Collairnie Castle, Medieval castle in Fife, Scotland
Collairnie Castle is a medieval fortification in Fife with an L-shaped stone design built for defense. The structure features small windows, four stories with an attic, and a tower section that was added during a 16th-century expansion.
The castle was home to the Barclay family for several centuries before passing to the Balfours in 1789. This change of ownership represented a significant shift in the site's history and direction.
The two painted ceilings inside show how Scottish noble families decorated their homes during medieval times. These ornamental details reveal the taste and craftsmanship that residents valued in their private spaces.
The castle now stands integrated into a 19th-century farm complex where the main structure has been reduced to a single story. The tower remains visible and incorporated into the surrounding agricultural buildings on the site.
Mary Queen of Scots stopped here for three nights in January 1565 while traveling to St Andrews. This brief visit connected the castle to one of the most significant journeys in Scottish royal history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
