Aberdour Castle was originally an early to mid 12th century stone rectangular two storey hall house and courtyard fortress, founded by Alan de Mortimer. With a first floor hall over a vaulted basement, it is arguably the oldest standing stone castle in Scotland. In the 15th century, the Douglases, earls of Morton and lords of Dalkeith, heightened the hall house to create a tower house, of three storeys and a garret. Later a spacious south-eastern stair wing was added which also gave access to a late 16th century three storey central range, founded by Regent Morton, on the site of a possible great hall. In the early 17th century, William Morton, the 8th Earl added the L-shaped east range, with a fine gallery and private chambers with painted ceilings in the projecting wing. After a serious fire in the 1680s only the east range was repaired and following another fire in 1715, the Douglas family abandoned the castle. 6 miles north-east is Kirkcaldy of Grange.