Welcome to Fife, a region brimming with rich history, stunning landscapes, and a wealth of unique film locations. Whether you're a filmmaker seeking the perfect backdrop or a fan wanting to follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters, Fife offers a diverse array of spectacular settings.
Fife, often referred to as the "Kingdom of Fife," is a historic county in east-central Scotland. It is characterized by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and significant historical landmarks. Its natural boundaries have helped shape its history and identity. Take a quick tour of just some of Fife’s stunning array of film and event locations and discover what makes this area so unique and captivating for filmmakers.
Fife is effectively a peninsula. The River Tay is to the North between Fife and Dundee and Perthshire. To the south there’s the picturesque Firth of Forth where Fife looks towards the Lothians. And to the east there’s the North Sea offering dramatic coastal cliffs and serene beaches.
Major Towns and Cities
Fife boasts several vibrant towns and cities, each with its own unique charm and significance.
Dunfermline City: Often considered the historical capital of Fife, it's a city rich in heritage, including the iconic Bishop’s Palace and the magnificent Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. The Abbey features stunning medieval architecture, grand interiors, unique stained glass windows and therecently re-opened Queen Margaret’s Cave where the devout monarch went to pray. The city is also known for its royal connections and vibrant cultural scene. Pittencrieff Park known as "The Glen," is an extensive parkland with manicured gardens, picturesque bridges, and historical buildings. The city was the birthplace of renowned, self-made billionaire and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, whose life is depicted at a cottage museum that was once his home.
Kirkcaldy: Known for its expansive esplanade along the coast and its historic Links Market, one of Europe’s oldest funfairs. Kirkcaldy offers a blend of modern amenities and historical significance. Ravenscraig Castle ruins, once medieval fortress, are perched on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Forth. The town also features galleries and museums that combine art and local culture and history.
Glenrothes: A post-war new town, this is the administrative centre of Fife. It is renowned for its public art installations, green spaces, and community-centric ethos. Its mix of natural beauty and artistic landscapes can serve contemporary films looking for visually appealing backdrops.
St Andrews: World-famous for its university, one of the oldest in the world was founded in 1413 - also its prestigious golf courses, beautiful coastline featured in Chariots of Fire, and historical sites such as St. Andrews Castle and the ancient cathedral ruins. The university offers picturesque quads and campuses and cobblestone streets. One of the founding fathers of the USA, Benjamin Franklin, frequented St. Andrews and was given the freedom of the town.
Key Natural Features
Fife is celebrated for its diverse and stunning natural landscapes:
Coastline: Fife's coastline is a mix of dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque harbors, stretching along the Firth of Forth and the North Sea. The Fife Coastal Path offers walkers the opportunity to explore 117 miles of scenic beauty, from North Queensferry in the south to Newburgh in the north.
The Lomond Hills: These hills, including East Lomond and West Lomond, are among the highest points in Fife and provide breath-taking panoramic views over the region with stunning natural scenery, rolling hills, grassy plains, and breath-taking viewpoints.
Lochs and Rivers: Fife is home to several picturesque lochs and rivers. Loch Leven, located on the western edge, is noted for its historical island castle and rich birdlife. The River Eden, flowing towards St. Andrews, adds to the region’s lush greenery.
Forests and Woodlands: Areas like Tentsmuir Forest and Beach near Tayport offer extensive woodlands that blend into sandy dunes and coastal habitats, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife and a haven for nature lovers.
Loch Leven – an island to the centre ‘showcases’ Loch Leven Castle where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Fife's rich history is reflected in its many historical and cultural sites:
Castles and Palaces: Falkland Palace and Aberdour Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, are among the notable historical buildings that narrate Fife’s royal past.
Churches and Abbeys: Dunfermline Abbey stands as a testament to the religious and royal heritage of Fife. It is the final resting place of many Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce.
St. Andrews Cathedral, now ruins, this was once the largest church in Scotland.
St. Andrews Castle: Perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, this historic fortress offers a window into Scotland's tumultuous past with underground tunnels and a unique bottle-shaped dungeon.
Falkland Palace: A stunning Renaissance building, Falkland Palace served as a royal residence for the Stuart monarchs and was a favourite o Mary, Queen of Scots. It remains one of the best-preserved examples of French-influenced architecture in Scotland.
Historic Villages and Towns - a quick tour
Fife's landscape including the East Neuk is dotted with historic villages and towns that offer a warm welcome and a sense of timelessness.
Starting in the south of Fife
Culross - lies on the coast to the south west of Fife. Culross Palace is a 16th-century gem with its beautifully restored interiors and gardens and offers a perfect time capsule of the period. The village features picturesque, narrow cobbled streets and historical buildings and has appeared in numerous historical dramas including Outlander.
Kinghorn - this charming coastal village with its serene harbour and stunning views across the Firth of Forth offers a beautiful seaside setting.
Pettycur Bay - known for its expansive sandy beach and panoramic views.
North Queensferry – lies under the historic rail bridge, the Forth Bridge and also offers key views of the Forth Road Bridge and the newer, Queensferry Crossing. The Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as a symbol of Scottish engineering. Deep Sea World is Scotland’s national aquarium marine life exhibits and underwater tunnels.
Leven – features the newly re-opened railway line from Edinburgh and Letham Glen with its beautiful pathways, streams, and a mini-zoo.
Travelling east towards the East Neuk
The East Neuk of Fife is dotted with several picturesque fishing villages including Anstruther, Pittenweem and beyond, each with its unique charm and character.
Anstruther - Famous for its award-winning fish and chips and the Scottish Fisheries Museum, this bustling fishing village also offers Anstruther Harbour, a busy and scenic fishing port and marina with an array of colourful boats including the historic Reaper. The Scottish Fisheries Museum is on the harbour and captures the authentic maritime heritage of the region.
Pittenweem - Known for its annual arts festival and working harbour, Pittenweem exudes artistic charm alongside maritime tradition.
Crail - with its historic harbour and stone cottages, Crail is a picturesque village capturing the essence of Scottish coastal life.
Elie and Earlsferry - these twin villages are known for their picturesque beaches, and the unique Elie Chain Walk provides an adventurous coastal challenge.
Kilconquhar – is nestled by a beautiful loch and features a historic 13th-century church.
Dysart - the picturesque harbour was once a bustling coal port and transformed into the French port of Le Havre for "Outlander". The Harbourmaster's House overlooks the harbour offering scenic views and period-perfect charm for films.
Elie – lying on the scenic, rugged Fife coastline Elie has sandy beaches and a unique Chain Walk - chains bolted into the cliffs for climbing.
Aberdour – is home to one of Scotland's oldest castles, ruined and well-preserved sections.
Crail - one of the most photographed harbours in Scotland, with cobbled streets sloping down to the sea. Crail Pottery is a traditional pottery shop adds to village’s old-world charm.
Burntisland – features a glorious sandy beach a Parish Church that is a striking example of 16th-century architecture.
St Monans - with its quaint harbourside and historic windmill, St Monans provides a unique coastal backdrop.
Head back into Central Fife
Falkland - Falkland Palace is an impressive Renaissance building and one of the royal palaces of the Scottish Kings. It stood in as the fictional Inverness in the TV series "Outlander". The village is rich with medieval charm, cobbled streets.
Cupar - features the Edwardian Hill of Tarvit Mansion House and beautifully maintained gardens.
Auchtermuchty - with its traditional stone buildings and quaint streets, provides a charming rural Scottish setting. Notably, the town was used as a filming location for the TV series "Tutti Frutti" starring Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson.
Markinch - Balbirnie House is a stately Georgian mansion that lies within 400 acres of parkland. It’s a building of grand architecture and lush surroundings.
Travel to the north of Fife
Newburgh – the home of Lindores Abbey Distillerysituated on the site of the first recorded whisky distillery in Scotland, it offers a blend of ancient history and modern craftsmanship. The surrounding ruins of Lindores Abbey add a mystical quality to the setting.
Balmerino – the village is home to Balmerino Abbey, the ruins of a 13th-century Cistercian abbey set in peaceful countryside and offering a serene and contemplative backdrop.
Tayport – the harbour offers views across the River Tay to Dundee and two small but historic lighthouses.
Unique Locations
Fife also boasts a variety of unique attractions and activities.
Fife Coastal Path - stretching for 117 miles, this scenic path is hugely varied taking in seaside towns, rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and historical landmarks. It is popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts providing countless opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting.
Golf Courses - known as the "Home of Golf," Fife hosts numerous world-renowned golf courses, including the Old Course at St Andrews. These historic and scenic courses attract golf enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Lomond Hills Regional Park - this park includes East and West Lomond hills and offers stunning natural surroundings and breath-taking views.
Natural Habitats and Wildlife
Fife’s diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a variety of wildlife:
Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve - located near Tayport, this reserve features sand dunes, forests, and wetlands, known for its birdlife, including seals visible along the coast.
Loch Leven - this large freshwater loch is a haven for birdwatchers, with many migratory birds visiting throughout the year. The loch is also surrounded by scenic walking and cycling paths.
With its fascinating blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant communities, Fife offers rich and diverse film locations and landscapes. With historical significance, natural splendour and warm and welcoming people, Fife embodies the essence of Scotland in a uniquely captivating way.