Heart of Fife Discovery Trails

Burntisland has a fascinating history, from its earliest settlers to its days as a bustling port and the vibrant town it is today. Come on a journey through its past, uncovering historic landmarks, remarkable people and hidden gems along the way.

Begin at the Burgh Chambers on the High Street, a landmark since 1845. Built as the town council headquarters, it boasts an impressive council chamber on the first floor. Next door is the library, gifted to Burntisland in 1907 by Dunfermline-born philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Walk along the High Street towards the Links to Stop two, the Porte Buildings. Standing near the site of the East Porte, the town's main gateway from 1635, they're just around the corner from one of Scotland's first purpose-built cinemas, the Old Porte, now converted to houses.

Across the road is stop three, The Links, a lovely green space gifted to the people of Burntisland by King James V. It has been used for many purposes over the years and is home to Burntisland Highland Games which go back to 1652 and are recognised as the second-oldest in the world.

Go up Links Place to the next stop, The Parsonage. This rather unusual building was built in 1854 for the Rev George Hay Forbes, a distinguished scholar and prolific publisher. He had grand plans for a church that would have dwarfed many cathedrals but sadly was never built. He did build a school though which is now the pipe band hall.

Continue along East Leven Street to Burntisland Parish Church, one of Scotland’s earliest post-Reformation churches and the oldest still in use. Its distinctive square design features carved wooden panels celebrating the town’s maritime heritage. In 1601, James VI attended a Church of Scotland General Assembly here that approved the Bible translation later published as the King James Bible.

Go down The Kirkgate to the next stop, Sommerville Square named after Mary Somerville, a brilliant 19th-century mathematician, astronomer and science writer who lived here. She was one of the first women members of the Royal Astronomical Society and has has an Oxford college, a moon crater, an Arctic island and an asteroid named after her, and she appears on the Royal Bank of Scotland £10 note.

Head back to the High Street for stop number seven The Star Tavern, which is the oldest townhouse in Burntisland, built in 1671.

Go to the end of the High Street for stop eight, the harbour. Dating back to 1540, it was once one of Scotland's most important east coast ports, serving as a naval base, ferry terminal, fishing hub and shipbuilding centre.

Take the stairs beside the railway bridge to Stop nine, Rossend Castle. Dating mainly from the 16th century, this historic building was once a royal retreat visited by Mary, Queen of Scots. Beautifully restored, it is now privately owned.

For the final stop, head through the stone arch to Kirkton Road, turn left, climb the hill and cross Aberdour Road. Hidden away above the town, Kirkton Church is a 13th-century ruin that offers a glimpse of what a medieval parish church would have looked like centuries ago.

After completing the trail, head back to the High Street to enjoy Burntisland's independent shops, cafés and restaurants, or continue exploring this charming coastal town.