Situated close to the hamlet of Moonzie in Fife lie the remains of Lordscairnie Castle, a fortified tower house built during the 15th century for the Earl of Crawford.
Today, the structure is situated in a farm field, however, this was once a small loch with the castle built on an island. Some descriptions suggest that rather than a loch, the mound on which the castle was constructed was surrounded by a wide moat, with the depression in the land still visible, particularly from aerial photographs. The castle at some point had a protective courtyard known as a Barmkin, and in the 16th century an additional wing was added, housing a staircase and creating the 'L'-shaped structure that remains today, along with part of a single tower from the gatehouse of the Barmkin wall.
Historically, the site has been considered important for a long time. There is evidence to suggest it has been in use since prehistoric times and that the stone tower house replaced an earlier wooden fort built around the 12th century.
By the 17th century, the castle was no longer occupied and is believed to have been used for a period of time for worship by the Episcopal Church during the religious wars. It is likely to have later been used in connection with the farming of the land, with the loch being drained at the start of the 19th century.
It is rumoured that a vast fortune in treasure is buried below the castle, however, to date, no trace of this has been found. The castle is also said to be haunted by the 4th Earl of Crawford, Alexander Lindsay. Known as the Earl Beardie or the Tiger Earl, he is often attributed as the Earl who ordered the construction of the castle. He was one of the most powerful men in the country at the time, even siding with the Douglas clan against the monarch.
According to legend, he sought to play cards one day but, with it being a Sunday, no one was willing to take him up on his offer, as it would be considered a sin to do so on the Sabbath. Frustrated, he declared that if no one would take him on due to the day, he would play cards with the Devil.
Shortly after, a stranger arrived at the castle and, after being allowed entry, heard the Earl's angered challenge, which he calmly accepted. The two men played late into the night, with the game concluding at the stroke of midnight when, having won the contest, the stranger revealed himself to be the Devil. He demanded Lindsay's soul as a prize, and the unfortunate Earl was condemned to Hell.
There are also writings that tell that the game of cards was played at Glamis Castle, and similar tales of the Devil taking up the challenge exist at other castles, including Ruthven Castle.
It is said that the game at Lordscairnie was played on Hogmanay, and that every year, two dark figures can be seen seated at a card table within the ruins of the castle. But it is also warned that if you are unfortunate enough to still be watching the shadow figures when the clock strikes midnight, your soul will be taken to Hell along with that of the Earl.
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