OS1/13/19/9

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
Site of CLATTO CASTLE Clatto Castle
Clatto Castle
Clatto Castle
Clatto Tower
Clatto Castle or Tower.
J.B. Fernie Kilmux
Laurence Christie Clatto
Mr. Duff.
Leightons Hist. [History of Fife]
Old. Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account]
018 [situation] About 1 1/4 miles N. by W. [North by West] from Montrave.
This is the site of a stronghold of the Setons of Clatto, which were according to the statistical & other accounts "Very notorious robbers". It was situated on the West side of the old road from Cupar to Kinghorn, which passed thro' Clatto Den. I cannot ascertain whether it was actually a Castle, a Tower or a Baronial mansion of Stronghold, but it was Called a Castle. There is no trace of it now remaining - nor of the caves which are said to have been at Clatto Den.
Mr. J.B. Fernie, Kilmux & Mr. L. Christie, Clatto - gentlemen well acquainted with the district pointed out this site and supplied the necessary information.

Continued entries/extra info

9 Parish of Kettle. Plan 18B Trace 1. (from Insertion Edge)

[Note:] " There are the remains of an old Tower which is said to have anciently belonged to a family of the name of Seaton, of whom the tradition still is that they were very notorious robbers and murderers. The old road from Cupar to Kinghorn passed through Clatto Den and in the face of hill which forms its boundary there is alleged to have been a cave which communicated with the Tower of Clatto, and had another opening to the road from which the Seatons rushed out upon the unsuspecting passengers who had occasion to pass along the road and dragging them into the cave, robbed and murdered them. The following is the traditional account of the discovery and punishment of these assassins. "One of the Scottish Kings, said to have been James IV, passing that way alone was attacked by a son of the laird of Clatto, but the King immediately drew his sword and with one blow cut off the right hand of the robber, with which he had caught hold of the bridle of the..Kings..."(over)

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