The Pastel Streets of Pittenweem, Fife: a.k.a. The Inspiration for Heather Bay

If you’ve read any of my Heather Bay Romance Series, you’ll know the town of Heather Bay itself is supposed to be in the Scottish Highlands. Actually, though, the inspiration for the town came from a few different places in Scotland: one of which is Pittenweem, in Fife. And, I mean, how could you look at this place and NOT want to set a book here? Look at it!

Like Heather Bay, Pittenweem is a fishing village, and if you’ve read the books, you’ll instantly recognise the pastel houses that line the front as the same ones Lexie, Emerald, and Scarlett describe. These photos were taken back in August of 2020, when we visited during the pandemic and found the town almost eerily deserted, but don’t be fooled: on a more ‘normal’ summer’s day, Pitenweem is bustling with tourists, who’ll most likely also visit the nearby villages of St Monans and Anstruther (both of which are worth a visit in their own right), or take a trip to Loch Leven island.

Unfortunately for us, ours had to be a flying visit to Pittenweem: we were literally only there for around two hours or so, and we almost didn’t make it AT ALL, because we woke up to fog so thick we couldn’t even see the top of the Queensferry Crossing as we were driving over it. Miraculously, though, the mist cleared almost as soon as we got to the other side, and Fife was filled with blue skies and people in shorts and t-shirts, which made me REALLY pleased I’d decided to wear a thick jumper under my jacket that day, but also relieved that I’d at least had the sense to leave the winter coats I’d brought along for Max and me in the car.

(I did put a t-shirt on Max under his jumper, but that’s his No. 1 Favourite Stripey Jumper he’s wearing, so he wouldn’t have taken it off even it it had been 100 degrees in the shade, seriously. We… need to get better at clothes, somehow…)

If you’re thinking of visiting Pittenweem, here’s some more info for you:

Pittenweem Restuarants

For a gastronomic treat, visit the small but mighty Pittenweem Fish & Chip Bar. This tiny, retro tavern serves some of the finest fish & chips in Fife.

Other notables include Nicolson’s Sweet and Ice Cream Shop, on Mid Shore for their awe-inspiring array of sweets and chocolate. Those who aren’t in the mood for a savoury supper may opt for a high tea at the Larachmhor, another quaint harbourside establishment.

The Dory Bistro & Gallery, meanwhile, features a light and airy bistro serving seafood dishes with a view, thanks to its enviable location by the village’s picturesque harbour.

Pubs & Cafes

Pittenweem might be a tiny village, but it definitely packs a punch (and yes, I am talking about the alcoholic kind here…).

The village’s genuine old fisherman’s pub, The Larachmhor, serves tasty burgers in its friendly bar and has plenty of whiskies, ales and gins to choose from. It’s also a great stop off point for ramblers on the Fife coastal path.

For a sweet treat, check out the independent Pittenweem Chocolate Company on the High Street. Or cosy up in the Cocoa Tree Cafe, which serves up the town’s best chocolate cake. Finally, Nicholson’s Sweets & Ice Cream Shop is a must for anyone who has a sweet tooth.