Prehistoric Beginnings

Following the end of the last Ice Age, around 10,500 years ago, the shores of the Firth of Forth witnessed the arrival of their first human inhabitants. These were small communities of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, living by fishing, hunting, and gathering shellfish and nuts. Archaeological evidence from across Fife — including the great shell midden at Morton, near Fife Ness, and flint scatters along the Eden Estuary and Tentsmuir sands — shows that these early people established seasonal camps along the coast.

From about 4000 BC, the Neolithic period brought farming: communities built stone tombs, cleared woodland for crops, and raised livestock. Later, in the Bronze Age (c. 2500–800 BC) and Iron Age (c. 800 BC–AD 400), Fife’s landscape filled with burial cairns, standing stones, and fortified hilltops. Among the most important was East Lomond Hillfort, just 15 miles north of Kinghorn, which became a major regional stronghold.

The Pictish Kingdom of Fife

By the first centuries AD, Fife formed part of the Pictish world. The Picts were not newcomers, but the descendants of earlier Iron Age peoples, organised into a network of tribal provinces. Fife itself was known as the Kingdom of Fib (or Fibh), one of the seven traditional provinces of Pictland.

The East Lomond Hillfort appears to have been a key centre of power, guarding the routes between the Tay, the Forth, and the fertile coastlines. Kinghorn, with its farmland, fresh water, and access to the Forth, may have served as a local settlement during this time, though direct archaeological evidence remains limited.

The Emergence of Alba (9th–11th Centuries)

In the 9th century, the Picts and the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata were united under Kenneth MacAlpin (Cináed mac Ailpín). Tradition regards him as the first King of Scotland, although modern historians suggest this was more a gradual political and cultural fusion than a single act of conquest. This new kingdom of Alba marked the end of the Picts as a distinct people, though their legacy lived on in place names, stone monuments, and regional identities.

After the union, Fife retained its importance as one of the heartlands of Alba. The old Pictish province of Fib evolved into the Mormaerdom of Fife — an early medieval earldom ruled by powerful local nobles. The Mormaers of Fife were among the most influential figures in the kingdom, traditionally holding the right to inaugurate Scotland’s kings.

The 9th–11th centuries also saw the threat of Viking raids along Scotland’s east coast. While no direct records survive of attacks on Kinghorn, coastal settlements in Fife would have been vulnerable. Defensible sites — perhaps the origins of later fortifications at Kinghorn — may have developed in response to this insecurity.

By the 11th century, Kinghorn lay firmly within the realm of Alba. Its fertile lands and strategic location on the Forth made it a natural candidate for later royal attention, setting the stage for its medieval prominence.

Kinghorn in the High Middle Ages (12th–13th Centuries)

Kinghorn’s rise to prominence began in the 12th century, when the kings of Scotland increasingly looked to Fife as a royal heartland. The area around Kinghorn became a favoured royal hunting ground, valued for its fertile lands and proximity to the Forth, which offered swift access to Edinburgh and Stirling.

This royal patronage led to the construction of a castle at Kinghorn. The precise location remains debated, but evidence suggests it stood near the Loch Burn — the area now occupied by Burt Avenue. By the mid-13th century, Kinghorn had grown into a settlement of real importance.

In 1285, King Alexander III granted a confirmatory charter, elevating Kinghorn to the status of a Royal Burgh — among the earliest in Scotland.

Tragedy struck in 1286, when Alexander III died after falling from his horse while travelling from Edinburgh to Kinghorn Castle. His sudden death, close to the town, left Scotland without a clear heir and plunged the kingdom into a succession crisis that ultimately led to the Wars of Independence.

The Schank Tradition

Local tradition holds that Murdoch Schank, a member of the ancient Schank family of Midlothian, discovered and cared for Alexander’s body after his fatal fall. In recognition of this service, Robert the Bruce is said to have rewarded Murdoch with lands at Castlerigg in Kinghorn in 1319. The genealogy of the Schank family can be traced from this period through to the 19th century (see historical references below).

Kinghorn Castle and the Lyon Family

In the later medieval period, Kinghorn Castle passed into the hands of the Lyon family, hereditary lords of Glamis Castle in Angus. It is likely that this connection led to the Kinghorn stronghold being referred to locally as “Glamis Tower” or “Glamis Castle”.

The castle changed hands several times during the later Middle Ages. At one stage it was reportedly garrisoned by French troops, who used it as a defensive position during conflicts with Reformation forces.

By 1606, the Lyon family’s position was further elevated when Patrick Lyon was created Earl of Kinghorne by King James VI. Contemporary records note that the castle was by then in ruinous condition, with only its walls remaining.

Summary

From the first hunter-gatherers who camped along the coast 10,500 years ago, through the Pictish province of Fib, the union of the Scots and Picts, and the rise of Alba, Kinghorn’s landscape has been tied to the wider story of Scotland. By the 12th century, it had become a favoured royal retreat, a fortified settlement, and later a Royal Burgh. Its castle, long associated with the Lyon family of Glamis, stood as both a symbol of royal authority and a witness to the town’s central role in Scotland’s medieval history.

Links to relevant information sources

Kinghorn Historical Society - The local historians have collected a wealth of information and produced an excellent app titled "Kinghorn Heritage Trail", you can download it to your mobile or tablet via the links on the Software page.

Fife County Council Archive - Hold the following: Kinghorn Burgh records 1632-1959 Item No. B/KH. Two deed chests of miscellaneous papers and documents relating to Kinghorn Burgh. Includes printed translation of the charter granted to Burntisland by Charles I in 1632. Lists of voters in Kinghorn Burgh, 1832-1874. Title deeds, 1659-1826. papers and accounts relating to Kinghorn School and Philp's charity, 1823-1846.

The Schank descendants - The family tree of the ancient Schank family contributed by Bill Forrest

Blaeu's description of Fife 1654 - Starts halfway down the page. For Blaeu's 1654 Engraved Map of Fife (see Old-Maps).

Old Statistical Accounts 1794 - The Church's view of Kinghorn's socio-economic state.

Sibbald's History of Fife 1803. - First published in 1710. This is an excellent reference book it is 478 pages and opens on the contents page.

A journey from Edinburgh 1811 Alexander Campbell. - Opens on the Kinghorn page.

Webster's Topographical Dictionary 1819 - A report on Kinghorn's social and economic state

The Great Reform Act Report 1832 - is a short, unflattering, document defining the Burgh's boundaries.

History of the County of Fife: From the Earliest Period to the Present Time by John M Leighton - Published 1840 - KInghorn starts on page 206

Old Statisical Accounts 1843. - 49 years on - here is another review by the Church of the social and economic state of Kinghorn.

Topographical Dictionary of Scotland 1846 - A snapshot of Kinghorn.

Barbieri's Historical Gazetteer 1857 - A very informative account of Kinghorn's part in Scotland's history.

Kinghorn Past & Present - A great place to ask questions about Kinghorn or look at photos old and new is the Kinghorn Past & Present Group on Facebook.  It's easy to join and you can search the group for photos that interest you.

Scotland's People - The official government source of genealogical data for Scotland. The following site also provides access to Kinghorn's Records GENUKI

Listed Buildings in Kinghorn - There are quite a few.

Kinghorn's Churches - A short history

Scotland's First World War Built Heritage. A lot of information on Kinghorn & Pettycur's built defences.

The 7th Battalion Blackwatch Territorial Army WW1. Early days in Kinghorn Volume 2 page 239. This is part of a 3 volume history of the Black Watch 1914 - 1918 by Maj-Gen Wachoupe

The History of Craigencalt at Kinghorn Loch - by Marilyn Edwards, Well researched and an interesting read.

National Records of Scotland - Their purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations.

Kinghorn Conservaton Area Appraisal & Management Plan - Kinghorn is one of the 48 Conservation Areas located in Fife.

Sandhills - A short history of one of Scotland's oldest caravan parks.