Bleaching Hill

Hill, Mountain in Fife

Scotland

Bleaching Hill

Remains of coal staithe This would have been used to load coal from Seafield Colliery. — Remains of coal staithe Credit: Rob Burke

Bleaching Hill is a prominent hill located in the region of Fife, Scotland. It is situated about 5 miles southwest of the town of Dunfermline and stands at an elevation of approximately 238 meters (781 feet) above sea level. The hill is part of the Ochil Hills range, which stretches across central Scotland.

Bleaching Hill derives its name from its historical association with the traditional process of bleaching linen cloth. In the past, the hill was used as a location to lay out and bleach linen on its slopes, taking advantage of the open and sunny conditions.

The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From its summit, on a clear day, visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Firth of Forth, the Ochil Hills, and the rolling farmland of Fife. The area surrounding Bleaching Hill is predominantly rural and characterized by undulating hills and green pastures.

The hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. There are several walking trails that lead to the summit, providing opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the area. The hill also attracts birdwatchers, as it provides an ideal habitat for various bird species.

Bleaching Hill is a significant landmark in Fife, offering both historical and natural beauty. Its accessibility and captivating views make it a favored spot for locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the picturesque Scottish landscape.

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Bleaching Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.074353/-3.1738086 or Grid Reference NT2787. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Remains of coal staithe

This would have been used to load coal from Seafield Colliery.

Rob Burke

Seafield Tower

This ruined castle stands on a rocky outcrop close to the sea.

Rob Burke

Industrialised beach

There is no escaping the fact that this beach used to be part of Seafield colliery; it is full of industrial artefacts.

Lis Burke

Seafield Tower

Long rocky lines fill the bay just below the tower and provide places for the resident colony of seals to haul out at high tide.

Lis Burke

Alexander III Monument, Kinghorn

This Victorian monument marks a site of great historical significance in the history of Scotland, but only by pure chance. It stands on the Black Stone, traditionally believed to be the spot where King Alexander III fell accidentally to his death while riding along the coast to his hunting lodge at Kinghorn on a stormy night in 1286. The kingdom was placed under the rule of six Guardians, comprising bishops and nobles, while the Scots sent for Alexander's infant grand-daughter, Margaret 'the Maid of Norway', to assume the crown. After her unexpected death in Orkney left the throne vacant, Alexander's brother-in-law, Edward Plantagenet, seized the opportunity to meddle in Scottish affairs and proclaimed himself overlord of the Scots with the right to nominate Alexander's successor. His choice from among the Scottish candidates fell upon John Balliol, whom he installed as a puppet-king; but when the Scottish nobles refused to fight in Edward's wars in France, he marched north to depose Balliol. Edward was also influenced by Geoffrey of Monmouth's prophecy that Britain would one day be ruled by one king (bretwalda) for the whole island. What ensued was the long struggle of the Scottish Wars of Independence, lasting almost sixty years, followed by intermittent warfare over the next four centuries as generations of Scots fiercely resisted all attempts to dominate Scotland until Cromwell's conquest in 1650. The Monument, designed by Hippolyte Blanc, replaced an earlier stone cross on the site. One of the subscribers was Queen Victoria. It was unveiled on 19th July 1887, by the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, a direct descendant of King Robert the Bruce. NT2573 : Alexander III statue, west door of St. Giles

kim traynor

Alexander III Monument panels

The inscription reads, TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS ALEXANDER III THE LAST OF SCOTLAND'S CELTIC KINGS WHO WAS ACCIDENTALLY KILLED NEAR THIS SPOT MARCH XIX MCCLXXXVI ERECTED ON THE SEX-CENTENARY OF HIS DEATH

kim traynor

Alexander III Monument panel

Alexander, seated on his throne, is shown receiving visitors at court, though the Monument gives no indication of who they are. I suspect he is being introduced to Yolande de Dreux, his young second wife. It seems it was his eagerness to visit her at Kinghorn that caused him to ignore his courtiers' advice not to travel beyond Inverkeithing on a wild and stormy night. Sculpted panel by David Rhind. It deserves a clean.

kim traynor

Alexander III Monument at Kinghorn

Looking towards the King's Crag. It is traditionally believed that Alexander fell from the cliffs, though his fatal accident may have been less dramatic. "For in the same year [1296] on 19 March the king was delayed by the ferry at [South] Queensferry until dusk on a dark night. When advised by his companions not to go beyond Iverkeithing that night, he spurned their counsel, and with an escort of knights hurried by a precipitous track towards Kinghorn Regis. To the west of that place beside the shore his horse stumbled in the sand, and alas! the noble king, too negligently attended by his followers, broke his neck and expired." -- Scotichronicon, c.1440 NT2586 : Alexander III Monument poem

kim traynor

Alexander III Monument poem

The earliest extant poem in the Scots language laments the death of King Alexander III and the end of the 'golden age' associated with his reign. Quhen Alysandyr oure kyng wes dede That Scotland led in luive and le. Away wes sonce of ale and brede, Of wyne and wax, of gamyn and gle; Oure gold wes changed into lede. Cryst! Borne into Virgynyte, Succour Scotland and remede, That stad is in perplexyte. [When Alexander our King was dead, That Scotland led in love and peace, Away the abundance of ale and bread, Of wine and wax, of game and merriment. Our gold was changed into lead— Christ! born into virginity, Help Scotland and cure That troubled state.] Andrew de Wyntoun, Orygynale Cronykil of Scotland, 14thC

kim traynor

A pier at Pettycur

Near Kinghorn in Fife.

James Denham

Pettycur Harbour on the Fife coast

An old pier seen in full at low tide.

James Denham

Beach at Pettycur Bay

With the large hillside caravan holiday park in the background.

James Denham

The island of Inchkeith in the Firth of Forth

From Pettycur Harbour area.

James Denham

The B923 road, heading for Kinghorn Loch

In Fife.

James Denham

Petticur Bay

With the island of Inchkeith on the horizon.

James Allan

Petticur housing

Above Petticur harbour.

James Allan

Rocky coastline

Beside the Fife Coastal Path.

James Allan

Kinghorn parish church

In St James Place, Kinghorn, this Church of Scotland 'Kirk by the Sea' has stood for over 750 years. It has an unobstructed view across the beach to the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh. It also has a 'Sailors Aisle' dating from 1609 which marks its naval connections and contains a model of the first 'Unicorn' ship.

James Allan

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Bleaching Hill is located at Grid Ref: NT2787 (Lat: 56.074353, Lng: -3.1738086)

Unitary Authority: Fife

Police Authority: Fife