Donibristle

Donibristle House is a stately residence in Fife, Scotland, of which two wings remain standing and connected by an underground passage. Both wings feature ornate wrought-iron screens and sit positioned to overlook the Firth of Forth.

The original fortress burned in 1592, after which a new house was built in 1720 for the Earl of Moray. Another fire struck the structure in 1858, causing significant damage.

The name Donibristle comes from the Scottish Gaelic "dun" meaning fort, reflecting its origins as a fortified site. Today visitors can see how the remaining stone wings frame views toward the water, with the ironwork screens adding decorative character to what was once a grand residence.

The surviving wings have been converted to residential properties, so the site is not open to the public. However, the coastal location makes it worth viewing from walking paths and local viewpoints nearby.

During World Wars I and II, the estate was transformed into a Royal Navy airfield called RNAS Donibristle and served aviation operations. After the wars ended, it returned to residential use, making this military chapter easy to overlook today.

Location: Fife

Location: Dalgety

GPS coordinates: 56.03053,-3.35231

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05