Scottish Castles

Local information

MacDuff's Castle, Fife

Location: Grid reference: NT344971 (map and directions)

MacDuff's Castle is a site associated with the most powerful family in Fife during medieval times, The MacDuffs, Earls of Fife. The remains of the medieval castle scarcely survive.

MacDuff's Castle © MJ Richardson

History of MacDuff's Castle

The present day ruin, which is located near East Wemyss, represents the home of the Wemyss family who lived at MacDuff’s Castle from the 14th to the 16th century.. After Wemyss joined forces with Robert the Bruce, Edward I of England ordered the castled to be destroyed.

Ownership at that time changed to the Livingstones and then to the Colvilles in 1530. At this time, a second tower was built on the south-west side and enclosed with a courtyard and gatehouse. In 1637 the castle was bought back by the Wemyss family, Sir John Wemyss, and in 1651 East and West Wemyss were united.

Today, a four-storey tower from the 14th century and a five-storey tower from the 16th century remain, connected by the 16th century gatehouse and 17th century walls.

MacDuff’s Castle is still privately owned by the Wemyss Estate, and is a Category B listed building.

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Other castles in Fife