Kellie Castle

Fife has a handful of National Trust properties. Armed with our recently acquired membership card, we set out to visit Kellie Castle in the north of the Kingdom. On the way, we stopped for an American Breakfast at the Glenrothes Wetherspoons and I even discovered a couple of new villages as we detoured around Leven, where extensive roadworks were in full swing. It was the opening weekend of the season for the castle and attached gardens. We arrived early and were offered a guided tour straight away.

Parts of the building date back to 1360 but the castle was completely remodelled in the late 19th century as a family home. The Lorimers spent their first night here in 1878 and their association with the 16-acre estate spanned a century. The T-shaped structure began life as a single tower house and has undergone countless additions and remodelling. Today's castle has three towers from different eras, with a central section connecting them. Various dynasties occupied the land until 1797, when no heir could be traced. The castle fell into disrepair until Professor James Lorimer acquired a long lease and sanctioned restoration works. The surrounding woodland now provides a home for foxes, badgers, roe deer and nesting buzzards. In springtime and early summer, the pathways run through a colourful carpet of flowers. An adventure playground is provided for the kiddies. Lorimer lectured in public law at Edinburgh University and his son Robert became a prolific architect - knighted for his achievements, which included the sensitive rebuilding of historic Scottish stately homes. His brother John Henry Lorimer became an acclaimed painter. Sir Robert's son, Hew Lorimer, found fame as a sculptor and purchased Kellie Castle in 1948 with his wife Mary. The estate was sold to the National Trust in 1970, with Huw and Mary retaining their own living quarters. The stable block was used as Huw's studio. This workplace can still be viewed today. The Trust purchased the Lorimer family artefacts in 1998 and many can be viewed during the castle tour. I marvelled at the intricate plasterwork on the ceilings and admired the various paintings, one by John Henry himself. After exiting the castle apartments, we popped round to the tearoom and enjoyed a cup of coffee at a table in the courtyard. You can also sit at the front of the castle and enjoy the vista across the meadow down to the sea. It was a fine morning and we bumped into Saffron and Dougie - two members of staff from our local RSPB reserve at Loch Leven. They are also National Trust members and we proceeded into the organic walled garden together. Filled with an array of fruit, vegetables and flowers, the large compound has many secluded spots and a selection of pot plants were on sale by the summerhouse. Fresh produce is also available for purchase at the relevant times of year. A great place to relax and appreciate the tranquillity. At one time, the garden would have supplied the kitchen in the big house.

Our aim is to average one National Trust location per month. This makes the membership fee worthwhile and allows you to learn about our heritage. In a nature depleted country, these vast estates provided a sanctuary for wildlife. We drove into nearby Anstruther but the seaside car parks were choc-a-block and instead we bought some food from the Co-op on the edge of town. A very pleasant day.