As you exit the little tunnel from the beach at Ravenscraig castle, you come into the little harbou of Dysart. On the left hand side is the Harbour Master’s house later date, around 1540. Built as a look-out tower, (the English were carrying out many raiding trips on the east coast of Scotland at the time), from local stone quarried nearby the present harbour. In troubled times the Tower provided a place of refuge as well as defence. It was ideally sited to defend the only clear landing place on this stretch of the Forth. The lower windows on the south elevation are in the shape of gun loops, similar to those at Ravenscraig Castle. Not the sort of thing normally associated with a church tower.

There is now a town trail around Dysart – look for the notice board at the car park for details. There are also free informative guides available from the Harbour Master’s house. Continue walking along the new esplanade. Stronger sea defences were needed to counter the constant erosion by the sea and the project to build strong sea defences also included the sea shore at West and East Wemyss. The project was completed in 2001.  Looking to the left you will pass the Pan Ha’ – the most picturesque street in Dysart. The name Pan Ha’ derives from the salt pans which were used to dry out seawater to produce salt.  Ha' is short for haugh, a flat area of land.  The houses date from the 16th and 18th centuries and have been beautifully restored.

Buy the guide to the Fife Coastal Path here