Pittenweem in East Fife

Pittenweem well known for its art festival held for 10 days around the first weekend in August each year. Pittenweem was granted the status of a Royal Burgh by James V in 1541, giving it the right to self government and the right to trade with other countries in return for paying taxes to the crown. By 1587 Pittenween ranked as the twelfth richest town in Scotland.

The Pittenweem Arts Festival started a number of years ago when a couple of people decided to exhibit paintings together for a few days. Gradually more and more people joined in to the fabulous annual arts festival today. The ordinary house holders in Pittenweem turn over parts of their home to the artists for the festival. It is a really original way for art to be shown and you are guaranteed to have a great time. The festival is held for 10 days from the first weekend in August each year.

A short walk through Pittenweem to some of the points of interest.

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

2. Kellie Lodging. In 1651 the town entertained King Charles II to a meal on his way to Anstruther. The meal was served outside Kellie Lodging. Until recently it was known as King’s Halt in recognition of this occasion. It was the town house of the Earls of Kellie.

3. The Tolbooth at the top of the High Street had a prison on the ground floor while the council chambers were on its upper floor.

4. St Fillan’s Cave. Traditionally St Fillan lived and taught the Picts here during the 7thC. Obtain the key from the Gingerbread Horse Craft Shop, 9 High Street. Adults £1, (free leaflet), children free.

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

6. The harbour is home to one of Scotland’s last remaining fishing fleets. The outer pier is the oldest probably started to be built in the 16thC, the tower on the outer pier was built in 1864. A fish market is held most week day mornings.

7. West Shore. Here the fishermen lived in homes much smaller than the sea captains’ houses at East Shore.


 

Anstruther and Cellardykes / Ceres / Crail / Elie and Earlsferry / Falkland / Pittenweem