'''Auchtertool''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Auchtertool.ogg|ɒ|x|t|ər|ˈ|t|ʊ|l}}; {{lang-gd|Uachdar Tuil}}) is a small village in [[Fife]], Scotland. It is 4 miles west of [[Kirkcaldy]]. The name is from the [[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]] ''uachdar'', meaning ''upland'' or ''heights'' above the Tiel burn (from Gaelic ''tuil'' meaning ''torrent'').<ref name="TaylorSimon">Taylor, Simon (2007).''The Place Names of Fife'', Shaun Tyas, Donington, Lincs.</ref> The Tiel Burn flows a few hundred yards south of the kirk and village, which was formerly known as Milton of Auchtertool.<ref name="TaylorSimon" /> The parish belonged to the [[diocese]] of [[Dunkeld]], having been given to Bishop Gregory by [[King David I]] in the twelfth century. Soon after, the church was given to the [[priory]] of [[Inchcolm]].
==Church==
'''Auchtertool''' is a small village located in [[Fife]], [[Scotland]]. It is situated approximately 4 miles west of [[Kirkcaldy]] and is known for its picturesque rural setting and historical significance. The village is part of the [[Kingdom of Fife]], an area rich in history and culture.
[[Image:Auchtertool Kirk.jpg|thumb|330px|The present kirk in Auchtertool replaced an earlier building said to date to 1178|left]]
The kirk, 1 km to the west of the village, pre-dates the Reformation but was largely reconstructed in 1833 as a plain box chapel. It was previously under the control of [[Inchcolm Abbey]].<ref>Fasti Ecclesiastae Scotina</ref>
It has two battlemented porches on the south side and an octagonal birdcage [[bellcote]] on the west gable. The north [[aisle]] was added in 1905–6. The graveyard contains 17th century table stones; one commemorates David Martin, minister of Auchtertool who died in 1636. It is carved with a [[relief]] of the minister in knee breeches and gown with his feet on a skull. The [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] [[manse]] was built in 1812.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/52977/auchtertool-parish-church-manse|title=Auchtertool Parish Church, Manse|work=Canmore|access-date=14 July 2018}}</ref> Auchtertool House is a large early 19th century villa.<ref>Gifford, John (2003).''The Buildings of Fife'' Yale University Press, New Haven & London</ref>
==History==
The history of Auchtertool dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the area for several centuries. The name "Auchtertool" is derived from the [[Scottish Gaelic]] "Uachdar Tuil," meaning "the upper part of the burn." This reflects the village's location near a small stream or burn.
[[Hallyards Castle]] formerly stood north-west of the main village. Supposed originally to have been a hunting seat of [[Malcolm Canmore]], it was the residence of the Bishops of [[Dunkeld]] until 1539. King [[James V]] visited the castle after his defeat at the [[Battle of Solway Moss]] in late November 1542. According to [[John Knox]], when the lady of the house tried to comfort the king, he announced that he would be dead in fifteen days. Later, his servant asked where James would spend Christmas. "He answerit, with at disdainfull Smirk, I cannot tell, chuse ye the Plaice; but this I can tell you, or [by] Yulle-Day ye will be Maisterless, and the Realme without a King." The king returned to [[Falkland, Fife|Falkland]] where he learnt of the birth of his daughter [[Mary Queen of Scots|Mary]] on 8 December. He died on 14 December.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://digital.nls.uk/scotlandspages/timeline/15422.html|title=1542 - Mary Queen of Scots born at Linlithgow|website=digital.nls.uk}}</ref> The castle was mostly demolished in 1847; some remains can be found on farmland north-west of the village centre.
===Medieval Period===
During the medieval period, Auchtertool was part of the lands owned by the [[Bishop of Dunkeld]]. The village's church, [[Auchtertool Kirk]], has been a central feature of the community for many centuries. The present kirk in Auchtertool replaced an earlier building said to date to 1178.
At the time of the [[Jacobite rising of 1715|first Jacobite Rebellion]] the rebel [[John Erskine, Earl of Mar (1675–1732)|John Erskine, Earl of Mar]] was in [[Perth, Scotland|Perth]] when he heard that a loyalist ship loaded with arms had dropped anchor at [[Burntisland]]. He set out to capture it, advancing 500 Highland soldiers into Auchtertool to be held in reserve. The men ran amok, plundering the village, including the manse.<ref name="bare_url">{{Cite web|url=http://auchtertoolkirk.org.uk/|title=Auchtertool Kirk – Fife, Scotland. Scottish Charity No. SC025310}}</ref>
[[File:Auchtertool_Kirk.jpg|thumb|330px|The present kirk in Auchtertool replaced an earlier building said to date to 1178|left]]
Tradition maintains that a funeral attended by the writer [[Walter Scott]] was held at the kirk and solemnised according to the [[Roman Catholic]] rite. This illegal ceremony took place at dead of night to avoid detection by the [[Protestant]] authorities. Legend has it that the funeral procession can be seen on an August night heading towards the kirk from Hallyards Castle.<ref name="bare_url" />
===Industrial Era===
In the 19th century, Auchtertool experienced growth due to the development of local industries, including coal mining and agriculture. The village was also known for its distillery, which produced whisky that was highly regarded in the region.
[[Alexander Boswell (songwriter)|Alexander Boswell]] was mortally wounded in a duel in Auchtertool in 1822. He died in nearby Balmuto House. The duel was one of the last in Scotland.
==Geography==
Auchtertool is located in a rural area characterized by rolling hills and fertile farmland. The village is surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The nearby [[Lochgelly]] and [[Loch Leven]] provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and birdwatching.
From 1650, the village had a brewery, gaining a reputation for the quality of its [[ale]], [[porter (beer)|porter]] and [[table beer]], not only throughout Fife but shipping as far as London. From 1845 the brewery was converted to a [[malt whisky]] [[distillery]], commencing operation in 1851, and maintaining its reputation for a quality product. Distilling ceased in 1927 but the [[malting]]s and [[bonded warehouse]] continued operation until 1973. The warehouses were used as a canteen by Polish soldiers, encamped nearby during the [[Second World War]]. The buildings are now largely demolished, only a small brick office remaining.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scotsites.co.uk/ebooks/whiskydistilleries117.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002071834/http://www.scotsites.co.uk/ebooks/whiskydistilleries117.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 2, 2011|title=ScotSites eBooks - The Whisky Distilleries - Auchtertool Distillery|date=October 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/historyofcountyo03leig|title=History of the county of Fife : from the earliest period to the present time|first1=John M.|last1=Leighton|first2=Joseph|last2=Swan|first3=James|last3=Stewart|date=November 25, 1840|publisher=Glasgow : J. Swan|via=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scottishmining.co.uk/473.html|title=Auchtertool - Scottish Mining Website|website=www.scottishmining.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/52982/auchtertool-distillery|title=Auchtertool Distillery | Canmore|website=canmore.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB3673|title=AUCHTERTOOL VILLAGE, 11 THE MALTINGS AND MAIN STREET INCLUDING GATEPIERS (LB3673)|website=portal.historicenvironment.scot}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://stataccscot.edina.ac.uk/static/statacc/dist/viewer/nsa-vol9-Parish_record_for_Auchtertool_in_the_county_of_Fife_in_volume_9_of_account_2/nsa-vol9-p249-parish-fife-auchtertool?search=auchtertool|title=Statistical Accounts of Scotland|website=stataccscot.edina.ac.uk}}</ref>
==Economy==
The economy of Auchtertool has traditionally been based on agriculture, with many local farms producing crops and livestock. In recent years, the village has also become a commuter settlement for people working in nearby towns and cities, including [[Edinburgh]] and [[Dunfermline]].
Auchtertool's only school is Auchtertool Primary School. High school pupils travel to [[Balwearie High School]] in [[Kirkcaldy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=facility.display&facid=347998F4-BC6C-43F1-BE1EC80BB47A4B52|title=Auchtertool Primary School|website=fifedirect.org.uk|access-date=6 July 2017}}</ref>
==Culture and Community==
Auchtertool has a strong sense of community, with various local events and activities taking place throughout the year. The village hall serves as a hub for social gatherings, and the local primary school provides education for young children in the area.
==See also==
==Transport==
*[[List of places in Fife]]
Auchtertool is accessible by road, with regular bus services connecting the village to nearby towns. The nearest railway station is in [[Kirkcaldy]], providing links to major cities such as [[Edinburgh]] and [[Glasgow]].
*[[List of places in Scotland]]
==References==
==Related pages==
{{Reflist}}
* [[Fife]]
* [[Kirkcaldy]]
==External links==
* [[Scottish Gaelic]]
{{commons category|Auchtertool}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070214015932/http://www.auchtertool-the-village.co.uk/index.htm Village web site]
{{authority control}}
[[Category:Villages in Fife]]
[[Category:Villages in Fife]]
[[Category:Parishes in Fife]]
[[Category:Parishes in Fife]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}
Latest revision as of 18:48, 23 March 2025
Village in Fife, Scotland
Auchtertool is a small village located in Fife, Scotland. It is situated approximately 4 miles west of Kirkcaldy and is known for its picturesque rural setting and historical significance. The village is part of the Kingdom of Fife, an area rich in history and culture.
The history of Auchtertool dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the area for several centuries. The name "Auchtertool" is derived from the Scottish Gaelic "Uachdar Tuil," meaning "the upper part of the burn." This reflects the village's location near a small stream or burn.
During the medieval period, Auchtertool was part of the lands owned by the Bishop of Dunkeld. The village's church, Auchtertool Kirk, has been a central feature of the community for many centuries. The present kirk in Auchtertool replaced an earlier building said to date to 1178.
The present kirk in Auchtertool replaced an earlier building said to date to 1178
In the 19th century, Auchtertool experienced growth due to the development of local industries, including coal mining and agriculture. The village was also known for its distillery, which produced whisky that was highly regarded in the region.
Auchtertool is located in a rural area characterized by rolling hills and fertile farmland. The village is surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The nearby Lochgelly and Loch Leven provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and birdwatching.
The economy of Auchtertool has traditionally been based on agriculture, with many local farms producing crops and livestock. In recent years, the village has also become a commuter settlement for people working in nearby towns and cities, including Edinburgh and Dunfermline.
Auchtertool has a strong sense of community, with various local events and activities taking place throughout the year. The village hall serves as a hub for social gatherings, and the local primary school provides education for young children in the area.
Auchtertool is accessible by road, with regular bus services connecting the village to nearby towns. The nearest railway station is in Kirkcaldy, providing links to major cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow.
