- Crail is in Fife, Scotland.
- East Neuk fishing village
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Crail
Crail is the largest and best known of the East Neuk fishing villages of Fife, its red-tiled roofs, harled walls and small curved harbour clustered above the Firth of Forth. It is a royal burgh with a medieval street plan and a working harbour where lobster and crab are still landed.
The story of Crail
Crail was made a royal burgh by King William the Lion in 1178, one of the oldest such burghs in Scotland, and its medieval street plan, market cross and tollbooth survive in the present town. In the Middle Ages it was a busy trading port, exporting fish, wool and hides to the Low Countries through links with the Hanseatic merchants of the North Sea. The harbour was rebuilt in the 16th century around an earlier medieval landing place and supported a herring and white-fish fleet until the fisheries declined. Crail Golfing Society, founded in 1786, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world and still plays over the Balcomie links on the edge of the town.
Visiting with care
Follow the Fife Coastal Path through the East Neuk and stop in Crail for the harbour, the museum and fresh crab sandwiches. The golf course, the churchyard and the short walk to Fife Ness make a varied visit.
Interesting facts
- Crail was made a royal burgh by King William the Lion in 1178.
- Medieval Crail traded with the Low Countries, exporting fish, wool and hides.
- Crail Golfing Society, founded in 1786, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world.
- The village sits on the Fife Coastal Path between Anstruther and St Andrews.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.