The ancient castle of Fernie in the parish of Monimail, four miles west of Cupar, was first recorded in 1353 when it belonged to the Earl of Fife - Duncan the 13th. By the fifteenth century, Western Fernie was held by a family known as Fernie of that Ilk and then, in the 16th century, by the Arnotts who kept it for a century. In 1680, the Balfours of Burleigh became the owners and their descendants retained the tenure until 1965. The circular tower, in itself unique, is presumed to be a later addition. Like many notable families of the 18th century, the Balfours felt the impact of the Jacobite rising; Colonel John Balfour's estates were forfeited for his active support of the rebels but in 1720 they were restored to his brother who served in the Government forces.

Today the castle is a hotel. Set in 17 acres only an hour’s drive from Edinburgh it is in superb location for anyone visiting Scotland.