Abbot House, Dunfermline

Abbot House stands in Dunfermline, Fife, beside the abbey church. Built in the 16th century, it is the oldest surviving secular building in the town. The house was once a heritage centre, but it closed in 2015 after funding ended. The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust later took ownership and plans to reopen it with a café, restaurant and meeting rooms. Fire Station Creative was chosen to run the new facilities, though details were still being finalised. Work began to secure funding, with 70% of the cost covered by July 2018. The house shows how Scottish architecture changed from the 16th to the 20th century. Its earliest part was a two-storey block built into the abbey precinct wall, with a small tower. Visitors can see crow-stepped gables and early features inside. A 1571 fresco on the first floor may show scenes from a Scots version of Virgil. A 14th-century tracery window also survives in the building. Excavations in the garden uncovered medieval finds, including pottery, coins and a large dog skeleton. The dog, possibly a deerhound or wolfhound, stood about 86 cm tall at the shoulder. Personal items, ironwork and gaming counters were also found. Above the door hangs a 16th-century motto warning against careless speech. The house remains a link to Dunfermline’s past, waiting to welcome visitors again.