Ardross Castle Fife

Ardross Castle Fife is a much ruined pair of buildings atop coastal cliffs to the north-east of Elie, and to the rear of the farm of the same name. It is accessible with permission through the farm, and via the Fife Coastal Path, which runs between the two buildings.

The northernmost of the buildings is the remaining part of a rectangular tower, most likely of 15th century date, the seaward side of which survives high enough to show vaulting, and the outer wall of which has been stripped of its ashlar facing. Remains of mural stairs to the first floor can be seen, and slit windows. The southernmost building is longer, narrower, and has thinner walls, so is presumably later, and is slightly offset. Evidence is slight, but it seems possible that it formed the shoreward side of a rectangular courtyard, half of which has fallen into the sea. The castle was a property of the Dishington family, sheriffs of Fife, until 1607, when it was sold to Sir William Scott of Elie, and then to Sir William Anstruther. Scott at about the same time erected a new mansion house, called Ardross House, (now gone, replaced by Elie House) and it is possible parts of the castle were used as a quarry, although it is unclear when this happened.

HES Canmore database entry