Pittenweem

There is plenty to offer visitors to this part of the East Neuk of Fife. Local traders in Pittenweem High Street provide day to day amenities whilst art galleries, bistros, artisan shops and restaurant tempt you with that little bit extra. Pittenweem Arts Festival, takes place in the first full week of August and hosts both well established artists and newcomers.

Places of local and historical interest

Pittenweem Harbour:

The harbour is home to one of Scotland’s last remaining fishing fleets. At the shore end of the outer harbour wall, some of the paving stones have numbers engraved in them. The numbers are now randomly scattered, but once were vital to the smooth operation of the fish market. Before the pier was re-surfaced, the stones were placed in numerical order at the quayside running outwards from the shore. The first fishing boat to return with its catch placed its haul alongside stone number one, the second boat at stone two and so on. When the market opened, the fish was sold in strict order of landing. While visiting this part of the harbour, try to find the stones in order.

Gyles House:

Gyles House, built in the 17thC for Captain James Cook who took Charles II to France after his defeat at the battle of Worcester in 1651.

St. Fillans Cave:

Pittenweem owes its name to the Picts who called it after its best known feature, a cave associated with St Fillan. Literally translated, Pittenweem refers to the “pit” or “place” by the “weem” or “cave”. Not only did St Fillan convert the Picts to Christianity but he is reputed to have written in the dark confines of his cave aided only by the light of his glowing left arm. Re-discovered in the early 20th century, St Fillan’s Cave can be visited in Cove Wynd.

Tolbooth Tower:

Tolbooth Tower which once imprisoned witches waiting their unfortunate trials.

Kellie Lodging:

Kellie Lodging, on the High Street is a 16th century town house which once belonged the Earls of Kellie Castle. In 1651 the town entertained King Charles II to a meal on his way to Anstruther. The meal was served outside Kellie Lodging.

Pittenweem Kirk:

In the 13th century, monks based on the Isle of May moved to the Pittenweem Priory to escape the ravages of marauding pirates. The east gatehouse of Pittenweem Priory has survived but much of its stone was incorporated into the building of in 1589 which is situated on the same site.

The Mercat Cross:

The Mercat Cross, the symbol of the burgh’s right to hold markets and fairs, stands at the east end of the High Street.