Top 5 Castles around Star Of Markinch

In 1929, 85 acres (34 ha) of the estate, including the castle, was given to the town of Kirkcaldy by the Nairn family as a public park. Ravenscraig Castle was passed into state care in 1955 and has been open to the public by the owners Historic Scotland since 1971.

Stopped here for soup at Campbells Cafe which was great. The Royal Palace (16 century) is impressive too.

Falkland Palace is a beautiful renaissance palace that boasts one of the oldest tennis courts in Britain. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the palace is set amongst lovely gardens. Although the building is a shell of its former glory, it's easy to see how opulent the renaissance architecture would once have been. Entrance costs £5 for adults and £4 for concessions. For more information, see: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/falkland-palace

Falkland Palace & Garden provides a unique opportunity to explore a royal ‘pleasure palace’ with a Victorian twist. Inspired by the grand châteaux of France, in the 16th century James IV and his son, James V, transformed this favoured retreat of the royal Stuarts – the palace became one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. One of Falkland’s most famous royal residents – Mary, Queen of Scots – was enchanted with the palace, and took advantage of Falkland’s vast estate to pursue falconry and hunting, while also enjoying a game of tennis in what is now the oldest surviving real (or royal) tennis court in the world. Today, visitors can wander through our historic orchard, complete with a living willow labyrinth, and marvel at the beauty of our formal gardens designed by Percy Cane. Although it fell into disrepair after 1660, Falkland Palace was saved from ruin in the 19th century by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Innovative and passionate, Bute gave the palace a new lease of life. Intricate wood panelling, impressive painted ceilings and beautifully carved furniture provide a visually stunning insight into Bute’s artistic vision, showcasing his respect for the palace’s Renaissance roots. Source: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/falkland-palace

MacDuff's Castle was originally built in the 11th century. However, nothing survives from this period and the ruins you see today are from the 14th and 15th centuries. You can explore the castle for free, at your leisure, as there is no tourist infrastructure. Be warned, though, the castle is said to be haunted by the grey lady, who has also been sighted around the caves below. Locals say it is the ghost of Mary Sibbald, who was found guilty of theft and died in the castle.

MacDuff's Castle was originally a late 13th century stone courtyard fortress, founded by Michael Wemyss. The site is traditionally associated with Macduff, Thane of Fife but in 1306, King Edward I ordered the Earl of Pembroke to burn the castle. Rebuild in the mid 14th century, Sir John Wemyss added the north-western gatehouse to the quadrangular court. From 1530 the Colvilles remodelled the castle, blocking the old gateway they built the south-western four storey tower, with a new gatehouse range in-between. In the late 16th or early 17th century, an outer court encased by a wall with angle turrets and pierced with gun-ports was created on the three landward sides. Allowed to decay from the late 17th century, only the south-west tower, the west wall and its southern angle tower of the outer court remain. The rest of the castle buildings are extremely ruinous and lie buried under mounds of rubble or vegetation. 2 miles south-west is Wemyss Castle and 3 miles north at Kennoway is Maiden Castle.