Newark Castle St Monans

Newark Castle, also known at St Monans Castle or Inverie Castle, is located around 800m south west of St Monans on the coastal path. I am drawn to ruinous castles like a magnet and the location of this one was an absolute treat.

The castle sits high on the cliffs overlooking the Firth of Forth and is in a dangerous state of repair with dislodged and fallen masonry. Great care is required if you do approach the castle and it's recommended that you do not enter the ruins.

The original castle was built in the 15th century by the Kinloch family (most likely John de Kinloch of Cruvie) and would have consisted of buildings set around a courtyard.

I don't know what it is about vaulted cellars, maybe it is because they are so strong, but I always love to see them and the ones you can see here today would have been part of the original building.

Before John Kinloch of Cruvie died, he passed the castle to his grandson John Sandilands, the son of his daughter Margaret de Kinloch of Cruvie and James Sandilands. The Sandilands were responsible for many improvements to the castle.

It was during this period in the 16th century, that the large four storey tower house and the circular tower were added. Today you can see the inside of the tower rooms and the access doorway to the circular tower.

It would have made a significant difference to the look of the castle and the accommodation it provided. It was also at this time that they built the nearby St Monans Doocot.

In 1649, General David Leslie purchased the castle. He would go on to become the 1st Lord of Newark in 1661, following his role the English and Scottish Civil Wars as a Covenanter and Parliamentarian supporter. On his death in 1682, the castle passed to his son David 2nd Lord of Newark.

It was sometime in the 17th century whilst in the hands of the Lords of Newark, that the castle was heightened and Dutch Gables added, making the castle look even more spectacular.

On the death of David, 2nd Lord of Newark, it passed to his eldest daughter Jean Leslie who married Sir Alexander Anstruther in 1694.

Some time during the 1700's, the Anstruther's sold the castle to the Baird of Elie. You will probably recognise Anstruther and Elie, as they are nearby villages.

In the late 1800's, Sir William Burrell a shipping magnate and art collector from Glasgow, commissioned Sir Robert Lorimer to draw up plans for the restoration of the castle. However, the Baird of Elie refused to sell and the castle fell into further disrepair. The Baird of Elie eventually sold the structure and it remains privately owned.

The castle would have had a defensive wall on the cliff edge. Today it provides stunning views over the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.

Newark Castle has been designated as Scheduled Monuments by Historic Environment Scotland.

If you park at St Monans Auld Kirk and it is less than 1km south west along the coastal path to reach Newark Castle.

Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.