Rossend Castle: Burntisland
Strategically sited on a cliff overlooking the harbour, Rossend Castle was originally built in 1119 and later used post-Reformation by the Abbots of Dunfermline. The existing building, dating from the mid 1500s, has a fascinating history. It was likely built by George Durie, the last Commander, or administrator, of Dunfermline Abbey before the Reformation, and was passed to his son in 1552. His own arms and the date 22nd May 1554 were placed on a plaque above the entrance door. The Castle was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1563, Chastelard, a suitor of Mary, secreted himself in her bedroom at the Castle, in order to make amorous advances on her. For this indiscretion he was beheaded at the Mercat Cross in St Andrews. The Castle fell into disrepair, but was rescued and painstakingly restored in 1975 by a firm of architects who now occupy the castle.
