Historic Attractions in Fife

Aberdour Castle is located in the village of Easter Aberdour, Fife, Scotland

Aberdour Castle consists of a range of buildings from various periods in Fife History. While some of the earlier buildings are ruins others can be clearly visible to the visitor. Aberdour Castle started out as meeting/hall house, built around 1200 by a Mr Alan Mortimer. King Robert the Bruce In 1325 granted the lands to his nephew, Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray. In 1342 Sir William Douglas obtained the deed and it has remained in the Douglas family ever since.

Further construction started in the 15th century, where the hall house was raised to become a tower house. In the next century a central range was added to the south and east of the tower house to which greatly enhanced the living area. James who was thee Lord High Chancellor the 4th Earl of Morton inherited the castle. James had this title from 1562 to 1572 and following this became Scotland’s regent from 1572 to 1578 after the abdication of Mary Queen of Scots in favour of her infant son, James VI.

The last major work on the castle was the east range built for William Douglas, 7th earl of Mortimer. He was Treasurer of Scotland between 1630 and 1636, and was one of the most powerful and influential men in the country. The first floor of the new range was dedicated to display his collection of paintings and entertain his many guests.

The great fire in the late 17th century badly damaged the Aberdour Castle. Only the east range was repaired, but plans to completely demolish the tower house and central range were abandoned due to the cost. Unfortunately, much of what has left has collapsed over the years. In 1725 the Douglas family moved to nearby Aberdour House. The east range was continued to used in various capacities as a barracks, school and Masonic lodge before being placed in state care in 1924.



Carnegie Museum
Andrew Carnegie’s wife, founded the museum in the hope that it would prove an inspiration to many generations to come. To honour her example, the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum has been completely refurbished and open to visitors and proved exceptionally popular. The museum features voiceovers, weaving demonstrations, interactive displays, temporary exhibitions, improved cafe and museum shop and other unique features have all been added to fully immerse you in the life of this great man. Many visitors to the museum have left with a fascinating and informative impression that will remai forever with them. Carnegie Museum invites you to find out about life in 19th century Dunfermline and details the undertaking involved in Carnegie Emigrating to America during this period. Armed with very few possessions, but a steel determination to succeed in the New Land. Carnegie Museum invites you to re-discover how Andrew Carnegie became the richest man in the world and more importantly father of modern philanthropy.



Carnegie Museum looks forward to welcoming you soon

Other Attractions
Balmerino Abbey. Spooky ruins of a Cistercian Monastery founded in 1229. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to enter the buildings but can view the surrounding grounds.

Open all year



Crail Museum and Heritage Centre. History of Crail and its seafaring traditions

Centre of Crail. Four miles north east of Anstruther on A917

Apr-May weekends. June-Sept. Closed winter.

01333 450869

Dunfermline Palace and Abbey

Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. The site marks the remains of an eleventh century Benedictine abbey

The great abbey of Dunfermline was founded in the 11th century by Queen Margaret and the foundations of the original building lie under the stunning 12th century Romanesque style nave.The Abbey Church is the last resting place of many Scottish kings and queens...
St Margaret Street Dunfermline.

Apl-Sept. Winter restrictions
01383 739026