Kirkcaldy Hotels

History

Kirkcaldy history stretches back thousands of years, and the town began as a burgh under the control of Dunfermline Abbey. It initially began to grow around the harbour built by the East Burn and developed as a trade link with the Baltic. Textiles and salt panning are two of the industries that flourished here. Unusually for a historic Scottish settlement, Kirkcaldy has no stone wall and early inhabitants relied on the sea as a natural defence. The building of Ravenscraig Castle in the 1450s undoubtedly strengthened Kirkcaldy's position, and its atmospheric ruins are well worth visiting today. Kirkcaldy is known across the world as the birthplace of philosopher and economist Adam Smith, who wrote his definitive ‘Wealth of Nations' here.

Landmarks

The picturesque and evocative remains of Ravenscraig Castle, built by James II are fascinating, but there is much else to discover from Kirkcaldy hotels. Right next to the railway station stands Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery. This grand old building houses the largest selection of paintings by Scottish Colourists Samuel Peploe and William McTaggart outside the National Galleries of Scotland. You can also see a fine selection of works by the Glasgow Boys. On the ground floor you can absorb the town's fascinating industrial heritage through an award-winning permanent exhibition.

Don't miss the magnificent Adam Smith Theatre, named after Kirkcaldy's most famous former citizen. This imposing late 19th-century masterpiece is home to the town's main theatre and cinema space.

Kirkcaldy's oldest church is an essential landmark too. The Old Kirk with its square Norman west tower is the oldest surviving building here. References to the original building can be found as far back as 1244.

Scenic walks

The area around Kirkcaldy provides plenty of opportunities to explore on foot. The scenery and heritage simply unfolds before you at your own pace. The High Street Heritage Trail allows you to trace the route of one of Scotland's longest and oldest thoroughfares and this route is now clearly marked by specially engraved stones by buildings of historic significance. Fife Council can provide a clear guide to the whole trail if you fancy exploring it. Try the Seafield walk to enjoy wide and wonderful views. Walking south and past the old 16th-century Seafield Tower you will see the Lothians in the distance and numerous groups of seals out on the wide sands.

The Pathhead to Dysart is an excellent walk that begins in the shadow of Ravenscraig Castle and takes you east along the shore. When the tide is high, you will need to clamber up some steep stone steps before reaching the little harbour town at Dysart.