Crail is the most picturesque of the string of small fishing villages and harbours nestling along the East Neuk of Fife.

Crail Harbour & beach

Not just attracting holidaymakers, Crail has a lively, local year-round community and as well as several local pubs, which also serve meals, has a number of local shops including two convenience stores, well-stocked greengrocers, traditional butcher, bakery, newsagent, Post Office, pharmacy, gift shops and hairdresser. There are several studio galleries and of course the famous Crail pottery.

Fishing haven

A survey by Country Life Magazine of the "best places in Britain to live" has placed the fishing village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife in fifth place - and the only place in Scotland to make the top ten. Certainly, Crail is a pretty village, its houses with traditional crow-stepped gables and pantile roofs crowding down to its harbour. King David I built a castle here in the 12th century and King Robert the Bruce conferred royal burgh status in 1310. At one time, the local market was one of the largest in medieval Europe.

Traditional crow-step gables

The village of Crail offers excellent local amenities and the area is renowned for its coastal walks, quiet beaches and numerous golf-courses - Kingsbarns is only three miles away and St Andrews is only 20 minutes drive. Edinburgh airport is around an hour's drive.

Crail cottages

The Fife Coastal Path is a real walk on the wild side. The first walk of its kind in Scotland, when complete will extend 78 miles starting at the world famous Forth Bridges and finishing beyond the Tay Bridge. Currently the Path stretches from North Queensferry in the west, past Crail to Kingsbarns in the east. Work is ongoing on the sections between Kingsbarns through St Andrews to the Tay Bridge.

Paradise for walkers and photographers

Because Crail is so well established, there are no modern buildings in the heart of the village (where the property is located), these are confined to the periphery. The local fishing industry declined many years ago, now being restricted to a few local crab and lobster boats, so the village lacks hustle and bustle, which is appreciated by those seeking a restful break.

Crail - still a working harbour