It was a stately home once described by Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe as the ‘glory of Fife’ when he visited in the 18th century and drew visitors from the elite classes.
And according to a diet book discovered, family and guests at the Earl of Rothes’ former home, Leslie House, frequently dined on the luxuries such as goose, veal, lobster and oysters.
Servants too regularly tucked into salt beef, mutton and herrings with meals often washed down with ale brewed in house.
Read more: Castle is first Scottish landmark to sign up for app tours
The 18th century diet book what was being eaten 300 years ago at the Fife mansion and would seem to go against writer and author of The Dictionary of the English Language, Samuel Johnson’s critique of the nation’s diet. He once declared oats is a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people.