Dairsie

Dairsie is a village and parish in Fife, Scotland, located approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Cupar. It lies on the River Eden.

Historically, Dairsie was important due to its strategic location on the main route between Edinburgh and St Andrews. This led to the construction of Dairsie Castle, also known as Dairsie Church, which served as a royal residence and later a refuge for Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1565. The castle has a rich history, having been used as a parliament by David II in 1335.

The village has a parish church, Dairsie Parish Church, which dates back to the 12th century, although it has been rebuilt and modified over the centuries. It is an active Church of Scotland congregation.

Dairsie's economy is primarily agricultural, with surrounding farmland being used for arable crops and livestock. The village is also a commuter settlement, with residents working in nearby towns and cities.

The name "Dairsie" is believed to be derived from the Gaelic Darrach, meaning "oak wood" or "place of oak trees." The area around Dairsie would likely have been heavily wooded in the past.