Culross

Culross is a beautiful, historic town located in the Kingdom of Fife. It is widely regarded as being one of the most picturesque as it sits and looks out over that Firth of Forth. Local lore has it that the town was founded by St Serf, and as you wander around the place you can easily let your imagination take you to these same streets some several centuries in the past. The streets are charming, the buildings white and colour washed and topped with traditional red tiles. The Town House is a good example of the architecture of the town and is the building where once, in the darker days of the town’s history, those accused of witchcraft were held prior to their execution. Several of the buildings here date back to the 16^th century, including Culross Palace, once the home of a wealthy merchant. It is not however a palace as the name would suggest; it is however a very grand and rather impressive home. The rooms here can be explored and the gardens enjoyed.

Things to See

Culross Palace, the Town House and Study are certainly places to make a point of visiting while you are here. Walk along the ‘Back Causeway’ which is an ancient cobbled alley. You will notice that the centre of the alleyway is raised forming a central isle. This raised portion of the walkway was there especially for the noblemen and women of the town as it separated them from the lowly townspeople and common folk that shared the thoroughfare. The alleyway will take you to the rear of the Town House and to the Study. The Study is the name given to the small room which is located at the top of a projecting tower. At Culross Palace you will be able to get a taste of what domestic life was like during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. The palace gardens are one of the main attractions of the palace, laid out and planted just as it would have been in centuries past, complete with herb garden, fruit trees and vegetable patches.

Places to Visit

Head out of town a little way and pay a visit to Bo’ness Motor Museum. The museum first opened its doors in 2004 and there has been a steady flow of visitors ever since. Here you will find classic Aston Martins as well James Bond memorabilia including many prop items that were used during filming. You will also find vehicles from Harry Potter and the 51^st State. Time your visit right and you might arrive at the same time that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang drops in for a visit. One attraction that all the family seems to enjoy is the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. Here you have the chance to climb on board a vintage steam train or an old diesel pulled train. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful lowland scenery as you travel. Finally, follow on with the rail theme and take a trip to the Museum of Scottish Railways, the biggest rail museum in the country.