A Day Along the South Fife Coast

Culross Mercat Cross

An attraction

Wander along the Back Causeway to what was once the heart of Culross – the Mercat Cross. Markets, public events and proclamations all took place here, underneath the statue of Scotland’s National Animal and royal symbol, the unicorn! As well as an important historical spot, this is one of the most photographed spots in the village, with The Study next door a beautiful example of local architecture. This towering townhouse was used by Bishop Leighton of Dunblane while visiting Culross on official church business.

Culross Abbey

An attraction

Climb to the highest part of the town and step into the ruins of Culross Abbey. While there had been a religious site here since St Serf founded the town in the 6th century, this monastery didn’t appear until the 1200s. Today, it’s a complete ruin of broken pillars and floating doorways, but it’s not without stories. Legend says a secret tunnel leads beneath Culross Abbey leading to a man in a golden chair, waiting to reward whoever finds him. Only one person is ever said to have braved the entrance, disappearing inside with his faithful hound, never to be seen again!

Grave of Lilias Adie

An attraction

Heading out of Culross along the coast, it’s worth stopping at Torryburn, as long as the tide is out, for a reminder of one of Scotland’s darkest chapters. A large slab half buried in the sand marks the grave of Lilias Adie. In 1704, she was accused of witchcraft and after days of interrogation, Lilias confessed. Dying before she could be put on trial, she was buried on the beach between the high and low tide mark, not quite on land or in the sea. The heavy slab was added in case Lilias came back and tried to dig her way free, now standing as a reminder of what happened to the most vulnerable people during the awful craze of witch trials.

Coorie by the Coast

Food and drink

This small café is a favourite of mine, especially their croque monsieur although there are plenty more options. It’s also very dog friendly with special treats available for any four-legged friends!

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

An attraction

In Scotland’s newest city you’ll find Dunfermline Abbey, the resting place of Scottish Kings, Queens and Saints. This was once Scotland’s royal centre, founded by King Malcolm Canmore and his queen Saint Margaret. There are seven kings buried here somewhere, although all the graves have been lost apart from Robert the Bruce. One half of the abbey stands in its medieval state but the other has been transformed into a working parish church. It’s in the latter that you can pay your respects to Scotland’s most famous warrior king and learn about the discovery of his tomb.

More infoMore about Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

Pittencrieff Park

An attraction

The abbey is located on the edge of Pittencrieff Park, more commonly known as The Glen by locals. It’s a huge area to wander, with walks alongside babbling burns, through flowery corners and across huge grassy spaces. Be aware that there are resident peacocks wandering around freely!

Aberdour Castle and Gardens

An attraction

Fife is home to plenty of castles, but Aberdour is too often overlooked. Passed from family to family, this might be Scotland’s oldest stone castle, so there’s plenty of history to be found in these old walls. It changed drastically when the Douglases took over, turning it into a large, comfortable base near Edinburgh. The castle was badly damaged by fire after being used as a government garrison during the 1715 Jacobite rising, but thankfully some of the beautiful painted ceilings survived for us to enjoy today.

St Fillan’s Church

An attraction

On the other side of the garden wall from the castle, St Fillan’s is probably the oldest standing church in Scotland with parts dating back to 1123! It’s free to wander around and has an almost overwhelming sense of history as you do. In 1796, the roof of St Fillan’s was removed, open to the elements for 129 years! Trees grew in the walls, wind howled through empty windows and fallen gravestones were piled inside. Thankfully, the local community restored this amazing wee church so it will hopefully still be here in another 900 years!