The conservation village of Falkland is 8 miles north of Glenrothes. It originally was the site of a castle built by Macduff but the castle was destroyed by the English in 1337, was rebuilt soon after. Robert Stewart bought the castle and later had the Duke of Rothesay (heir to King Robert III) imprisoned in the castle where he was starved to death. Falkland received a royal charter in 1458 and between 1501 and 1541 a Royal Hunting Palace was built by James IV and James V. It was a favourite seat of the Scottish court and was visited by many notable monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots, King Charles the 1st and second and was occupied by Rob Roy after the battle of Sheriffmuir. In 1654 Cromwells troops burnt the east wing. In 1970 Falkland became one of the first Conservation Areas in Scotland and the palace and external houses still remain a very busy tourist attraction.... < more >