Crail

East Neuk's Most Ancient Burgh

Crail is the oldest of the East Neuk fishing villages and many argue it's the most attractive. While that is a subjective opinion and each of Fife's coastal villages are unique and attractive in their own way, Crail does have something special. Maybe it's due to its relative isolation from the rest or simply because of how history shaped it.

A Royal Burgh and Busy Marketplace

Crail is the most easterly town on Fife's coast. It's also 4 3/4 miles from Anstruther. While that gives it a sense of isolation it also helped build its own, unique character.

Crail had an unrivalled livelihood in its days Made "Royal Burgh" in 1310 by Robert the Bruce, Crail was given the right to hold markets on a Sunday. In medieval times, the town's marketgate had become one of the largest in Europe.

It's hard to believe that this now quiet and tranquil place was once bustling with activity. It was a continuing tradition for the people of this small fishing port to trade with the continent (they had been doing it since the 9th century).

The European influence can be seen in Fife's architecture and especially in the Tolbooth of Dutch inspiration. Some of the produce exported to Europe included Crail capon and live lobsters Nowadays, Crail fishing boats bring in mainly shellfish.

Crail Harbour

Crail harbour is indeed very special. It's smaller than harbours in Pittenweem or Anstruther, for example, but it's got a charm of its own and is a favourite setting of artists and photographers Crail harbour has got whitewash, red-tiled houses with built-in lintels showing the initials of the first owners or date when they were built.

Scottish Place Names

" Carr (boulder) and ail (rock) both come from Old Gaelic. The dangerous Carr Rocks lies three miles offshore and is guarded by a lightship " .

View of harbour from Anstruther Road Outer staircases on Crail's Westgate Walking down on Shoregate to the harbour Crail harbour at low tide

Fishing boats are floating within the pier enclosure at high tide while the tower from Crail house wall overlooks the harbour. All the details portray an image of a lovely fishing port, but a very authentic and real one. The harbour in Crail must be Scotland's most photographed.

High Street Shops Crail's whitewashed houses Crail's whitewashed houses Continue down Shoregate until you reach the harbour

Crail's Links to Famous People

Crail is linked to some famous Scottish figures. One of them is Robert Louis Stevenson (the author) whose grandfather designed the West Pier which was added in 1826-28. The other one is John Knox, the Protestant reformer, who held one of its most violent sermons in Crail Parish Church.

Crail Tourist Information

Crail, like all fishing villages in East Neuk are best explored on foot, through wynds and alleyways. Enjoy the lovely Fife architecture and the views. There are countless opportunities for photography Two good viewpoints of the harbour are Castle Walk near Crail House and Anstruther Road.

Related Information

• Undiscovered Scotland' Crail

Flavour of Scotland is a Scotland information guide with digital pictures - This page offers information on Crail, Scotland.