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Kirkcaldy
Kirkcaldy from the Firth of Forth
Area6.9 sq mi (18 km2)
PopulationExpression error: "48,108 (town)[4]
" must be numeric
OS grid referenceNT275915
• Edinburgh11 mi (18 km) S
• London341 mi (549 km) SSE
Council area
Lieutenancy area
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townKIRKCALDY
Postcode districtKY1, KY2
Dialling code01592
PoliceScotland
FireScottish
AmbulanceScottish
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament
List of places
UK
Scotland

Kirkcaldy (Template:PronEng; Template:Lang-gd) is a town and former royal burgh in Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It lies on a shallow bay on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth and is the largest settlement between the cities of Dundee and Edinburgh.

The town began as a burgh under the control of Dunfermline Abbey. A harbour built around the east burn gradually led to the growth of the town surrounding the harbour itself, main street and Tiel burn following the demand of trade with the Baltic. Early industries which soon prospered included the production of textiles, nailmaking and salt panning. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries proved to be the most famous period for the town which saw the introduction of linoleum. Originally developed in the town as floorcloth, this was quickly dominated by the Michael Nairn & Co but did not become popular across a worldwide scale until the beginning of the 20th century.

Kirkcaldy has long been nicknamed the Lang Toun (Scots for 'long town') in reference to the 0.9-mile (1.4 km) (later a 4 mi (6.4 km)*) main street of the early town, depicted so on maps as early as the 16th and 17th centuries.[5][6] According to the 2006 population estimate, Kirkcaldy has a population of 48,108, making it the largest town in Fife. The town falls under the wider Kirkcaldy and Mid-Fife Local Plan Area which has a population of 180,220.

Today Kirkcaldy is a centre for the surrounding areas, with a public art gallery, two public parks, shopping facilities and the annual Links Market, Europe's longest street fair. The town is twinned with Ingolstadt in Germany.

History

Main article: History of Kirkcaldy

The name Kirkcaldy means "place of the hard fort", or "place of Caled's fort". It is derived from the Pictish caer meaning "fort", caled, which is Pictish "hard" or a personal name Caled, and –in, a suffix meaning "place of". Caled may describe the fort itself or be an epithet for a local "hard" ruler.[7] An interpretation of the last element as din (again "fort" but this time from Gaelic) rather than –in is incorrect.[7] The Old Statistical Account states a derivation from culdee, which has been repeated in later publications[8][3] but is also incorrect.[7]

The earliest written form of the name, from the Charters of David I in 1128, is as the shire of Kircalethyn; with subsequent forms including Kircaldin, Kirkaladinit, Kerkalethin; and the earliest close approximation to the current name, as Kircaldy, appearing in 1250.[7]

One of the earliest historical events in the vicinity of the town was the Battle of Raith in 596 AD, where the Angles fought an alliance of Scots, Picts and Britons led by King Áedán mac Gabráin of Dál Riata.[9] Towards the end of the 11th century the Scottish king Malcolm II purchased the shire of Kirkaladunt from the crown lords of Fife to be given to the monks of Dunfermline Abbey as a means of aiding the funding of their newly built church.[10][11][12][13]

A reference to Kirkcaldy as a "villa", in 1182, is the only indication in the 12th century that it was regarded as a town.[8] In 1304 the abbot of Dunfermline requested permission from King Edward I of England (Scotland being under occupation in this period) to hold a weekly market and annual fair (the latter is the basis of the modern Links Market) in this "most ancient of burghs". In granting this right, a year later, the king though termed Kirkcaldy simply a "manor".[11][8][14] Burgh of barony status was granted by Robert I between 1315 and 1328, under the control of the abbey.[15]

Kirkcaldy harbour was acknowledged for having "a sheltered cove round the East Burn", thus giving easy accessibility for boats.[16] By the early 16th century the vessels of the harbour had begun to engage in trade with the Baltic; later dealing with the import of grain in 1618 and continental beer in 1625.[10] A shipbuilding trade also existed on the site until this was phased out temporarily in 1645.[11] The success led to the growth of the burgh, surrounding the harbour, Main Street and Tiel (West) burn, commented on by Thomas Carlyle.[17] During his stay he described the town as being "a mile of the smoothest sand, with one long wave coming on gently, steadily, and breaking into a gradual explosion beautifully sounding, and advancing, ran from the South to the North, from the West Burn to Kirkcaldy Harbour, a favourite scene beautiful to me still in the faraway".[18][3][17][19]

File:Kirkcaldy Volunteers Green Plaque.jpg
The plaque reads: "This is the remains of the 9 acres of common moor given to the people of this town by Charles II in 1644 when Kirkcaldy was made a royal burgh...."

Royal burgh status was problematic with the loss of the original charter, which had been noted in the conventions of royal burghs in 1582.[20] However, it is noteworthy that Charles II granted Kirkcaldy royal burgh status in 1644, leaving nine acres of land to the town suitable "for dying and bleaching of linen, drying of clothes, recreation and perpetuity".[21]

Although difficult times ahead threatened to beset the development of the town, local support for the Covenanting War (1644–65) led to the death of over 250 men.[22][23][11] The burgh was also affected by the Highland Jacobite rebellion invading the town on two occasions during the 18th century on 1715 and again in 1745–46.[24]

As Kirkcaldy entered into the 19th century, the arrival of the Kirkcaldy and District Railway, later to become part of the North British Railway,[25] saw the town develop into the industrial heart of Fife—reviving the use of Kirkcaldy port, which had a severe setback during the mid–17th century.[26] The harbour was catering for the growing trade of imports of flax, timber and hemp and exports of coal, salt and linen cloth, when a decision was made to build a new wet dock and pier from 1843–46.[26] The subsequent demands for linoleum and coal led to a further extension from 1906–08 in the form of an inner dock.[16][27]

the remains of the St Mary's Canvas factory of Michael Nairn & Co Ltd

Kirkcaldy became a centre for iron founding and linen manufacturing—specialising in coarser material (i.e. sailcloth).[28][29] Linoleum was first introduced by the Scottish Linoleum Company (later Barry, Ostlere and Shepherd), due to the expired patent of Frederick Walton in 1877.[30] Although the Michael Nairn & Co Ltd have since become famous, for their Trade Mark and being the world producers of the cloth.[31][16] The linoleum also made Kirkcaldy recognisable from the queer-like smell resulting from the odour of the principal ingredient, linseed oil. [32] The Nairn's, as a family, were later philanthropists bequeathing land for public and commercial use, over the course of several decades, as "good deeds" to the citizens of Kirkcaldy, with examples such as two public parks (Beveridge and Ravenscraig) and a museum, art gallery and library complex.[33] Other industries such as coal, pottery, flour, malt, printing, light electrical engineering and furniture manufacturing flourished.[34][31] Carpets, whose production coincided with linoleum, were also made in the town for a brief time by the firm Victoria Carpets until they moved their production to Kidderminster in 1901.[31][35][36]

The burghs of Pathhead, Linktown, Gallatown and Sinclairtown were amalgamated into the royal burgh of Kirkcaldy in 1876.[3][37][38] The town had a population of nearly 30,000 by the time of the census in 1891. Throughout the 20th century, the town continued to grow with several acquirisations (including most specifically, Dysart) reaching a population of nearly 50,000 by 1951.[39][37][40] New housing estates to the north-west, multi-storey flats and the redevelopment of areas such as Sinclairtown and Linktown occurred between the 1950s and 1960s. There was speculation that the town could grow around the 55,000 to 60,000 mark by 1970. However, the decline of linoleum in the mid-1960s saw the population of the town dip from a peak of 53,000 in 1961 to 46,000 in 1981.[40][37]

Nowadays, Kirkcaldy remains a busy town for the surrounding areas complete with modernised secondary schools; two campuses of the Adam Smith College and prime shopping facilities in the town centre and Sinclairtown. The town also hosts the annual Links Market commonly known as Europe's longest street fair.[41][42][43][44] The production of linoleum still continues to this day, despite being on a vastly reduced scale and now in Swiss ownership. [45] The company, which has since become known as forbo nairn has also diversified into the production of vinyl floor tiles and marmoleum for which the latter is now their speciality. [6][46]

Governance

Further information: [[:History of local government in Scotland]]

During the middle of the 15th century, the passing of feu-ferme status, for the first time, saw the town being able to deal with their own administrative issues and fiscal policies. [8] A deal was also made for the town to now control their own burgh revenues such as rents, multries and revenues from fishing in exchange for an annual payment of 33s 4d to the abbot of Dunfermline (who was the superior of the estate of Kirkladunt between 1095 and 1451). [8][11] The burgesses (or neighbours) became responsible for the affairs of the town, such as enforcing freedom from opposition and having trading rights. [47] The first mention of a town council was made around 1582, where the head courts of the burghs would meet either in the common muir (now known as Volunteers' Green) or the Tolbooth on Tolbooth Street which would be done particularly in the summer months. [8][48]

File:Kirkcaldy royal coat of arms.jpg
one of two royal burgh of Kirkcaldy coat of arms

When Kirkcaldy was awarded Royal burgh status in 1644, the duties of the provost were initially completed by bailies, councillors and magistrates (following the passing of an act in 1588 by the burgesses to prohibite the election of provosts). [23][47] The first Lord Provost as Robert Whyt of the Whyt family was finally elected to the post around 1658. The burgh was also one of four in Scotland to use two coat of arms introduced in 1673. The first supposed to be "an abbey" reputely Dunfermline Abbey bearing the motto Vilgilando Munio (I Stand by Watching). The second shows the figure of St Bryce with the "abbey" in the background. [49] The royal burgh status was abolished in 1975, when a three-tier authority was adopted under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and the County Planning (Scotland) Act 1972. [45][50] The town is now part of a unitary council area which has been under the control of Fife Council in Glenrothes since 1996.[51]

Local government

Main article: Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994

The Kirkcaldy area supports three multi-member wards with eleven councillors sitting on the committee of Fife Council. [52] Being the main headquarters for the central region of Fife Council, the town still has a control over administrative and planning issues which are based in Kirkcaldy's town house and Forth House. [39][53][54] The town is also home to a sheriff court which works in partnership with other local services to guarantee credible and highlight social inclusion. Working procedures which the court deals with include a social work service, voluntary support and supervision of offenders, for example, such as drug treatment and probation. [55]

Westminster and Holyrood

Main article: Mid Scotland and Fife (Scottish Parliament electoral region)

Kirkcaldy is within the Kirkcaldy (Scottish Parliament constituency), the Mid Scotland and Fife (Scottish Parliament electoral region) of the Scottish Parliament (at Holyrood) and the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (UK Parliament constituency) (at Westminster).[56]

The Kirkcaldy Scottish Parliament (or Holyrood) constituency created in 1999 is one of nine within the Mid Scotland and Fife electoral region. Each constituency elects one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) by the first past the post system of election, and the region elects seven additional members to produce a form of proportional representation. The seat is currently held by Marilyn Livingstone for Labour.[56]

The Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath UK (or Westminster) constituency, created in 2005 when the previous seat Kirkcaldy was abolished, elects a Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom by the first past the post system. The seat is currently held by Gordon Brown (the PM for the UK) for Labour.[57]

Geography

Kirkcaldy is located on a bay facing southeast onto the Firth of Forth, along a sandy cove.[10][58] The town is located in the Midland Valley of Scotland between the major cities of Edinburgh and Dundee 30 miles (48 km)* away.[59] The town is triangular in shape with relatively low-lying ground being a feature to the south-west near Invertiel and to the east of Boreland both areas of the town. Agricultural land in the vicinity of Kirkcaldy supports cereals, grass, potatoes, field beans, other vegetables and roots. The soil derives from Carboniferous limestone and Old Red Sandstone gravels and raised beach sands.[60] The town's national grid reference is NT275915.[61]

Areas in and around the town centre at 50 feet (15 m) above sea level contain clay, sand and gravel while the majority of Pathhead, Ravenscraig Park and older parts of Dysart at 100 feet (30 m) contained sandy gravel and shaley soil. The highest piece of ground in the vicinity of the town, west of the Raith Estate at 500 feet (150 m), contains hard volcanic ash while to the north of the estate (Sauchenbush and south-east Chapel) are dolerite rock outcrops. An area to the south-west of the town, south of the Raith Estate and Invertiel, is practically impossible to build houses upon because of the thin drift and being full of basalt fragments.[62] A 25-foot (7.6 m) raised beach to the west of the High Street (a result of sea level changes 5 to 10 000 years ago) is likely to have heavily influenced Kirkcaldy's mediaeval form and development.[60]

Built environment

Kirkcaldy developed as a linear settlement stretching along the sandy cove between the Tiel Burn in the south and the East Burn to the north. More recently as the town has developed north the settlement shape is more triangular in form.[45][58][63]

Scottish-style multi-storey flats in Pathhead

Following the Second World War, the first development plan was approved in the mid-1950s. [40] This saw new housing developments in the north and west sides of the town built by the private sector, the SSHA (Scottish Special Housing Association) and the then Fife County Council. Much of this land was suitable since it contained no man-made or natural barriers. Older areas in the town such as Gallatown, Sinclairtown, Pathhead and Linktown were also subsequently re-developed under the plan. [40][64] This partnership played a pivotal role in the distribution of ownership ratios to the west of the town and in the owner occupied Dunnikier Estate. The town was to maintain a reputation for having a good mix of both private and public housing and having more smaller scale residential developments including land that applies to availability returns.[65] The construction of the first multi-storey flats in the town began in the late 50s with the completion of Viewforth followed by Ravenscraig during the mid-60s located on The Esplanade and in Pathhead, respectively.

Scottish-style private housing to the west of Oriel Road

The features of housing styles of imported English bricks, tiles and horizontal picture windows can be seen in the Templehall, Longbraes and Dunnikier parts of the town. Later, housing styles in Redcraigs, Blackcraigs and other parts of Templehall as well as ones to the west of Oriel Road built during the 1970s were of Scottish origin showing dark roof tiles, lightly coloured rendered walls and windows. [66]

A local plan replaced the first development plan in the early 80s, under the Town and Country Planning (Act) Scotland 1972 and Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. This new plan dealt with highlighting areas for local authorities, private organisations and individuals while looking at the availability and best use of greenfield sites around the town, although brownfield land within Kirkcaldy was also considered.[67]

English-style semi-detached housing in Capshard Estate

New housing developments were focused towards the south-west (Southerton, Raith) and north-west (Capshard) of the town.[68] The 1980s Local Plan also promoted the upgrading of many roads within and surrounding the town including the completion of the Thornton-by-pass (Kirkcaldy-Glenrothes Road) in 1980 and East Fife Regional Road (A92) in 1990—which the latter saw the town finally connect to the motorway system bringing viable growth and new development.[69][70]

Another local plan developed in the early 90s aimed to regenerate Kirkcaldy by creating new employment opportunities in the north of the town and facilitating the creation of a variety of housing types and conditions. A major objective was to improve the state of residential areas by promoting suitable development land within the town.[70] The majority of new housing was development by private developers in the south-east (Seafield) and north-west (Chapel Farm site) of the town. The new local plan also allowed out-of-town shopping facilities to be developed, conveniently located adjacent to the new A92 junction at Chapel. [71]

Demography

Kirkcaldy compared according to UK Census 2001[72][73][74][75]
Kirkcaldy Fife Scotland
Total population 46,912 349,429 5,062,011
Foreign born 1.01% 1.18% 1.10%
Over 75 years old 8.57% 7.46% 7.09%
Unemployed 5.68% 3.97% 4.0%

According to the 2001 census, Kirkcaldy had had a total population of 46,912. [72] A recent population estimate of Kirkcaldy has been recorded at 48,108 in 2006. The town also falls under the wider Kirkcaldy and Mid-Fife Local Plan area which includes Glenrothes, Levenmouth, Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly having an overall total population of 180,220. [4]

The demographic make-up of the population is much in line with the rest of Scotland. The age group from 30 to 44 forms the largest portion of the population (22%). [72] The median age of males and females living in Kirkcaldy was 37 and 41 years respectively, compared to 37 and 39 years for those in the whole of Scotland. [72]

The place of birth of the town's residents was 96.52% United Kingdom (including 87.15% from Scotland), 0.28% Republic of Ireland, 1.18% from other European Union countries, and 1.86% from elsewhere in the world. The economic activity of residents aged 16–74 was 40.13% in full-time employment, 12.17% in part-time employment, 4.79% self-employed, 5.68% unemployed, 2.57% students with jobs, 3.06% students without jobs, 15.70% retired, 5.51% looking after home or family, 6.68% permanently sick or disabled, and 3.71% economically inactive for other reasons. The number of children living in low income families is 46% within the constituency of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath. Compared with the average demography of Scotland, Kirkcaldy has low proportions of people born outside the United Kingdom but has higher proportions for people over 75 years old. The most deprived areas of the town are Templehall and Valley regarded as the 7th in the SIMD indicators for Fife. [76]

A local plan which looks forward to 2026 says that the Kirkcaldy and Mid-Fife area will need at least 6,730 more houses to keep the population stable. There is expected though to be a 0% growth in population issued by the Housing Market Area (HMA). The urgent need for more housing alongside the SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment) was the result of the Environment Assessment of Plans and Programmes (Scotland) regulations in 2004.[77] The main areas of growth will be seen to the east and south-west of the town coinciding with the 20-year plan by SLA (Scottish Land Allocations).[78]

Economy

Employment

Many people in the town are employed in the service sector, particularly MGT (call centre), which is now the largest private sector employer in the town.[59] Other employers include: Forbo Nairn (floorcloth coverings), Adam Smith College, ESA McIntosh (school furniture manufacturers), Victoria Hospital and Kingdom Bakeries (food and drink) .[59][76] There are nearly 21,500 people employed in the town, representing 16% of employment in Fife. Unemployment in Kirkcaldy is above the national average at 4.9%.[59]

Kirkcaldy has, however, been recognised as one of Fife’s strategic development areas.[79] This is aimed at addressing the chronic shortage of jobs in Kirkcaldy and the high levels of unemployment in the town.[59] The long anticipated extension to the John Smith Business Park, due to open in early 2009, is hoped to improve the economy of the town and Central Fife.[59][80] There is also a proposal for a new business park, situated to the east of Kirkcaldy near the Kingslaw development, although this has not officially started yet.[79]

Town centre

Kirkcaldy High Street, looking North-East towards Kirk Wynd

Kirkcaldy's town centre has always been focused on the High Street, which runs parallel with the coast, stretching from the historic harbour in the north-east to Nicol Street in the south-west.[81] The centre which is labelled a conservation area contains many vibrant buildings for both civic and commercial purposes. These include a town house; a sheriff court; a railway station; two college campuses and a museum, art gallery and public library complex.[6][6][82][83]

Historically the town had a wealth of family owned businesses which attracted people from across Fife and outside the county to visit the town.[84] The town still has the main shopping area in Fife and currently the largest provision of all of the council area's town centres.[59][85] The central portion of Kirkcaldy's High Street was pedestrianised in 1991 between Whytescauseway and Kirk Wynd.[86] A number of major retailers have outlets here with The Mercat Shopping Centre and The Postings Shopping Centre both in the vicinity.[85] A Kirkcaldy development plan, under proposals laid out by Kirkcaldy Renaissance, has been promoted for town centre regeneration. This should include an extension to the town's shopping facilities, a hotel and a multiplex cinema.[87][88]

Culture

Main articles: Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery, Links Market, and Ravenscraig Castle
Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery

The Kirkcaldy Art Gallery and Museum, donated in 1925 (by Nairn's benefactor, John Nairn the grandson of Michael Nairn), contains a notable collection of paintings by the Scottish Colourists and a permanent display of the town's industrial heritage.[89][90] The Adam Smith Theatre (initially known as the Adam Smith and Beveridge Halls) was opened in 1899 by Andrew Carnegie as part of a memorial fund left in the will of Michael Beveridge to preserve the legacy of Adam Smith on the 100th anniversary of his death.[91][92][93] The theatre is currently the base for musical companies and organisations such as KADS (Kirkcaldy Amateur Dramatic Society), KAOS (Kirkcaldy Amateur Operatic Society), the local Gilbert and Sullivan group and of course, the annual Fife Festival of Music which gives an opportunity for Fife's best musicians and choirs to highlight their talent.[94][95] The famous Links Market sited on the Promenade every year, widely claimed to be "Europe's longest street fair" began as a farmer's market in 1304 before moving to Sands Road (later to be known as the Promenade) in 1903. [96] The 700th anniversary of the market was celebrated in 2004. [96] The tradition of the Kirkcaldy pageant raising money for several hospitals began in 1923. Many local firms supplied the decorations for the floats with local people on foot collecting money as well as the participation of local bands. This would change to local charities in 1948 with the birth of the NHS (National Health Service}. Later, saw the introduction of the Lang toun lad and lass riding in a carriage in 1968. The Paegant has since been revived in 2001. [97]

Notable literary and artistic people associated with or hailing from the town include Adam Smith, Robert Adam, Sir Sandford Fleming, John Buchan, O. Douglas and in recent years Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Jack Vettriano, Prime Minister Gordon Brown (himself a writer), Professor Duncan Glen, Professor Tom Hubbard, Professor William Walker, Christopher Smout and Maureen Sangster.

Landmarks

Historical landmarks in the town include three main former big houses being Path (initially known as Dunnikier) House (dating from 1692), Raith House (dating from 1694) and Dunnikier House (dating from 1790).[98] Other main features include the A-listed Flemish influenced Sailor's Walk largely reconstructed by the National Trust for Scotland between 1954 and 1956; Hunter House—initially St Brycedale—built by George Heggie in 1786 from a possible design by Robert Adam; and 339/343 High Street—now known as the Merchant's House—built by the Law Family around 1590 considered by many to be one of Scotland's finest buildings.[99][100][101][102][103]

Ravenscraig Castle, showing the large D-plan west tower, and the ruined east tower

Although now referred to as a ruin, Ravenscraig Castle remains a dominant feature to the east of the town best known as one, if not the first in Scotland for artillery defence to withhold cannon fire.[104][105][106][107] James II began construction of the castle in 1460 —when he ironically died in a tragic accident with a loaded cannon, near Floors Castle—and it was completed for his widow, Mary of Guelders as a dower house.[108][105] After her death in 1463 the castle was acquired by Earl of Caithness from James III who wanted to purchase a castle in Orkney to keep the island part of Scotland. The new owners, the Sinclair family, held onto the castle until 1896—despite it suffering damage by Oliver Cromwell in 1651.[105][108] The present owners, Historic Scotland have allowed free public admission into the castle since 1971.[108][109]

Sport and recreation

Main articles: Raith Rovers F.C., Kirkcaldy RFC, and Fife Flyers
Starks Park

Kirkcaldy is home to professional league teams in football, rugby and ice hockey.[110] The senior football team are Raith Rovers, who play their matches at Stark's Park. The club was established in 1883 and currently play in the Scottish Football League Second Division.[111][112] In 1902, Raith became the first notable Fife team to be elected to the Scottish Football League.[111] They had some glory in the 1990s, particularly when they won the Scottish League Cup in 1994 by defeating Celtic on penalties in a Final played at Ibrox Stadium.[113][114] This cup win meant that the club qualified for the UEFA Cup, where they reached the second round before eventually losing to Bayern Munich.[115] During 2008 the club is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a new sponsor and shirt as preparation for the new season.[116] Kirkcaldy YM are the town's only junior football team, who have just resumed their place in the East Region, Central League after pulling out in the season of 2007/08 due to a lack of players.[117] Rugby Union is dominated by Kirkcaldy RFC who have been established since 1873 and were known for playing at a ground near the top of Nicol Street, before a permanent move was made to Beveridge Park in 1991.[113][118] Fife Flyers are famously known as the oldest existing Ice Hockey club in both Scotland and the UK—with a tradition of recruiting Canadian players since the Second World War—where their home is still at the Fife Ice Arena (initially Kirkcaldy Ice Rink) in Gallatown.[119]Bowling is also present with many private and municipal clubs, but the most famous is Kirkcaldy Bowling Club established in 1858 on the former grounds of Osbourne House.

Kirkcaldy golf course (1904)

Motor racing was once a popular event, with the annual Scottish road races—Kirkcaldy being a pioneer in this field as the first place in Scotland to stage this—taking place in the Beveridge Park from 1948 until 1988 where they have since moved to Knockhill racing circuit in Dunfermline following health and safety concerns.[120][121] A local club known as the KDMC (Kirkcaldy and District Motor Club) dedicated to preserve the legacy of the town's sport are still going strong.[122] The town once had two cricket clubs, Kirkcaldy and Dunnikier but only the latter has survived to the present day.[123]

The town's leisure facilities include a variety of public parks most notably Ravenscraig and Beveridge, an ice rink and two golf courses—Kirkcaldy (private) and Dunnikier (municipal).[123] The latter being built in 1963 as a response to the loss of Dysart golf course.[123][124] There has also been pressure to replace the town's aging swimming pool, which has been met with controversy. The local sports council believes that funding should be directed towards building a new multi-sports centre instead, in order to improve the disrepaired state of the town's leisure facilities.[125][126][127][128][129]

Media

the offices of The Fife Free Press are seen to the far left

The town's local newspaper The Fife Free Press operated by the Fife Free Press group (who are based in the town and also own the Glenrothes Gazette and East Fife Mail) is published every Thursday.

The Courier and advertiser, a daily newspaper operated by D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd, also serves the Kirkcaldy area with their Fife edition.[130]

The three local radio stations that serve the town are Kingdom FM, Forth one and Forth two. Kingdom FM operates on 95.2 and 96.1 MHz. This station broadcasts from the former Haig factory in the village of Markinch located immediately east of Glenrothes and operates as a local radio network. Forth One broadcasts from Edinburgh and covers the south Fife area, including Kirkcaldy. It operates on a wave length of 97.3 MHz(FM). Forth 2 sister station to Forth One operates on a wave length of 1548 kHz (Medium Wave).

Education

Main articles: Kirkcaldy High School, Balwearie High School, and Adam Smith College
Former Philp School

The first grammar school established in 1582 was known as Kirkcaldy Burgh School, relying on help of the minister, Dr David Spens. The school initially struggled to find premises with pupils being taught in the minister's house to start with.[131] The school found premises on Hill Street before being replaced by a new grammar School on St Brycedale Avenue in 1843, later upgraded as a "higher class school conspicious by its history and excellent results" by 1872.[132][133] Notable students of the burgh school include both Adam Smith and Robert Adam.[132] Kirkcaldy High School has since relocated to a new building on the former land of the Oswald's of Dunnikier in 1958.[134]

Many other educational facilities operated in the town until the late 19th century included: girls schools; subscription schools; apprentice schools and Philp Schools (from 1830).[132] The latter being known to educate as many as 400 children and to provide all necessities such as books and clothes coming from a trust deed started by Robert Philp—a local linen manufacturer.[131] The school system, however was revolutionised with the passing of the Education (Scotland) Act of 1852, which would now enforce all children to receive a school-based education from the ages of 5 to 13.[135]

Balwearie High School

Kirkcaldy now has four secondary schools and eleven primary schools, along with a private school and a school for children with learning difficulties.[76] Balwearie—since acquiring high school status in 1972— has the largest intake of the four serving 1750 pupils to the west of the town, including Burntisland and Kinghorn and has recently been acknowledged as one of Scotland's best performing Schools.[136][137] Viewforth—which acquired high school status in 1980—has the smallest intake of the four with only 375 pupils in the east of town including Dysart.[138][139] Roman Catholic pupils are accommodated by St Andrew's High School which deals with the eastern half of Fife. [140]

Adam Smith College, formed from the merger of Fife College and Glenrothes College have two campuses in the town, St Brycedale and Priory.[141][142] The University of Dundee also has a presence in the town with a nursing and midwifery campus.[143]

Transport

Main article: Kirkcaldy railway station
File:Rail Stat.jpg
Main Entrance (South Platform), Kirkcaldy Railway Station

Kirkcaldy is served by the A910 road which connects the A92 with Dunfermline to the west and Glenrothes and Dundee to the north. The main route through the town, Chapel Level and Dunnikier Way (B981) runs from Chapel Junction in the west to Redhouse Roundabout in the east where this meets the A92 and joins up with the A915, A955 and A921.[144][145] The A915 known locally as the Standing Stane Road connects the town to St Andrews and Leven to the north-east and the A921 to Kinghorn, Burntisland and Aberdour via St Clair Street and The Esplanade to the south-west. The A955 also connects the town to Dysart and East Wemyss to the south-east. [146][147]

The main bus terminus is located on a site to the north of the town centre which provides twelve stances as well as seating, toilets, a cafe and a hairdresser. [59] A railway station can also be found to the north-west of the town centre which is on the route for Fife Circle Line and National Express East Coast.[148] The station has half-hour services to both Dundee and Edinburgh Waverley.[59] Other services run from locations such as Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness to the north and Newcastle Central, York, London King's Cross south of the border.[149] Nearby stations such as Burntisland and Kinghorn exist to the west of the town. The nearest major international airport is Edinburgh airport with the nearest ferry sea port at Rosyth being 26 miles (42 km) and 17 miles (27 km), respectively. [76]

Notable people

Main articles: Adam Smith, Robert Adam, and Sir Sandford Fleming
plaque acknowledged at Adam Smith House, 220 High Street where Adam Smith wrote The Wealth of Nations[150]

Some famous sons of Kirkcaldy are: "the father of modern economics" Adam Smith (1723–90); "Demarcator of Standard Time" Sandford Fleming (1827–1915); one of Scotland's most famous architects, Robert Adam (1728–92); linen manufacturer and philanthropist, Baillie Robert Philip (1751–1828); missionary to South Africa, Dr John Philip (1775–1851) and first European explorer of Australia, John McDouall Stuart (1815–66). These names have all been acknowledged in Kirkcaldy's Town House, all for the exception of Robert Philip.[151][152] Although, in the last decade, two further names have been added: poet, diarist and author, Marjorie "Pet Majorie" Fleming (1803–11) and floorcloth later linoleum manufacturer, Michael Nairn (1804–58).[153]

Other notable people from Kirkcaldy include the Governor-General of Australia, Ronald Munro-Ferguson; David Steel, the former leader of the Liberal Party; Dr Lewis Moonie, MP for Kirkcaldy 1987–2005; twice World darts champion Jocky Wilson; co-founder of the Scotsman newspaper, John Ritchie Findlay; the father of the Adam Brothers and architect, William Adam (1689–1748); John Thomson (1909–1931) and professional footballer and Scottish international Colin Cameron.[154][155][156] The journalist and author Val McDermid as well as the Coldplay bassist, Guy Berryman and the first female judge of the Supreme Court of Canada and the Court of Appeal for Ontario, Bertha Wilson (1923–2007) also come from the town. Other people who were brought up in the town include the current Prime Minister, Gordon Brown; owner of Fife pottery, Karel Nekola; minister of Bethelfield (now Linktown) church Reverend Robert Shirra, 'Tache man, Tynny Boy and author John Buchan.[157][32]

References

Notes

  1. ^ Iain Mac an Tàilleir (2003). "Scottish Gaelic Placenames" (PDF). Scottish Parliament. p. 75. Retrieved 2008-08-10.
  2. ^ Pearson 1993, p.13.
  3. ^ a b c d Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.10.
  4. ^ a b "Population Estimates for Towns and Villages in Fife" (PDF). Fife Council. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Torrie and Coleman 1995, p.15.
  6. ^ a b c d Pride 1999, p.52.
  7. ^ a b c d Taylor, Simon (2006). The Place-Names of Fife, Volume One. Donington: Shaun Tyas. p. 487. ISBN 1 900289 77 6. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b c d e f Torrie and Coleman 1995, p.12. Cite error: The named reference "Torrie & Coleman p12" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.11.
  10. ^ a b c Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered 2005, p.6.
  11. ^ a b c d e Eunson Old Kirkcaldy: Central, North and West 1998, p.3.
  12. ^ Omand 2000, p.105.
  13. ^ MacBean 1908, p.33.
  14. ^ The Fife Journal 1994, p.82.
  15. ^ Omand 2000, p.136.
  16. ^ a b c Pride 1999, p.51.
  17. ^ a b Lamont-Brown 2002, p.144.
  18. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, pp.7–8.
  19. ^ Wemyss Environment Educational Centre 1990, p.1.
  20. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered 2005, p.3.
  21. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.17.
  22. ^ Pearson Around Kirkcaldy 1993, p.12.
  23. ^ a b Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.18.
  24. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.7.
  25. ^ Awdry, Christopher (1990). Encyclopaedia of British Railway Companies. Sparkford: Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN 1-8526-0049-7. OCLC 19514063. CN 8983., p. 141.
  26. ^ a b Omand 2000, p.195.
  27. ^ Eunson Old Kirkcaldy: Central, North and West 1998, p.6.
  28. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.89.
  29. ^ Omand 2000, p.189.
  30. ^ McKay 2002, p.64.
  31. ^ a b c Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.80.
  32. ^ a b Lamont-Brown Fife in History and Legend 2002, p.145.
  33. ^ Pearson 1993, p.14.
  34. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.30.
  35. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.96.
  36. ^ Civic Society Back O' The Toon 1999, p.5.
  37. ^ a b c Eunson Old Kirkcaldy: Central, North and West 1999, p.4.
  38. ^ MacBean 1908, p.60.
  39. ^ a b Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.54.
  40. ^ a b c d Royal Burgh of Kirkcaldy County Council Kirkcaldy Development Plan of 1952
  41. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered 2007, p.7.
  42. ^ Fife Journal 1994, p.62.
  43. ^ Eunson Old Kirkcaldy: Central, North and West, p.29.
  44. ^ Pearson Around Kirkcaldy, p.17.
  45. ^ a b c Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.7.
  46. ^ Omand, Donald The Fife Book, 2000
  47. ^ a b Campbell John Reverend Kirkcaldy Burgh and Schyre: Landmark of Local History pp.85-7.
  48. ^ Torrie & Coleman Historic Kirkcaldy p.30.
  49. ^ Fife Council Kirkcaldy's History Its Places and Its Famous Folk p.10.
  50. ^ Planning Handbook (1st edition ed.). Kirkcaldy District Council. 1979. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  51. ^ "Kirkcaldy's history 1990-1999". Fife Today. Retrieved 2008-08-09.
  52. ^ "Kirkcaldy's councillors, Fife Today". Retrieved on 12 September 2008.
  53. ^ "Kirkcaldy Town House, Central Region Administrative Headquarters".
  54. ^ "Forth House, Central Region Planning Headquarters".
  55. ^ "Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court information, Fife direct".
  56. ^ a b "Kirkcaldy and Mid-Fife MSP info". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 2008-08-17.
  57. ^ "Gordon Brown MP profile". BBC News. 2007-11-19. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  58. ^ a b Torrie and Coleman 1995, p.6.
  59. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Kirkcaldy Economic Profile" (PDF). Fife Council. 2006. Retrieved 2008-06-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  60. ^ a b Torrie and Coleman 1995, p.5.
  61. ^ "Ordnance Survey of Kirkcaldy's location". Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  62. ^ Kirkcaldy District Council (Feb 1980) Kirkcaldy Local Plan - Planning Issues, p.3.
  63. ^ Kirkcaldy District Council Kirkcaldy Local Plan 1986
  64. ^ Sinclairtown Re-development scheme, The Fife Free Press, May 16 1964
  65. ^ Kirkcaldy District Council Kirkcaldy Local Plan: Report Survey 1980
  66. ^ Kirkcaldy District Council (Feb. 1983) Kirkcaldy Local Plan: Development Issues
  67. ^ Kirkcaldy District Council Kirkcaldy Local Plan 1982, 1982, p.5.
  68. ^ Kirkcaldy District Council Kirkcaldy Local Plan 1986 Monitor, 1986, pp.12–13.
  69. ^ Kirkcaldy District Council (April 1981) Kirkcaldy draft local plan, p.9.
  70. ^ a b Kirkcaldy District Council Kirkcaldy Local Plan 1991, p.5.
  71. ^ Kirkcaldy District Council Kirkcaldy Local Plan 1991, p.7.
  72. ^ a b c d "Comparative Populartion: Kirkcaldy Locality Scotland". scrol.co.uk. 2001. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  73. ^ "Comparative Population Profile: Fife Council Area Scotland". scrol.gov.uk. 2001. Retrieved 2008-05-29.
  74. ^ "Comparative Employment Profile: Kirkcaldy Locality Scotland". scrol.gov.uk. 2001. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  75. ^ "Comparative Employment Profile: Fife Locality Scotland". scrol.gov.uk. 2001. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  76. ^ a b c d Melville, Shirley (2006). "Kirkcaldy and Cardenden Area Community Learning Plan" (DOC). Retrieved 2008-06-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  77. ^ Fife Council (Feb 2002) Kirkcaldy Local Plan - Pre-Inquiry Modifications, p.11.
  78. ^ Fife Council (Feb 2002) Kirkcaldy Local Plan - Pre-Inquiry Modifications, p.16.
  79. ^ a b "Kirkcaldy Area Local Plan". Fife Council. 2003.
  80. ^ "Work starts on major office block". BBC News. 2008-03-06. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  81. ^ "Kirkcaldy Town Centre Fact Sheet" (PDF). Fife Council. 2006. Retrieved 2008-06-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  82. ^ Civic Society, "Town Centre Walkabout", 2000, pp.7, 35.
  83. ^ "Conservation Area granted". Fife Free Press. 1980-06-13. p. 1.
  84. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.29.
  85. ^ a b "Town Centre Footfall Report" (DOC). Fife Council. 2006. Retrieved 2008-06-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  86. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.46.
  87. ^ Scoon, Tayne (2007-05-24). "Public to get First View". Fife Free Press. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  88. ^ "Town Centre look great. Shame about the trash...". Fife Free Press. 2008-07-03. p. 3.
  89. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.72.
  90. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.33.
  91. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.11.
  92. ^ Civic Society, Kirkcaldy's Famous Folk 3, 2000, p.59.
  93. ^ Civic Society, Town Centre Walkabout, 2000, p.13.
  94. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.49.
  95. ^ "Fife Festival of Music, Fife direct". Retrieved 2008-10-24.
  96. ^ a b Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.114.
  97. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration p.35.
  98. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.14.
  99. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.15.
  100. ^ Encyclopedia Britannia 15th edition
  101. ^ Pride 1999, p.55.
  102. ^ Pearson 1993, p.16.
  103. ^ Civic Society High Street: Port Brae to Nicol Street, p.4.
  104. ^ Pride Kingdom of Fife 1999, p.60.
  105. ^ a b c Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration 2005, p.13.
  106. ^ Eunson Old Dysart and East Kirkcaldy 1998, p.27.
  107. ^ "Ravenscraig Castle profile". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  108. ^ a b c Lamont Brown Fife in History and Legend 2002, p.149.
  109. ^ Civic Society Pathhead and Ravenscraig Castle 2002, p.45.
  110. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, pp.50–52.
  111. ^ a b Eunson Old Kirkcaldy: Central, North and West 1998, p.29.
  112. ^ "Scottish Football League status, BBC Sport". Retrieved on July 5, 2008.
  113. ^ a b Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.50.
  114. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.52.
  115. ^ Litster (2002). Rovers Recalled. Vol. 1. Kirkcaldy: J. Litster. p. 5. OCLC 51483225.
  116. ^ Elder, Matthew (2008-06-25). "Raith's new strip and sponsors". Fife Free Press. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
  117. ^ Elder, Matthew (2008-07-23). "Kirkcaldy YM return to Junior scene". Fife Free Press. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
  118. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.54.
  119. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.52.
  120. ^ Salmond, Catherine (2007-07-19). "Beveridge Park's place in motorbike history work=Fife Free Press". Retrieved 2008-08-14. {{cite news}}: Missing pipe in: |title= (help)
  121. ^ "Bikes back at Beveridge Park". Fife Free Press. 2008-07-03. p. 2.
  122. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.55.
  123. ^ a b c Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.51.
  124. ^ Eunson Old Dysart and East Kirkcaldy 1998, p.26.
  125. ^ Salmond, Catherine (2008-03-27). "Call to halt £11 million pool plan". Fife Free Press. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  126. ^ "Rip it up and start again". Fife Free Press. 2008-05-01. p. 2.
  127. ^ "Speaking up in the fight to win better facilities". Fife Free Press. 2008-05-08. p. 1,13.
  128. ^ "Nobody wants new centre on this site". Fife Free Press. 2008-05-15. p. 9.
  129. ^ "Location, location.....new venues studied for pool". Fife Free Press. 2008-05-22. p. 2.
  130. ^ "About The Courier". The Courier. 2008-06-17. Retrieved 2008-06-19. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  131. ^ a b Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.41.
  132. ^ a b c Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration 2002, p.21.
  133. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.44.
  134. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.36.
  135. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.22.
  136. ^ "Balwearie High School profile". Fife Council. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
  137. ^ Shannon, Kate (2008-06-11). "Balwearie at the top of the class". Fife Free Press. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
  138. ^ Eunson Old Dysart and East Kirkcaldy 1998, p.43.
  139. ^ "Viewforth High School, pupil numbers" (XLS). Scottish Government. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  140. ^ "St Andrews RC High School status". Fife Council. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  141. ^ "Fife College no more,". Fife Free Press. 2005-07-27. Retrieved 2008-06-25.
  142. ^ "Adam Smith College campus info". Adam Smith College. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
  143. ^ "University of Dundee campus info". University of Dundee. Retrieved 2008-06-27.
  144. ^ Nicolson Maps Street Atlas, Fife 2nd edition, p.7.
  145. ^ Nicolson Maps Street Atlas, Fife 2nd edition, p.32.
  146. ^ Nicolson Maps Street Atlas, Fife 2nd edition, pp.35, 52.
  147. ^ Nicolson Maps Street Atlas, Fife 2nd edition, pp.37-39.
  148. ^ "Kirkcaldy Railway Station Profile". Fife Council. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
  149. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, p.110.
  150. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy Remembered, p.9.
  151. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy's Famous Folk 1 2000 pp.1, 3, 9, 11, 25, 39, 46, 55.
  152. ^ Fife CouncilKirkcaldy's History, Its Places and Its Famous Folk Sept. 2000, pp.19, 22, 25, 27, 29.
  153. ^ Fife Council, "Kirkcaldy's History, Its Places and Its Famous Folk", Sept. 2000, p.16.
  154. ^ The Fife Journal 1994, p.62.
  155. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History & Celebration, pp.65, 69-72.
  156. ^ Pearson 1993, p.15.
  157. ^ Civic Society Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration, pp.60,67.

Bibliography

  • Eunson, Eric (1998). Old Dysart and East Kirkcaldy. Ochiltree: Stenlake Publishing. ISBN 1840330511.
  • Eunson, Eric (1998). Old Kirkcaldy: Central, North and West. Ochiltree: Stenlake Publishing. ISBN 184033052X.
  • Fife Council (2000). Kirkcaldy's History, Its Places and Its Famous People. Kirkcaldy: Fife Council.
  • Kirkcaldy Civic Society (2007). High Street: Port Brae to Nicol Street (7th edition ed.). ISBN 0946294720. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  • Kirkcaldy Civic Society (2007). Kirkcaldy Remembered (2nd edition ed.). Nonsuch Publishing. ISBN 9781845883867. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  • Kirkcaldy Civic Society (2005). Kirkcaldy: A History and Celebration. Francis Firth Collection. ISBN 1845677498.
  • Kirkcaldy Civic Society (2002). Pathhead and Ravenscraig Castle. ISBN 094629447X.
  • Kirkcaldy Civic Society (2000). Kirkcaldy's Famous Folk 1 (1st edition ed.). ISBN 0946294445. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  • Kirkcaldy Civic Society (2000). Town Centre Walkabout. ISBN 0946294232.
  • Kirkcaldy Civic Society (1999). Kirkcaldy's Famous Folk 3 (1st edition ed.). ISBN 0946294240. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  • Kirkcaldy Civic Society (1999). Back O' The Toon. ISBN 0946294143.
  • Lamont-Brown, Raymond (2002). Fife in History and Legend. Edinburgh: John Donald. ISBN 0859765679.
  • MacBean, L. (1908). Kirkcaldy Burgh Records. Kirkcaldy: Fifeshire Advertiser. OCLC 40435665.
  • McKay, Shirley (2003). The Wee Book of Fife. Edinburgh: Black & White. ISBN 1845020324.
  • The Fife Journal. 1994.
  • Omand, Donald (2000). The Fife Book. Edinburgh: Birlinn Publishing. ISBN 1841582743.
  • Pride, Glen L. (1998). Kingdom of Fife (2nd edition ed.). Edinburgh: Rutland Press. ISBN 1873190492. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  • Pearson, John M (1993). Around Kirkcaldy (1st edition ed.). Levenmouth Printers. ISBN 0951913433. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  • Torrie and Coleman (1995). Historic Kirkcaldy. Historic Scotland with Scottish Cultural Press. ISBN 1898218382.
  • Wemyss Environmental Educational Centre (1990). Kirkcaldy Town House. ISBN 1870275284.

Further reading

Town rivalry, Kirkcaldy vs Glenrothes

Economy and employment

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