Lady's Tower

Stone bathing tower built for an 18th-century aristocrat, perched on the cliffs east of town

A small octagonal stone tower on the cliffs east of Elie, just along the coastal path. It was built in the late 18th century by Sir John Anstruther for his wife Lady Janet — who, by the standards of the day, was a free spirit — to use as a changing room before her daily sea bathing. The story goes that a servant was dispatched in advance to ring a bell, warning fishermen and walkers to look the other way.

The tower itself is roofless now but the position is wonderful — a 270-degree view over the Firth of Forth, with the bathing cove still visible below. It's an easy 20-minute walk from the village along the Fife Coastal Path.

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A story
The tower was built around 1770 for Lady Janet Anstruther, a noted local beauty, who would change here before bathing in a private cove below. A servant was sent ahead to ring a bell and warn the local fishermen to keep their backs turned while she walked down.

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