Lady’s Tower is a romantic landmark on a rocky outcrop in Elie. Partially ruined, it has a raunchy past and is now a much-loved location for visitors and photographers. The owners of the Big Yellow Taxi even got married there, much to the consternation of their wind-swept guests!
The Tower is located on the eastern headland of Ruby Bay and accessible via the Fife Coastal Path, with parking at a car park above Ruby Bay. (Ruby Bay is so-called because gems used to wash up there, and we are told, still occasionally do.)
Lady’s Tower was built for Lady Janet Anstruther as a summerhouse sometime in the 1770’s. Lady Anstruther was the wife of the laird of Ardross and Elie estate, Sir John Anstruther. Before marrying Lady Janet Anstruther was known as Janet Fall, Queen of the Gypsies.
Lady Anstruther was renowned for her beauty and for her reputation as a flirt. She was also known to be unsympathetic after levelling the village of Balclevie because the village ruined her view. However, it was also claimed that Lady Anstruther razed the village because the tinker inhabitants reminded her of her own family origins. It is also rumoured that an old lady placed a curse on the Anstruther family after her house in Balclevie was destroyed.
Below the Lady’s Tower is a small cave and alcove where Lady Anstruther would strip before bathing, as she enjoyed swimming naked in the sea. Afterwards, she would retire to the tower for some rest and relaxation. Whenever Lady Anstruther fancied a swim, a bell-ringer was sent around Elie to warn the locals to keep away.
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