Curling Kinross-shire
Kinross Curling
On our four sheet curling rink you can learn the “Roaring Game”. This game was started in Scotland in the Middle-Ages and our rink is the present home of Kinross Curling Club, the oldest in Scotland, dating from 1668.
Green Road, Kinross, KY13 8TU
T: 01577 861 821
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Visit Lochleven Castle
The boat runs daily from 10am to 5:30pm April – September, with last outward sailing at 4:15pm and from 10am to 4:30pm, last outward sailing 3:30pm in October. The boat holds a limited number of passengers so booking is advised. Tickets can be purchased from the shop next to the pier (what3words: outermost.places.edicts) or online. Visit website
The weather can sometimes mean changes to the times so it is worth checking the Cancellation page of the website for any changes.
The history of Loch Leven is rich and long. In 1335 Loch Leven castle was one of only 3 or 4 strongholds which had not fallen to the English. It was occupied by supporters of King David II (the son of Robert the Bruce) and was attacked by an army supported by the English monarch. The English force, aided by a number of Scottish Lairds (Lords) laid siege to the castle for nearly nine months without success. Frustrated, they attempted to flood out the occupants by blocking the Leven River and so increasing the water level of the loch. The plan backfired, however, when a group from the island broke down the dam during the night, the water surged out drowning many of the attackers who were camped on the river banks nearby.
The best known tale of the loch, though, is that of the tragic Mary Queen of Scots. Mary Stuart was born in 1542 and within a week of her birth her father, James V, died making her Queen of Scotland. Mary was brought up in France and in 1558 she was married to the Dauphin, Francis of France, who died two years later. Mary returned to Scotland and married Lord Darnley. It was not a happy marriage, he murdered David Rizzio her secretary and friend. A year later, he himself was murdered.
Mary, pregnant with James VI, proceeded to stage her own abduction so that she could marry the Earl of Bothwell who had been accused of murdering Darnley. The Scottish nobles were incensed, she was imprisoned here in the castle on Loch Leven and was forced to abdicate.
After eleven months one of the young pages fell in love with Mary, stole the keys and rowed her across to the shore where sympathetic nobles were waiting for her. It is still believed that the keys to the castle lie at the bottom of the loch where they were thrown. Mary was hidden by supporters while she gathered an army to fight to regain the throne but she was defeated at the Battle of Langside in 1568. With nowhere else to go, Mary fled to England seeking support from her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. Unfortunately Queen Elizabeth saw Mary as a threat to her own throne and imprisoned her. Mary spent the last twenty years of her life in prison before being executed at Fotheringay in 1587.
Game Fishing
Loch Leven Fisheries
Loch Leven has been renowned – both nationally and internationally – as a brown trout fishery for well over a hundred years. It is famous for its unique strain of brown trout, Salmo Levensis, which has been used to stock rivers, lakes and lochs not only in this country, but also all over the world. After trials of stocking both brown trout and rainbow trout during the latter half of the 20th century, Loch Leven has reverted to once more being a natural brown trout fishery.
The Pier, Kinross, KY13 8UF
T: Office (weekdays 9 am – 5 pm): 01577 863407
Fishery (during season) 07599 225940
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Kinross Trout Fishery
We offer high quality Fly Fishing, C&R (Catch and Release) Spinning, Bait and Float-tube. Fishing set over 4 waters in one of Scotland’s premier locations.
Heatheryford, Kinross KY13 0NQ
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T: 07376 762 057
River Leven Cut
Brown & rainbow trout, 15th March – 6th Oct.
Sluice House, Scotlandwell
T: 01592 840 225
Gliding and Microlight Flights
Balado Airfield
There are lots of ways to get airborne at Balado. From first time flight experiences taking in incredible views across Loch Leven, the Forth Bridges and beyond; to seasoned pilots, syndicates and aviation businesses looking for a place to call home.
Balado Airfield, Kinross, KY13 0RF
T: 07795 578072
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The Scottish Gliding Centre
Qualified instructors. Safe two seat gliders. Evening courses. Holiday courses. Learn to fly solo. Fly aerobatics. Catering facilities. Free car parking.
Scotlandwell, Kinross, KY13 9JJ
T: 01592 840 543
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Golf
Kinross Golf Courses
Two 18 hole parkland courses. The courses are laid out to be a challenge to the good player, while at the same time providing fun and enjoyment for the holiday golfer and those on a club or group outing. A number of holes have views over Loch Leven and beyond.
Beeches Park, Kinross, KY13 8EU
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T: 01577 862237
Non-members please call 01577 865125
Bishopshire Golf Club
9 hole heath course. Recently built clubhouse, thanks to the Lottery/Sports Council, offers hospitality and views across Loch Leven and the Fife hills.
Woodmarch, Kinnesswood, KY13 9HX
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Email – match secretary
T: 01592 773224
Milnathort Golf Club
9 hole parkland course. Undulating course with lush fairways and excellent greens.
South Street, Milnathort, KY13 9XA
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T: 01577 864069
Sports Centres
Live Active Leisure
At Live Active Loch Leven we offer a 25m swimming pool with moveable pool floor facility, recently refurbished fitness suite and squash courts. Within the Community Campus we also offer sports hall facilities including tennis, badminton and basketball courts, outdoor pitches for football, hockey and tennis, a fitness suite and a fantastic indoor climbing wall. Between both sites we run a wide range of adult fitness classes, from yoga to circuits, as well as sports classes for kids aged 18 months to 5 years (Active Steps), age 5 -11 years (Active Fun), age 12+ (Active Energy) including swimming lessons, basketball, football and gymnastics.
Lathro, Kinross, KY13 8SY
T: 01577 867230
Loch Leven Community Campus
T. 01577 867200
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Walking & Cycling
Kinross-shire is very well situated for some beautiful and varied walks. The best known is the lovely 13 mile trail round Loch Leven. Being mainly flat this is ideal for walkers, cyclists and wheel chair users. There are motorised wheel chairs available from RSPB Loch Leven (booking is necessary, phone 01577 862355) where access to the trail is via the new tunnel under the road. A map and further details of the route is available on the NatureScot website.
Activity Centre
Offering Archery, Fishing, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, Axe Throwing, Rifle Shooting.
Catering for Corporate Events, Youth and Community Groups, Schools, Stag and Hen Parties, Birthday Parties
Outdoor Fun For Everyone
Phone: 07376 762 057 or visit the Activity Centre website.
