|
|
|
TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN
THE KINGDOM OF FIFE |
|
You may view the information for ALL the locations in this area
by clicking
HERE (the page may be very large) or you can view your
preferred location from the list on the left.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
Black Sands beach, Aberbour
- Photo:
Simon Johnston
CCL |
Located between the Forth
Bridges and Burntisland, on the A921, Aberdour
gets its name from the River Dour on which is
stands (Aber = mouth of river + Dour).
On one side of the river
stands the ruined
Aberdour
Castle with its walled garden, now in the care of
Historic Scotand (see attractions/heritage) and on
the other stands Aberdour House, present home of
the Earls of Morton, to which the Douglas family
moved from the castle in 1725.
|
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Largest of the coastal
villages of the East Neuk, its harbour is used by
both fishing an pleasure craft. It is from here
that trips aboard The Princess of May depart for
the Isle of May in summer months. Anstruther is
also home to the
Scottish Fisheries Museum.
(attractions/museums). |
View of Anstruther Church
across the Harbour - Photo:
Alison Stamp
CCL |
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
This small burgh town in north
east Fife was granted a royal charter in 1517 and
by the early 19th century it prospered on the
textile, timber and distilling trades. The oldest
buildings in the town are Macduff house which was
built in 1597, the Town House built in 1728 and
the Parish Church completed in 1781.
Auchtermuchty's streets were
used as a backdrop in the TV series 'Dr Finlay's
Casebook' but the most recent claim to fame is as
home town of "The Proclaimers".
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Macduff's Castle with
Wemyss Caves in the foreground, near Buckhaven
- Photo:
Kevin Rae
CCL |
It is difficult to imagine
today that in the early 19th century, Buckhaven,
on the Firth of Forth was reputed to have the
Scotland's second-largest fleet of around 200
fishing boats. It also had thriving textile
weaving and coal mining industries but eventually
all these declined and Buckhaven became a small
holiday resort.
The local Museum features the
history of the fishing industry and is worth a
visit.
|
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Rossend Castle, Burntisland
- Photo:
Kevin Rae
CCL |
This Royal Burgh owes its
existence to a natural harbour probably used
originally in prehistoric times. It is claimed
that the invading Romans, under Agricola, landed
here and established it as a naval base around
AD85. In the 12th century the Castle of Rossend
was built as the residence of the Abbots of
Dunfermline. (It has now been modernised and is
used as offices.)
King James V granted the town a charter in 1541
since when it developed and thrived as a trading
port and naval base. In 1563, Mary Queen of Scots
stayed here and in 1651, Oliver Cromwell's English
army arrived and troops were garrisoned in the
town. |
St Columba's Church, built in 1594, is the oldest
post-Reformation kirk still in regular use and
both historically and architecturally is something
all visitors should see.
It was in Burntisland in 1850 that the world's
first rail ferry, Leviathan, commenced operation
linking to Granton on the other side of the Forth,
transporting railway wagons of coal, limestone,
whisky and grain as well as thousands of
passengers. It was, of course, made obsolete by
the building of the Forth Railway Bridge.
|
Although the town's Aluminium industry still
survives, the fishing, shipbuilding and coal
exporting have all gone leaving Burntisland to its
residents and holidaymakers.
In the local library, which was gifted in 1906 by
Andrew Carnegie, there is a small display of the
town's history.
In many parts of Fife there are hills which are
the remnants of volcanic plugs and one such hill,
just inland from the town, is "The Binn". Walk to
the top you will have excellent views over to
Edinburgh and up to the Bridges. |
View towards the Binn,
Burntisland - Photo:
Kevin Rae
CCL |
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
One of Cardenden's claims to fame is that the
author
Ian Rankin was brought up in the town. His
Inspector Rebus stories are set just over the
Forth in Edinburgh.
Like the author, the fictional
Police Inspector John Rebus was born in Fife and
is often nipping over the Forth Road Bridge to the
old mining towns north of the water.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Pack Horse Bridge, Ceres -
Photo:
Jim Bain
CCL |
Surrounded by farmland a few
miles south east of Cupar, is Ceres, which has
been described as "the most attractive village
in Scotland".
Known to date back as early as the 12th Century,
as a Scottish village it is unusual in that it is
built around a village green. On the green is held
the oldest annual games in Scotland, which
celebrate the return of the village menfolk from
the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
An old bridge over the Ceres Burn leads to the
Fife Folk
Museum. |
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Crail is one of the oldest
Royal Burghs in Scotland having been granted its
charter in 1178.
It is said that the Dutch built the harbour, the
town becoming an important port for the export of
salt, fish, mutton and woollens. It also became
famous for its locally caught and smoked haddock
known "Crail Capon".
Today, the older narrow streets down by the
harbour make Crail itself a tourist attraction.
Worth seeing are the 12th century St Mary's
Church, the 17th century Market Cross, the 18th
century Tolbooth, 17th century Customs House and
Crail Museum and Heritage Centre. |
Crail Harbour - Photo:
Bob Jones
CCL |
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Culross Town House - Photo:
Colin Smith
CCL |
Culross, created a Royal Burgh
in 1588, is near the River Forth to the west of
Dunfermline.
Culross
Abbey was founded here in 1217 and the
National Trust for Scotland has restored many of
the town's 17th and 18th century cobbled lanes and
buildings.
|
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Cupar was formerly the county
town of Fife. It developed as an administrative
centre and also had a thriving agricultural
market. In 1975, Glenrothes became the new county
town and in 1994 the local market was closed.
The town still has many
interesting buildings including the 17th century
Preston Lodge, the similarly aged Chancellor's
House (birthplace of John Campbell who became Lord
Chancellor in 1859), the Corn Exchange and the
Duncan Institute (built in 1870).
|
Duncan Institute Library,
Cupar - Photo:
Jim Bain
CCL |
Hill of Tarvit Mansion House &
Garden, now a National Trust for Scotland
property, is an early 20th-century family house
containing a collection of French and
Chippendale-style furniture, porcelain and
paintings by the Scottish architect Sir Robert
Lorimer, who also designed the gardens. Formal
lawns, flowering borders and a sunken rose garden.
Visitors can enjoy the town's 9-hole golf course,
local angling, tennis and bowling.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Dunfermline Abbey - Photo:
Alex Bishop
CCL
|
Second-largest town in
Fife, Dunfermline was the Scottish capital for
over 500 years.
It can trace its history back to at least 1065
when Malcolm Canmore moved his court here and
built a fortress. His second wife, Queen
Margaret, founded a Benedictine Priory, later
elevated to the status of an Abbey. Her
canonisation in 1250 led to her tomb in the
abbey becoming a shrine. The abbey also has
the tombs of Malcolm Canmore and Robert the
Bruce. The town received its Royal Charter
from King James VI in 1588.
Dunfermline's industrial development in the
18th and 19th centuries was mainly based on
textiles with linen, cotton, woollen and
damask fabrics being produced.
Today Dunfermline has a busy centre, a choice
of three 18-hole golf courses and a small
museum &
gallery with displays on the town's
industries. |
|
It also has the
Andrew
Carnegie Birthplace Museum. Andrew
Carnegie, industrialist and benefactor was
born in at 2 Moodie Street, Dunfermline in
1835. This 18th-century weaver's cottage is
now the basis of the museum. In total,
Carnegie is thought to have given over £70
million to charity, of which about £1
million was to benefit Dunfermline where the
Carnegie Dunfermline Trust is based. Gifts to
the town included the Carnegie Centre, the
Carnegie Free Library, the Carnegie Hall and
Pittencrieff Park. |
 |
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Originally a fishing
village/harbour on the southern side of East Neuk,
Elie now attracts tourists and those wishing for
an pleasant place to retire. At low tide it has
miles of golden sands. Elie is popular with
golfers, sailors and surfers.
The Parish Church on High
Street dates from 1639. When its tower was added
in 1729 there were no buildings to the rear of the
church so the clock has only three faces.
A short way from Elie along
the coastal path stand the first lighthouse in
East Neuk. Small but effective! Excellent views
over Elie.
|
East Links, Elie - Photo:
Snaik
CCL |
A little further away stands
the partially restored Lady's Tower. Built in the
mid 18th century as a summerhouse, it also served
as a changing room for Lady Jane Anstruther who
was one of the early naturists. It is said that,
when she went swimming naked in the bay, she sent
a bell ringer around the town to warn residents to
keep away.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Falkland Palace - Photo:
Sam Styles
CCL |
Its strategic position on a
north-south route through the Lomond Hills made
this site an ideal location for the castle built
by Macduff, Thane of Fife. Destroyed by the
English in 1337, the castle was rebuilt and was
eventually sold to Robert Stewart.
In 1458, the town received its Royal Charter and
in 1501 James IV commenced the construction of a
palace on the site of the old castle.
Falkland Palace was used more as a hunting
lodge as both hunting and falconry were a popular
pastime for the monarchy. The palace is now a
National Trust for Scotland property. |
Here you will also find the
Royal Tennis Court, built in 1539, Britain’s
oldest tennis court, which today is home to a
flourishing local royal tennis club.
The town itself is small and picturesque with
pubs, restaurants and a 9-hole golf course for the
visitor to enjoy.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
In marked contrast to the rich
historical heritage of most of Fife's towns and
villages, Glenrothes was developed in the 1950s
and 60s as a "New Town". It was located near
existing paper mills but many new "Silicon Glen"
high-tech industries have developed.
Glenrothes became the main administrative centre
for Fife in 1975 and for shopping there is the
modern Kingdom Centre. There are many parks, a
bowling green and two 18-hole golf courses.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Guardbridge, 3 miles
north-west of St Andrews and just south of
Leuchars stands at the head of the estuary and
lowest bridging point of the River Eden. The
six-arched Old Guard Bridge (or Gaire Brig) from
which the town's name is derived was built in the
15th century. River crossings were always
important locations and the village grew up at
crossings of the River Eden and Motray Water.
It is thought that the name my
be derived from the fact that pilgrims in the
Middle ages, heading for St Andrews, congregated
here before meeting the guards who would escort
them for the final part of their journey.
|
Bridge across the
River Eden with the paper mill in the distance
to the right - Photo:
Jim Bain
CCL |
A whisky distillery was
founded here in 1810 by William Haig but this was
later converted into a paper mill. Paper is still
made here today.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Inchcolm Island - Photo:
Simon Johnston
CCL
|
Inchcolm Island lies just
offshore in the Firth of Forth south of Dalgety
Bay. It is thought that the name is derived from a
connection with St Columba and it was considered
to be a holy island with many people asking to be
buried there.
During World War II, defenses were erected on the
to protect Rosyth naval dockyards.
|
|
Inchcolm Abbey
An Augustinian priory was established on the
island. This later granted Abbey status in 1235.
The original buildings were plundered by the
English in the 14th century but the abbey was
rebuilt in the 15th century. |
Inchcolm Abbey - Photo:
Simon Johnston
CCL |
Trips to the island are available in Summer from
North Queensferry, South Queensferry (and also
from Newhaven Harbour near Leith on the Edinburgh
side of the water.
For information on trips see
Inchcolm Island boat trips
or telephone North Queensferry (crossings weather permitting)
Tel: 0131 554 6881.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Inverkeithing probably began
when Agricola had a Roman encampment in this area
around AD 78-87. Strategically the location was
important because it was an ideal ferry point on
the Firth of Forth.
|
Inverkeithing High Street -
Photo:
Simon Johnston
CCL |
A Royal Burgh since 1165, the town has many
interesting historic buildings. St Peter's Kirk
dates back to the 5th century, Inverkeithing
Priory and the Mercat Cross (Market Cross) to the
14th Century and Fordell's Lodging to the 17th.
The Inverkeithing museum is
itself located on the upper floor of a 14th
century friary guest house. The small gallery
contains local photographs, paintings and
artefacts. Of particular interest are items which
once belonged to Admiral Sir Samuel Greig, an
Inverkeithing man who became famous as the
''Father of the Russian Navy''.
Admission is free. No disabled access.
|
Not surprisingly(!), the area
was the location of the Battle of Inverkeithing
where, in 1651 Oliver Cromwell's army overran the
supporters of Charles II as they made their
advance north towards Perth.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
The Isle of May, about 5 miles
off the coast is now a nature reserve and sea bird
sanctuary. With vertical cliffs on the west side
sloping to sea level on the east, it provides
excellent habitat for many types of bird. The
cliff ledges are ideal for the large breeding
populations of Guillemots, Shags, Kittiwakes and
Razorbills whilst the flatter areas are more
suitable for Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed
Gulls. Puffins nest in burrows on the north and
east of the island.
A bird observatory was established in 1934. The
studies of bird migration, varied seabird breeding
populations, the island's own breed of mice and
the island plant communities are all added
attractions for visitors. |
Puffins on the Isle of May
- Photo:
Norrie Adamson
CCL |
In the 12th century, King David I founded a Priory
on the island which was inhabited for nearly 200
years before the monks eventually moved to
Pittenweem. Today, little remains as evidence of
the island's religious past other than fragmented
remnants of the 12th century St Adrian's chapel.
|
The Bishop, Isle of May -
Photo:
Steve Johnston
CCL |
The
Island's first lighthouse was a beacon
established in 1635 when King Charles I
granted permission for its erection and the
collection of dues from local shipping to
cover its upkeep. Despite being considered one
of the finest in existence, this coal-burning
brazier was not terribly efficient, consuming
400 tons of fuel each year and requiring three
men to tend it constantly.
It was replaced in 1816 by a new lighthouse built
by the famous Robert Stevenson. In 1885,
improvements were made to double the accommodation
to provide for three more lightkeepers and their
families. Additional buildings were erected
including engine house, boiler house, workshop and
coal store. Two new generators were installed and
the new light was shown from December 1st 1886.
Converted to an unmanned station in 1989, the
present buildings look like a small castle with
protective battlements. |
If you fancy seeing the island
close up,
The May Princess sails from Anstruther harbour
to the Isle of May during May to October. The
impressive vertical cliffs all along the west
coast are teeming with seabirds including a large
colony of puffins and you can also see a colony of
grey seals.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Kirkcaldy sands - Photo:
Bob Jones
CCL
|
Famous for linoleum and modern
floor coverings still manufactured today by the
company started in 1847 by Sir Michael Nairn,
Kirkcaldy can also claim fame as birthplace of
Adam Smith (1723 - 90) who wrote "The Wealth of
Nations" and architect and designer Robert Adam
(1728 - 92).
The local textile industry was
revolutionised by the introduction of the power
loom, one of the first towns to do so in Scotland.
|
|
On the eastern outskirts of
Kirkcaldy, off the A955 Dysart Road amidst
hundreds of acres of parkland and coast, stands
Ravenscraig castle. Originating in the 15th
century, the castle has been much altered but was
one of the first castles in Scotland built to
withstand and return artillery fire.
Historic Scotland
Within Kirkcaldy is Dysart
which was one of the earliest communities to
exploit the coal deposits with mining starting as
early as the early 15th century. Nail making also
grew in importance as a local industry in the 18th
and 19th centuries.
|
Ravenscraig Castle,
Kirkcaldy - Photo:
Ian Mitchell
CCL |
Nearby is Pan Ha', an unusual
name from the local salt pans which were used
evapourate seawater to produce salt.
Pronounced "ker-koddy" and
often misspelled as Kirkaldy
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Ladybank - Photo:
Kevin Rae
CCL |
The railway line from
Edinburgh heads north until Ladybank where it
divides. One route heads to Coupar, Dundee and on
to Aberdeen while the other heads westwards
towards Perth. The town developed in the latter
part of the 19th century at this railway junction
which had been built on drained bogland previously
known as Lady's Bog. Rather than give this name to
the town, it was decided that Ladybank was a
little more attractive! The railway station is
claimed be the oldest unaltered station in
Scotland.
There is an 18-hole golf course nearby. |
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
All around the place where
Leuchars Parish Church (1187) now stands was
originally marshland. About half a mile to the
north is an artificial mound on which various
castles were built in the 1100s, 1300s and 1500s.
None has outlasted the church of which the
original choir and apse still stand.
In the early 19th century, there was considerable
drainage works to reclaim agricultural land which
also created space for the village to expand. The
coming of the railway and later the RAF station
helped bring further prosperity. |
Leuchars Church - Photo:
Jim Bain
CCL |
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Leven Beach in Largo Bay -
Photo:
Allan Thomson
CCL |
A popular holiday town on the
southern coast of Fife, Leven has an excellent
swimming pool and leisure complex in addition to
its fine beach. Plenty of things to do for people
of all ages. |
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
|
|
|
|
Sunset over the Tay Rail
Bridge - Photo:
Dave Wood
CCL |
It was its location on the
southern bank of the Tay, opposite Dundee, that
led to the growth of the town.
Ferries were crossing the river at this point
since the early 12th century and provided one of
the shortest routes from Aberdeen and Dundee to
| | | | |
