St Monans

The Auld Kirk of St Monans Makes the Most Distinctive Landmark

St Monans is probably the nicest of the East Neuk villages. Compared to Elie or Lower Largo, it is a much bigger place as a direct result of the prosperity it gained in the 1800. At the same time, it is the finest example of Fife's fishing villages architecture: a variety of colours, outside staircases, red-tiled roofs, all blended in beautifully.

An Ancient Settlement - Now A Popular Place for Tourists

Originally called Inverin, the name was changed into St Monance (or St Monans) from the presence of a shrine said to contain the relics of the Irish missionary. In time, the small settlement grew and developed into a prosperous fishing village bustling with activity.

Haddock, cod and herring were caught and sold in Edinburgh or exported abroad. Another important part of the village's industry was shipbuilding Although it has been reduced dramatically over the centuries, boats are still built or repaired in St Monans.

Ardross Castle - The First Historical Building in St Monans

The first ruin we encountered on the walk from Elie is Ardross Castle. There is not much left of this 14th Century castle but it is a taster of what's to come. It is the first in a series of historical buildings of great importance to the area.

Newark Castle and Dovecot

St Monans from Coastal Path St Monans View from Coastal Path Ardross Castle Ardross Castle Newark Castle and Dovecot Newark Castle and Dovecot St. Monans Kirk from path St. Monans Kirk from path

This section of the coastal path is not at all remote. There are just 2 miles from Elie and the path runs along houses even before we get to St Monans. The land features are quite unique When looking towards St Monans from a distance, you can't not notice the stretch of shoreline with its weird shaped rocks or the ruins of Ardross and Newark Castle as well as the Auld Kirk of St Monans in the distance.
Interior of St Monans Church Interior of St Monans Kirk St Monans Windmill St Monans Windmill

Compared to Ardross, there is a fair bit of Newark Castle left. We haven't managed to explore it in detail as you aren't allowed to go in. The castle was bought by Sit David Leslie in 1649 and then changed ownership to the Anstruthers and then to the Bairds of Elie. It's not so much the ruins that are interesting for the regular visitor, but the way in which Newark Castle assumes the role of the "gate to the village".

You can see it very well from the Coastal Path for quite a while before actually reaching it. To its left there's the dovecot and just behind it there's the St. Monans kirk and the village itself. It gives you an instant sense of ancient and modest, and yet it's all but boring. To me, it reflected the Fife fishermen's simple way of life within these small communities.

St Monans Motto

" Mare Vivimus - We live by (produce from) the sea "

A few feet away from the castle there is the dovecot which was once source of meat for the inhabitants of the castle. It's preserved remarkably well, all but the metal door which spoils it to some extent.

Auld Kirk of St Monans

A 750 Year Old Church with Distinctive Architecture

All of the East Neuk churches have a particular architecture. Churches like the ones in St. Monans and Anstruther are examples of this perfectly preserved group of medieval churches I am not an expert in the field but even I can see a striking resemblance in style. The similarity is particularly obviously with the church towers as you can see in the pictures.

The inside of St. Monans church shows a simplicity at its best It's not surprising given that this used to be a small community of fishermen. The church is quite small but large enough to accommodate everyone in the village.

There is a copy of the bible for everyone and an envelope for donations. Restored to some extent, the interior is a perfect complement to the village. It's the same whitewash paint you see on almost all East Neuk houses and you can easily visualise it as the centre of the community In a way, it's not at all surprising since this is a fishing village and the Forth and North Sea are all but merciful. The church is probably where people went to pray for the fishermen out at sea.

The Windmill of St Monans

About 5-10 walk on the St Monans to Pittenweem Coastal Path there's another landmark. The windmill associated with the extraction of salt dates back from 1780. It was used to pump water into the nearby salt pans. The windmill has been recently restored and open to the public during the summer. Admission is free and the windmill is open daily from July to August.

St Monans to Crail Walking Distances - Fife Coastal Path for Tourists

Related Information

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