This Scottish Village is Frozen in Time - 16th Century Culross

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]Welcome to Culross, the best preserved 16th century village in Scotland.

[00:00:07]With its cobbled streets, white harled houses, and red-tiled roofs, stepping into Culross feels like traveling back in time.

[00:00:18]During the 16th century, Culross prospered through coal mining under a man called George Bruce.

[00:00:26]He built this opulent palace known as Culross Palace for his family using wealth generated from the world's first underwater coal mine.

[00:00:37]Despite gaining borough status in 1592, disaster struck in 1625 when the coal mine was flooded.

[00:00:45]It devastated the town's economy and sent Culross into decline.

[00:00:52]These streets may also be familiar to fans of Outlander as Culross doubled as Cranesmuir, the home of the witch Geillis Duncan.

[00:01:04]Thankfully, the town's decline and possible destruction was prevented through the incredible work of the National Trust for Scotland, who carefully restored and preserved Culross for future generations to enjoy.

[00:01:19]At the head of the town, you'll find the ruins of Culross Abbey, founded in 1217 on a site linked to Saint Serf, who established an early Christian community here during the 6th century.

[00:01:35]Less than an hour's drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow and just 30 minutes from Stirling, Culross is an absolute must-visit and it is absolutely gorgeous.