Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Fife Coast, East Wemyss, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on an intruiging part of Scotland’s Fife Coast, namely that near the village of East Wemyss in Fife. Here can be found a diversity of activities and history which includes:

• Remains of 15th century, MacDuff’s Castle.
• Old sea caves on a raised beach which contain carvings from the Neolithic period up to modern times.  The best carvings can be found in Jonathan’s Cave.
• Interesting sandstone geology as shown in image no two below.
• Defunct World War Two defences along the coast including former gun emplacements.
• The Fife Coastal Path which passes the village as part its 150km route along the coastline.

Here is part of the Fife Coastal Path

Fife Coastal Path, East Wemyss, Scotland

Interesting twisted cord effect geology.

Sandstone Cliffs, East Wemyss, Scotland

MacDuff’s Castle

Macduff's Castle, East Wemyss, Scotland

Old WW2 defences on beach.

Defunct WW2 Defences, Eats Wemyss, Scotland

Clearly, a wealth of interests and opportunities in a very small geographic area. Suggest visit to nearby West Wemyss  if time allows.

West Wemyss, Fife Coast, Scotland

 This evening, I am focusing on the quaint, conservation village of West Wemyss which is located on the Fife Coast, just north of Kirkaldy.

The village probably owes its existence to nearby Wemyss Castle which dates from the 12th century. Later, prosperity was stimulated by industrial development including a harbour, coal mining and a glassworks.

By the mid 20th century the town was in decline but subsequent major property restoration initiatives combined with a good community spirit has seen the position stabilised. However, there remains much to do. It is unfortunate that the major hotel has been closed for a number of years as the site offers superb views over the Firth of Forth and would attract additional visitors to the area. The Fife Coastal Path  (150km long) runs past to the village and consequently passing hikers call in.

The name ‘Wemyss’ is of Gaelic origin and mean ”at the cave’. This is apposite because the coastline in the area is well endowed with caves which were carved out by the sea before the land level rose leaving a series of raised beaches.

Nearby is another conservation village, Coaltown of Wemyss and also East Wemyss and MacDuff’s Castle. In this relatively small area can be found a high concentration of historic sites and scenery.

Image above shows the the 16th century Tolbooth.

Here is Main Street with its pastel shaded houses.

West Wemyss, Fife Coast, Scotland

 This was a pub known as the Wemyss Arms but now converted to a community run establishment known as the West Wemyss Walk Inn which is a combined cafe/bistro/ function room and shop.

West Wemyss Old Inn, Fife Coast, Scotland

 Here is Wemyss Castle. The old structure can be seen in the far left of the image (tower) and centre.

Wemyss Castle, Fife Coast, Scotland

This spot is deserving of a visit.

MacDuff's Castle. East Wemyss, Fife

This afternoon, I visited MacDuff’s Castle near the village of East Wemyss on Scotland’s Fife Coast.

This sandstone ruin was built by the Wemyss family and dates from the 14th century.

Due to lack of use it progressively fell into disrepair and the upper parts were dismantled for safety reasons.

This castle is just one, but perhaps the best preserved example, of prominent castles on hilltop locations around the Firth of Forth area (near Edinburgh).

MacDuff's Castle, East Wemyss, Fife

MacDuff's Castle, East Wemyss, Scotland

The castle is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Sibbald.

Macdiuff's Castle, East Wemyss, Scotland

Here is an image of the nearby coast line along which traverses the Fife Coastal Path.

Fife Coastal Path near East Wemyss, Scotland

A worthwhile visit. There is lots of history nearby in form of caves which have been used by man for about 5000 years.