URPoint Details
One of those fishing villages you have to explore on foot is a picturesque royal burgh and the oldest in East Neuk.
The town hall dates from the 17th century and John Knox once preached in St Mary’s church.
The red-tiled cottages which crowd around the harbour were once smugglers now mainly belong to artists.
The 13th century Collegiate church has a fine 18th century carved cross and retains a plain short spired tower. There is some fine 17th work, an ancient carved cross and in the chancel is a picture of a sailor taking a bearing with a sextant.
Near the shore stands an ancient doocot and in the Victoria Gardens an 11th century Sauchope Stone.
A couple of miles northeast is the tower of Balcomie Castle where Mary of Guise the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots stayed in 1538.
Beyond the castle is Fife Ness in the East Neuk of Fife facing the North Carr lighthouse marking the perilous Carr Rocks.
Crail (cr-ale) is probably linked to the Irish name Cairill and the family name of O'Carroll. Rock (carr)
- Type:
- Landmark