It is not known who built the Fairy Steps and the origin of the name is shrouded in mystery. Some records suggest they may have been built by a man named Fairweather, but there is also a theory that they could be linked to the presence of fairy ring champignon mushrooms which can be seen growing in the area.
One suggestion is that they may have been commissioned by the Lord of Panmure so his employees could travel easily to work at the Panbride Bleaching Factory. The factory, which was opened in 1841, was adjacent to the railway and used water from Craigmill Burn for the bleaching process of locally produced linen.
Another theory is that the steps were created to allow young scholars to attend the school and church at Panbride. The school dates to 1816 and the church as far as 1198.
The Fairy Steps fell into a state of disrepair in more recent times and their condition led to closure for safety concerns in 2010, but a community effort in 2024 saw restoration works commence to preserve this piece of local heritage.
The Carnoustie Green Circular was funded by Seagreen Wind Energy and created by the Carnoustie Community Development Trust.