Leuchars is renowned for its long association with the Royal Air Force base and also the Church of St. Athernase which dates back to the late 12th century. The Church is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain and proudly stands on a grassy knoll overlooking the village.

  Originally the Leuchars area was a vast marshland at the mouth of the River Eden. Both the Church and Leuchars Castle - which was demolished in the 1970's - occupied the higher ground and secured a vantage point over the surrounding area. Extensive land reclamation about 1800 allowed Leuchars village to expand and the coming of the railway along with the formation of the RAF base helped to establish a prosperous community. Although the Royal Engineers had been experimenting with air balloons in 1911 it was not until 1917 that the Royal Navy Fleet Training School built an airfield at Leuchars. By 1920 the RAF base had been established as part of Britain's defence system. The RAF hold their Battle of Britain air display every September at the base in Leuchars.

  Outside Leuchars stands the Earlshall Castle, ( now a Hotel )constructed by Sir William Bruce in 1546. The approach is guarded by the huge Gatehouse designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, one of Scotland's most famous architects. Indeed it was Lorimer who restored the Castle between 1891-1898 and redesigned the Gardens which are a great attraction with their famous topiary yews.

  Inside the Castle there is the Long Gallery with its painted ceilings; the bedchamber where Mary Queen of Scots slept, the Rod and Gun Room with its collection of antique firearms and the Museum with family momentos and exhibits. The Earlshall name derives from a connection with the Earls of Fife who lived in nearby Leuchars Castle now demolished.

  North of Leuchars lies Tentsmuir - a wooded area where the primitive people of the Stone Age and Bronze Age were known to eke out an existence. The woods are now cared for by the Forestry Commission but access, complete with visitor facilities is available at Kinshaldy Beach.

  Leuchars Junction is the closest railroad station to the famed city of St. Andrews. There is a local Bus service, and taxi-cabs, to St. Andrews which is 4 miles to the south-east of Leuchars. There are trains from Leuchars to Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Connections can be made from Edinburgh onwards to London. There are also trains from Leuchars to Cupar, Ladybank, Markinch, Kirkcaldy, Inverkeithing, Arbroath, Carnoustie, Dundee, Broughty Ferry etc;

  If you are staying in the area one of the best, and most relaxing, ways to visit Edinburgh is by train from Leuchars.

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