith CCL

Culross, created a Royal Burgh in 1588, is near the River Forth to the west of Dunfermline.

Culross Abbey was founded here in 1217 and the National Trust for Scotland has restored many of the town's 17th and 18th century cobbled lanes and buildings.

CUPAR

Cupar was formerly the county town of Fife. It developed as an administrative centre and also had a thriving agricultural market. In 1975, Glenrothes became the new county town and in 1994 the local market was closed.

The town still has many interesting buildings including the 17th century Preston Lodge, the similarly aged Chancellor's House (birthplace of John Campbell who became Lord Chancellor in 1859), the Corn Exchange and the Duncan Institute (built in 1870).

Duncan Institute Library, Cupar - Photo: Jim Bain CCL

DUNFERMLINE

Dunfermline Abbey - Photo: Alex Bishop CCL
 

Second-largest town in Fife, Dunfermline was the Scottish capital for over 500 years.

It can trace its history back to at least 1065 when Malcolm Canmore moved his court here and built a fortress. His second wife, Queen Margaret, founded a Benedictine Priory, later elevated to the status of an Abbey. Her canonisation in 1250 led to her tomb in the abbey becoming a shrine. The abbey also has the tombs of Malcolm Canmore and Robert the Bruce. The town received its Royal Charter from King James VI in 1588.

Dunfermline's industrial development in the 18th and 19th centuries was mainly based on textiles with linen, cotton, woollen and damask fabrics being produced.

Today Dunfermline has a busy centre, a choice of three 18-hole golf courses and a small museum & gallery with displays on the town's industries.

It also has the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. Andrew Carnegie, industrialist and benefactor was born in at 2 Moodie Street, Dunfermline in 1835. This 18th-century weaver's cottage is now the basis of the museum. In total, Carnegie is thought to have given over £70 million  to charity, of which about £1 million was to benefit Dunfermline where the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust is based. Gifts to the town included the Carnegie Centre, the Carnegie Free Library, the Carnegie Hall and Pittencrieff Park.

ELIE

Originally a fishing village/harbour on the southern side of East Neuk, Elie now attracts tourists and those wishing for an pleasant place to retire. At low tide it has miles of golden sands. Elie is popular with golfers, sailors and surfers.

The Parish Church on High Street dates from 1639. When its tower was added in 1729 there were no buildings to the rear of the church so the clock has only three faces.

A short way from Elie along the coastal path stand the first lighthouse in East Neuk. Small but effective! Excellent views over Elie.

East Links, Elie - Photo: Snaik CCL

FALKLAND

Falkland Palace - Photo: Sam Styles CCL

Its strategic position on a north-south route through the Lomond Hills made this site an ideal location for the castle built by Macduff, Thane of Fife. Destroyed by the English in 1337, the castle was rebuilt and was eventually sold to Robert Stewart.

In 1458, the town received its Royal Charter and in 1501 James IV commenced the construction of a palace on the site of the old castle. Falkland Palace was used more as a hunting lodge as both hunting and falconry were a popular pastime for the monarchy. The palace is now a National Trust for Scotland property.

GLENROTHES

GUARDBRIDGE

INCHCOLM ISLAND

Inchcolm Island - Photo: Simon Johnston CCL
 

Inchcolm Island lies just offshore in the Firth of Forth south of Dalgety Bay. It is thought that the name is derived from a connection with St Columba and it was considered to be a holy island with many people asking to be buried there.

During World War II, defenses were erected on the to protect Rosyth naval dockyards.
 

Inchcolm Abbey
An Augustinian priory was established on the island. This later granted Abbey status in 1235. The original buildings were plundered by the English in the 14th century but the abbey was rebuilt in the 15th century.

Inchcolm Abbey - Photo: Simon Johnston CCL

INVERKEITHING

Inverkeithing High Street - Photo: Simon Johnston CCL

A Royal Burgh since 1165, the town has many interesting historic buildings. St Peter's Kirk dates back to the 5th century, Inverkeithing Priory and the Mercat Cross (Market Cross) to the 14th Century and Fordell's Lodging to the 17th.

The Inverkeithing museum is itself located on the upper floor of a 14th century friary guest house. The small gallery contains local photographs, paintings and artefacts. Of particular interest are items which once belonged to Admiral Sir Samuel Greig, an Inverkeithing man who became famous as the ''Father of the Russian Navy''.
Admission is free. No disabled access.

ISLE OF MAY

The Isle of May, about 5 miles off the coast is now a nature reserve and sea bird sanctuary. With vertical cliffs on the west side sloping to sea level on the east, it provides excellent habitat for many types of bird. The cliff ledges are ideal for the large breeding populations of Guillemots, Shags, Kittiwakes and Razorbills whilst the flatter areas are more suitable for Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Puffins nest in burrows on the north and east of the island.

A bird observatory was established in 1934. The studies of bird migration, varied seabird breeding populations, the island's own breed of mice and the island plant communities are all added attractions for visitors.

Puffins on the Isle of May - Photo: Norrie Adamson CCL

The approach to the Isle of May - Photo: Norrie Adamson CCL

The Bishop, Isle of May - Photo: Steve Johnston CCL

The Island's first lighthouse was a beacon established in 1635 when King Charles I granted permission for its erection and the collection of dues from local shipping to cover its upkeep. Despite being considered one of the finest in existence, this coal-burning brazier was not terribly efficient, consuming 400 tons of fuel each year and requiring three men to tend it constantly.

It was replaced in 1816 by a new lighthouse built by the famous Robert Stevenson. In 1885, improvements were made to double the accommodation to provide for three more lightkeepers and their families. Additional buildings were erected including engine house, boiler house, workshop and coal store. Two new generators were installed and the new light was shown from December 1st 1886. Converted to an unmanned station in 1989, the present buildings look like a small castle with protective battlements.

KINGHORN

A small attractive holiday town with beach and harbour.
For information on the local RNLI lifeboat, see www.kinghorn.org.uk

Kinghorn Beach - Photo: Colin Smith CCL

KIRKCALDY

Kirkcaldy sands - Photo: Bob Jones CCL
 

Famous for linoleum and modern floor coverings still manufactured today by the company started in 1847 by Sir Michael Nairn, Kirkcaldy can also claim fame as birthplace of Adam Smith (1723 - 90) who wrote "The Wealth of Nations" and architect and designer Robert Adam (1728 - 92).

The local textile industry was revolutionised by the introduction of the power loom, one of the first towns to do so in Scotland.

On the eastern outskirts of Kirkcaldy, off the A955 Dysart Road amidst hundreds of acres of parkland and coast, stands Ravenscraig castle. Originating in the 15th century, the castle has been much altered but was one of the first castles in Scotland built to withstand and return artillery fire. Historic Scotland

Within Kirkcaldy is Dysart which was one of the earliest communities to exploit the coal deposits with mining starting as early as the early 15th century. Nail making also grew in importance as a local industry in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Ravenscraig Castle, Kirkcaldy - Photo: Ian Mitchell CCL

LADYBANK

Ladybank - Photo: Kevin Rae CCL

The railway line from Edinburgh heads north until Ladybank where it divides. One route heads to Coupar, Dundee and on to Aberdeen while the other heads westwards towards Perth. The town developed in the latter part of the 19th century at this railway junction which had been built on drained bogland previously known as Lady's Bog. Rather than give this name to the town, it was decided that Ladybank was a little more attractive! The railway station is claimed be the oldest unaltered station in Scotland.

There is an 18-hole golf course nearby.

LEUCHARS

All around the place where Leuchars Parish Church (1187) now stands was originally marshland. About half a mile to the north is an artificial mound on which various castles were built in the 1100s, 1300s and 1500s. None has outlasted the church of which the original choir and apse still stand.

In the early 19th century, there was considerable drainage works to reclaim agricultural land which also created space for the village to expand. The coming of the railway and later the RAF station helped bring further prosperity.

Leuchars Church - Photo: Jim Bain CCL

LEVEN

Leven Beach in Largo Bay - Photo: Allan Thomson CCL

A popular holiday town on the southern coast of Fife, Leven has an excellent swimming pool and leisure complex in addition to its fine beach. Plenty of things to do for people of all ages.

NEWPORT-ON-TAY

Sunset over the Tay Rail Bridge - Photo: Dave Wood CCL

It was its location on the southern bank of the Tay, opposite Dundee, that led to the growth of the town.

Ferries were crossing the river at this point since the early 12th century and provided one of the shortest routes from Aberdeen and Dundee to Edinburgh. The development of the road network in Fife helped encourage the building of piers to increase the convenience of the ferries and this, in turn, encouraged the wealthy industrialists of Dundee to move over the water to live in a healthier less polluted atmosphere.

Some of the commerce suffered when the Tay Road Bridge was opened in 1966 but it does mean that Newport on Tay is now very convenient for the holiday maker wishing to tour Fife, Angus or Perth and Kinross.

If you fancy A B&B where you can wake up with this view of the Tay Road Bridge out of your bedroom window, click the picture!

NORTH QUEENSFERRY

The Forth Railway Bridge, North Queensferry - Photo: Peter Jenkinson CCL
 

North Queensferry - Photo: Mick Garratt CCL

Northern end of the famous Forth Railway Bridge.

The name is believed to originate from the fact that Queen Margaret, (later Saint Margaret) and her husband King Malcolm Canmore regularly crossed the Forth when travelling between Edinburgh and their home in Dunfermline.

Until 1964 when the road bridge opened, this was also the the northern end of the Car Ferry linking with South Queensferry. The harbour is now used for leisure craft and the small boat ferries to the islands in the Forth.

The Forth Bridges Visitor Centre Trust is at the foot of the Rail Bridge at the North Queensferry end.  For anyone interested in either of these magnificent monuments to human skill and engineering, this is well worth a visit. 

PITTENWEEM

Kellie Castle was completed in the early 17th Century and was once home to the Earls of Kellie. The oldest tower dates back to 1360 and is said to be haunted! Having been restored 1878, the castle today has magnificent plaster ceilings and panelling, and furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer.
Visit Hew Lorimer’s sculpture studio. Stroll in the magical Arts & Crafts garden and enjoy the scent of old roses and the beautiful herbaceous borders.
National Trust for Scotland
 

Pittenweem Harbour - Photo: Jim Bain CCL
 

ROSYTH

ST ANDREWS

Students enjoying the sun at St. Andrews Bay - Photo: Alex Bishop CCL

Famous for its 12th Century cathedral, 13th Century castle, 15th Century university and, of course, golf!

Like many university towns, its character changes from term-time to vacation. In summer, St Andrews bustles as a holiday resort but it has a more subdued academic centre in term time.

Golf has been popular here since the 15th century. In its early days there were calls for the playing of the game to be restricted as it was claimed to be adversely affecting church attendance and archery practice!

The early growth of St Andrews was as a religious centre associated with St Andrew (now Patron Saint of Scotland).

One story claims that St Rule was told by an angel to carry relics of St Andrew to "the ends of the earth". He was shipwrecked on the coast of Scotland and the community, which became established at the place where he came ashore, was later called St Andrews. Whether or not the story is true, it is certainly a fact that relics, supposedly of St Andrew, were placed in a chapel here.

The chapel was replaced in 1160 by St Andrews Cathedral, to which pilgrims travelled to view the relics. St Andrews became the religious capital of Scotland and, although now in ruins, the Cathedral's obvious magnificence cannot fail to impress. St Rule’s Tower, also on the site, is part of the first Augustinian church built in the early 12th century. Now in the care of  Historic Scotland.
 

The Bishops and Archbishops of St Andrews were very powerful and they built a castle in the early 1200s. Many religious reformers were imprisoned there and Cardinal Beaton burned one, George Wishart, at the stake. His initials in the pavement in front of the castle mark the spot of his gruesome death.

In revenge, a group of protestants in the guise of stonemasons, entered the castle and murdered Cardinal Beaton in 1546, displaying his body to the crowd from the castle walls. They held the castle for over a year during which time the "authorities" laid siege.

St Andrews Museum in Kilburn Park explores the towns heritage from early times to the 20th century. In the Kaleidoscope Gallery there is a changing programme of temporary exhibitions on a wide variety of topics. The Activity Centre hosts lectures and activities for children throughout the year. The Museum café serves light meals, teas, coffees and home baking.

No visit to Fife would be complete without also visiting the British Golf Museum. Whether or not you are a golfer, you will find the museum full of surprising facts and striking feats from 500 years of golf history. There are displays and exhibits which trace the history of the game, both in Britain and abroad, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

West Sands, St. Andrews - Photo: Graham Ellis CCL