Arncroach

Arncroach is a small village situated in the east of Fife, four miles inland of the fishing village of Pittenweem and around 10 miles away from St Andrews, on the east coast of Scotland. The name Arncroach derives from Scottish Gaelic ‘Height of the gallows’ (àird na croiche) or (less likely) ‘share (of land) of the gallows’ (earrann na croiche).^[1] The village green is named after Louise Lorimer.^[2] Arncroach is within the parish of Carnbee. Situated about 1/4 of a mile from Arncroach is Kellie Castle, formerly the seat of the Earl of Kellie, and is also where the famous Lorimer family lived. The village saw the installation of the first wind turbine in the East Neuk area of Fife, directly adjacent to the Gillingshill Nature Reserve.

Arncroach
Blinkbonny Road, Arncroach
Arncroach Location within Fife
OS grid reference	NO5105
Council area	Fife
Lieutenancy area	Fife
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	ANSTRUTHER
Postcode district	KY10
Dialling code	01333
Police	Scotland
Fire	Scottish
Ambulance	Scottish
UK Parliament	North East Fife
Scottish Parliament	North East Fife
List of places UK Scotland 56.23°N 02.79°W / 56.23; -02.79

Geology and geography

Arncroach is situated at the foot of Kellie Law, a small hill which is visible from the Firth of Forth. The village has a population of around 120 people.

Notable residents

Furniture maker, William Wheeler of Arncroach. Designer and maker of Chippendale and Gossip Chairs circa 1880.^[3]

Education

Arncroach once had two schools, despite it only being a very small village. One was a boys' school and the other was for girls. Later they were combined, as having two became impractical. The Old School of Arncroach has been a residential home since the school was closed in the mid-1990s. Children living in the village and surrounding area now have to travel to Pittenweem or Colinsburgh Primarys, and Waid Academy in Anstruther for secondary education.