Balbirnie Park

A 168 ha (416 acre) country park to the northwest of Markinch in Fife, Balbirnie Park lies 1¼ miles (2 km) northeast of Glenrothes and has within its bounds a fine house, an outstanding collection of rhododendrons, fine specimen trees, an 18-hole golf course, a caravan park and a craft centre. It was once part of an historic estate dating from the 14th Century, its focal point is the impressive Balbirnie House, which was once the home of the Balfours. The house and estate were bought by the Glenrothes Development Corporation in 1969 and the park is now owned and managed by Fife Council. The Balbirnie Craft Centre is located in the former stable block where clothing, glass, pottery, furniture and other crafts are manufactured. Balbirnie Burn flows through the park and way-marked paths now guide visitors along the banks of this river and through the mixed deciduous woodland, which includes more than 60 species of exotic trees. Balbirnie Park Golf Course was established here in 1983, with the support of Glenrothes Development Corporation and takes full advantage of the established parkland setting.

At the northwestern end of the park lies the 4000-year-old Balbirnie Stone Circle, excavated in 1970-71 and relocated some 125m (410 feet) from its original position in order to make way for road-widening. The ancient Stob Cross lies next to the East Lodge.


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