Tour Culross
An attractive example of an old Scottish burgh in W Fife, situated on the
River Forth 7 miles (11 km) west of Dunfermline.
Created a royal burgh in 1588, Culross was the legendary birthplace of
St Kentigern (or St Mungo). An abbey was founded here in 1217 by
Malcolm, 7th earl of Fife, and during the 17th century salt panning, coal
mining, weaving and trade with the Low Countries from the foreshore
port of Sandhaven were developed, chiefly by the enterprising local
merchant Sir George Bruce. Another famous product of the town at that time was the iron
baking girdle.
The town is rich in 17th and 18th century cobbled lanes and buildings, many of which have
been restored by the National Trust for Scotland. Amongst the main historic landmarks are:
The Palace, built by Sir George Bruce in the 16th century; 13th-century Culross Abbey, a
Cistercian foundation; the Town House (1626); and The Study (1633) with its corbelled top
storey.