Hallyards Palace

Hallyards Palace is the ruined site of a former mansion in Fife, Scotland, lying north-west of the village of Auchtertool. Little survives above ground, yet its story touches Scottish kings, bishops and one of the most influential families of the sixteenth century.

What was Hallyards?

Hallyards, also spelled Halyards, was a substantial noble residence that sources variously call a castle or a palace. Tradition holds that it may once have been a hunting seat of King Malcolm Canmore, though that remains unproven. In later centuries the estate belonged to the Bishops of Dunkeld, who used it as a local residence until it passed to its first lay owner in 1539.

Who lived here?

The new owner was Sir James Kirkcaldy of Grange, a close associate of James V and Lord High Treasurer of Scotland. Sources disagree on which bishop handed over the property, naming either George Crichton or a Bishop Brown. Sir James's son William Kirkcaldy took part in the 1546 murder of Cardinal Beaton. He later held Edinburgh Castle, and was hanged in 1573 after surrendering it to the Regent Morton.

A local account also says James V stayed a night here on his way to Falkland after the defeat at Solway Moss in 1542. The estate afterwards passed to the Boswells of Balmuto, the Forbes family of Craigievar, the Skene family and finally the Earls of Moray.

Decline and present state

With the Earls of Moray living far away, the house gradually fell out of use. Most of it was demolished in 1847. At some point the name was changed to Camilla, although sources give no clear reason. Today only fragments of walling and a few mounds remain in a ploughed field.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Hallyards Palace? The remains lie on farmland with no visitor facilities. Please respect private property and crops.

What is there to see? Scraps of wall and low mounds in the ground. It suits those interested in Scottish history rather than anyone expecting a standing building.

Where is it? In Fife, close to the village of Auchtertool and the town of Lochgelly.

Why is it notable? Because of its links to the Kirkcaldys of Grange, the Bishops of Dunkeld, and traditions of a stay by James V and hunting by Malcolm Canmore.

Is it still a palace? The name has stuck, but most of the old house was pulled down in the nineteenth century, so its original appearance is hard to picture today.