An extensive low-lying area in NE Fife, Tentsmuir (also Tents Muir) is located between Leuchars and the Firth of Tay at Tentsmuir Point. The area includes Tentsmuir Forest and is bounded by nature reserves.
There is archaeological evidence that this area was occupied in Mesolithic times by hunters and fishermen who were amongst the earliest settlers in Scotland, and the name Tentsmuir is thought to be derived from the camps that used to be set up by local fishermen. During World War II, the army used the area for training and discarded ammunition remains an occasional danger. Polish troops were stationed here to defend the coast from possible German invasion from Norway and the remains an army camp remain, together with coastal defences, particularly concrete blocks used to prevent the landing of armoured vehicles, litter the area.
