Royal Burgh of Crail
The Kirk and Blue Stane
The Blue Stane (stone) lies beside the church gate. According to local legend, it was thrown from the Isle of May by the Devil to damage Crail church. The stone split in mid-air, one piece landing here and the other landing on Balcomie Beach near Fife Ness, the most easterly point of Fife. Behind the church is a 19th century morthouse, where bodies awaiting burial were locked away for several weeks to deter body snatchers who sold them to University anatomists.
Crail Museum and Heritage Centre
Tel: 01333 450869
Open daily Easter week and June to September, weekends only April and May.
Crail Museum and Heritage Centre, which also houses the Tourist Information Centre, was opened in 1979 in a renovated house at 62 Marketgate. It tells the story of the burgh and its connections with the sea. It also has displays on the nearby Second World War Fleet Air Arm Station, HMS Jackdaw, and Crail Golfing Society, the seventh oldest golf club in the world, founded on 23rd February 1786.
The Doocot
At the end of Nethergate in parkland overlooking the sea is the Priory Doocot (dovecote), a striking cylindrical construction, probably of the 16th century, repaired by the Crail Preservation Society in 1960.
Crail Harbour
Crails’ Harbour and streets of 17th and 18th century houses attract many artists and photographers. Look out for some of the traditional features of the East Neuk houses, including the forestairs (outside stairs) and crow (corbie)-stepped gables. Many of the houses also have marriage lintels above their doors or built into walls which show the initials of the first owners and the date of the building or their wedding.
Isle of May
Lying six miles off the East Neuk at the mouth of the Firth of Forth, the Isle of May was once the base of early Christian missionaries, including St Adrian who became the patron saint of some of the East Neuk ports. St Adrian was murdered in 875AD by raiding Danes. The remains of the Beacon can be seen, constructed in 1636 and the first lighthouse built in Scotland. Today the island is of outstanding importance, both for its archaeology and its wildlife. Trips can be taken from Anstruther (tel 01333 310103) to view the breeding seabirds and the colony of grey seals.
