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The history of Kirkcaldy in Brief

The area of Kirkcaldy has history dating back to 2500 BC according to sources, I would speculate it would be closer to 4000 BC given Markinch area was inhabited approximately around that time too.  The town was first established in 1334 as a burgh of barony (a type of town) under the direct control of Dunfermline Abbey, in 1450 Kirkcaldy became a royal burgh when control was relinquished. The Royal charter was confirmed by King Charles II in 1662.

The origin of the name Kirkcaldy can be traced back to Brythonic roots, which means Fort on the hard hill, this is derived from caer for fort, called for hard and din for hill. The Britons who inhabited British kingdoms such as Gododdin in the Lothian area in the sixth century AD. The Scottish Gaelic equivalent being Cathair Chaladinn. It’s speculated the fort may have been on the site of what is now Ravenscraig Castle. The earliest records of Kirkcaldy are in the time of King David I in approximately 1128 when the town is referred to as Kircalethyn, variations of the name appear such as Kircaldin, Kirkaladinit and Kerkalethin. It’s roughly around 1250 the name Kirkcaldy appears. Kirkcaldy is sometimes known as the Lang Toun with is Scots for the Long Town, this is in reference to the main street being four miles long as depicted in maps of the 16th and 17th century.

In 1460 the construction of Ravenscraig Castle began, the castle was begun for Queen Mary of Gueldres, however its time as a royal residence was relatively short. The castle was the first of its kind to be built with cannons and other gunpowder weapons in mind. The castle looks over the Firth of Forth.

During the 16th century Kirkcaldy’s importance as a seaport and centre for commerce grew in importance, it was around this time the local salt trade became the largest in Scotland.

Kirkcaldy went through a turbulent period in the 18th century however in, however in the early 19th century the linen industry helped revive the town and the development of linoleum it put Kirkcaldy on the world map as a capital of the world of the linoleum world with at its peak seven factories in operation.

The town hall of Kirkcaldy was built in 1873 the style was influenced by the Romans it was said to have cost £5000 at the time (roughly £670,420 if it was built today)

The expansion of the town led in 1876 to the extension of the royal burgh’s boundaries. The town absorbed its neighbouring settlements of Linktown, in the parish of Abbotshall; Invertiel in the parish of Kinghorn; and Pathhead, Sinclairtown and Gallatown in the parish of Dysart. These formerly separate settlements had once been forbidden by the old guild rights to sell their goods in Kirkcaldy. In 1922–1923 a seawall and esplanade were constructed, funded by the Unemployment Grants Commission and built by unemployed residents. In 1930, the town expanded to include the former royal burgh of Dysart.

In the 1950s, Kirkcaldy was recognized as a major industrial centre, primarily known for its coal mining, engineering, and manufacturing industries. The town experienced a period of growth and prosperity, with the coal mines and factories providing employment opportunities for the local population. This resulted in a relatively stable economic situation for the town.

However, the decline of heavy industries in the 1960s and 1970s brought about a major shift in Kirkcaldy’s economic landscape. The closure of coal mines and the decline of manufacturing had a significant impact on the local economy, leading to a rise in unemployment and a decline in the town’s prosperity.

In an effort to revitalize the town’s economy, Kirkcaldy started focusing on diversifying its industries. This included attracting new businesses, especially in the service and retail sectors. The establishment of large shopping centres and retail parks in the 1980s and 1990s helped create job opportunities and brought new life to the town centre.

Additionally, Kirkcaldy prioritized investment in education and embraced the development of educational institutions. The establishment of Fife College and the University of St Andrews satellite campus in the town contributed to the growth of the education sector. This not only provided the local population with access to higher education but also attracted students from across Scotland and beyond.

The 21st century witnessed further developments in Kirkcaldy. The town continued its efforts to regenerate the town centre and enhance its cultural and leisure facilities. Investment was made in parks, museums, and arts centres, attracting visitors and promoting tourism in the region.

With the advancements in technology and the rise of digital industries, Kirkcaldy also embraced the opportunities offered by the digital age. Efforts were made to attract tech companies and create a favourable environment for digital entrepreneurship. This led to the establishment of a technology park within the town, bringing new job opportunities and economic growth.

Looking forward to the future, Kirkcaldy aims to focus on sustainable development and environmental initiatives. Efforts will be made to promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and create a more eco-friendly town. This transition aligns with global trends and aims to position Kirkcaldy as a model of sustainable development in Scotland.

In summary, Kirkcaldy’s history from 1950 to 2023 reflects a town that has evolved and adapted to the changes in its economic and social landscape. From a thriving industrial centre to a diversified economy centred around education, retail, and emerging industries, Kirkcaldy has embraced change and positioned itself as a vibrant town with a prosperous future ahead.

We will cover the famous people of Kirkcaldy in a different article!

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The history of Saint Andrew in brief

Saint Andrew was one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus, he was the elder brother of Saint Peter the founder of the Catholic church. Saint Andrew was born between 5 AD and 10 AD in a village called Bethsaida on the sea of Galilee, they were both fishermen when Jesus approached them, and they became Christ’s first disciples, His parents were Jona and Joanna. Jesus promised to make them both fishers of men and they both followed him.

Many will be aware of the parable (a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels) of Jesus feeding the masses with just bread and fish, it was Saint Andrew who brought the boy to Jesus to enable him to feed the masses which was done on the banks of Jordan.

It is recorded in the acts of Andrew that he travelled to The Black Sea and Asia Minor. Saint Andrew travelled to Synope(Sinop in now modern day Turkey) on the coast of the Black Sea, it was here the house he was in was almost burnt down. It is believed he went to Asia Minor twice more and Greece, reportedly Saint Andrew also travelled to Hungary, Russia and even as far a field as Poland.

It was in Synope he meet his brother Saint Peter, there they united and done the work of the ministry. The inhabitants were mostly Jews, who, “partly from a zeal for their religion and partly from their barbarous manners, were exasperated against him, and entered into a confederacy to burn the house in which he judged. But being disappointed in their design, they treated him with the most savage cruelty, throwing him on the ground, stamping upon him with their feet, pulling and dragging him from place to place; some beating him with clubs, some pelting him with stones, and others, to satisfy their brutal revenge, biting off his flesh with their teeth ; until, apprehending that they had entirely deprived him of life, they cast him out into the fields. But he miraculously recovered, and returned publicly into the city; by which, and other miracles that he wrought among them, he converted many from the error of their ways and induced them to become Disciples of Jesus.” He afterwards returned to Jerusalem.

Saint Andrew also travelled to Thrace, Macedonia, Thessera, Achaia, and Epirus, spreading the word and converting large numbers of the inhabitants. Saint Andrew was arrested by the Agenas(In north western Greece), they attempted to force him to renounce his faith to which he refused. Sources say he was treated with severity, it can be assumed they tortured him. It is reported that on the 30th of November 69 AD Saint Andrew was crucified on a cross which is known as a Crux decussata. Saint Andrew requested to be crucified on a diagonal cross as he did not feel worthy be crucified on an upright cross of Christ. Unlike most crucifixions of the time Saint Andrew was bound to the cross rather than nailed. It is said Saint Andrew lived a further three days and continued to preach until his death.

It is unclear as to how Saint Andrews remains ended up in Scotland, there are two accounts as to what may have happened. An Angel appeared to Saint Rule and told him to take the bones he had hidden and go west by ship, wherever they were shipwrecked he should lay the foundations of a church. The Angel prophesied pilgrims would travel to the shrine to receive health of both body and soul. Saint Rule’s was later shipwrecked in Fife near an area called Muckross. The village at the time was called Kilrymont which later became known as Saint Andrews. It is said halfway between the castle and the harbour is where Saint Rule’s cell is located. When Saint Rule landed he meet with a Pictish king (Angus Mac Fergus) and promised him victory over his enemies. It is said during the battle a saltire cross was seen in the sky; this gave Angus forces the heart to win the battle. The King ordered Saint Andrews cross become the badge of the Pitcs.

This story may have been modelled after the victory of the Roman Emperor Constantine in 312 AD at the Milvain bridge at the banks of Tiber when he became convinced in the power of Christ. The emperor was convinced he saw the symbol of Christ in the rays of the setting sun.

The true route of the bones may never be known, however what we do know for certain is in 908 AD, the only Bishop in Scotland at the time moved from Abernethy to Saint Andrews, the town rapidly became known as a pilgrimage location.
During the reign of Queen Margaret and Malcolm Canmore it wasn’t uncommon for Scottish soldiers to fight in the crusades to honour Saint Andrew. Andrewmas which is now Saint Andrews Day was started during this era too.

Saint Andrew is patron of Russia and Greece but has special significance for the Scots. The Declaration of Arbroath (1320), written by Scottish clergymen to Pope John XXII, was an appeal to the Pope against the English claim that Scotland fell within the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of York.

In the 1300’s Saint Andrews cathedral became known as the Canterbury of the North. In 1411 Saint Andrews university was founded. In 1472 Saint Andrews was raised to Metropolitan status.

In 1603 the new King James I of Scotland and IV of England attempted to make one united flag, the Scots resisted this as the Saltire cross had been given an inferior position within the flag. It was said that Scottish ships at sea persisted to fly the Scottish flag at sea. In 1707 the act of union was passed in Parliament, although the red Lion Rampart was the official royal flag for Scotland, the national flag of Scotland is Saint Andrews cross.

The Declaration argues that the Scots were a distinct people who had long enjoyed the protection of Saint Andrew, brother of Saint Peter. Saint Andrew is described in the Declaration of Arbroath as “our patron or protector”.

At the Battle of Bannockburn, near Stirling in 1314, the Scottish soldiers had worn the white cross of St Andrew on their tunics and before the battle began they knelt in prayer, invoking his protection.

Four years later Robert the Bruce, at the dedication of St Andrews Cathedral on 5 July 1318, placed a parchment at the High Altar expressing nation’s thanks to the saint.

William Wallace’s battle-cry was “St. Andrew mot us speed” (May Saint Andrew support us). Prior to the disastrous Scottish defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, a great many Saint Andrew’s crosses were made at the Boroughmuir in Edinburgh.

Mary, Queen of Scots’ forces carried the saltire at the battle of Carberry; many Jacobite flags in the ’45 Uprising also displayed the saltire. It soon became incorporated into the official badges of Scottish regiments. There was even a Saint Andrew coin issued by Robert II and a bawbee Scots halfpenny marked with the same cross.

In modern times, the bones of Saint Andrew once more returned to Scotland. In 1879 the Archbishop of Amalfi in Italy (where the bones had been brought in 1453 after the fall of Constantinople) sent to Edinburgh what was believed to be the shoulder-blade of St Andrew.

At St Peter’s, Rome in April 1969, Pope Paul VI gave another relic – part of the skull of the saint – to Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray, at that time Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh. “Peter greets his brother Andrew,” were the words of the Pope to the Archbishop. The relics of the Apostle are today displayed at St Andrew’s altar in the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Mary in Edinburgh. At Saint Andrew’s Cathedral by the shore at Patras, Greece other parts of the skull of Saint Andrew are cherished in a place of honour.

While it is permissible to be sceptical about the authenticity of relics, there can be no doubt about the value of an annual celebration of Saint Andrew as representing strength and curiosity, two qualities which are by tradition very much part of the Scottish psyche.

Next up will be the history of Kirkcaldy in brief!

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A brief history of Markinch

The History of Markinch  

Markinch and the surrounding area has been populated since approximately 4000 BC.  The region to the northwest of Markinch was important during the Neolithic era (new stone age) and the Bronze Age as it appeared to be the main site for rituals. Balbirnie park contains a hedge-like circle (as pictured). A beer like substance was also found.   

Five massive terraces were cut into Markinch Hill, although they have not been dated with certainty it is believed they were created during the medieval period. The complex is roughly 300 meters (about 984.25 ft) long and the terraces range from five to nine meters long.  The true purpose of these is currently unknown, however it would have taken a considerable amount of time to create. 

Markinch was originally a Gaelic name, it was Marc Innis which translates to horse-field. It is believed Markinch was the Pitctish capital of Fife, this theory has persisted since 1895 when John Sturgeon Mackay completed his scholarly works of Fife.  

During the 12th century, Markinch was used as a neutral meeting ground between two sub-kingdoms Fife and Fothriff, this may have been a holdover from an earlier time given credence to the work of John Sturgeon Mckay.  
 

Stob’s cross (pictured) is the oldest monument within Markinch, it can reliably be dated back to 1794 when it is referenced in Thomson, Rev John. The Statistical Account of Scotland – volume 12, Creech: Edinburgh 1794.  The cross was effaced during the reformation.  

The 12th century was a turning point for the Gaelic warlords as they began to come under feudal rule of their monarch Alexander the First.  Feudalism began the great MacDuff Earls of Fife with their strongholds in the Valley of Leven pledged their military to King David the First in return for land tenure, protection and security for their sons. It was during this time the Earls also began to marry into Anglo-Norman aristocracy.  Markinch, Balbirnie and surrounding areas became bargaining chips as feudal estates were carved out along the River Leven for the premier Earl. 

During the 12th century one of Markinch’s most notable buildings was completed during the medieval era, the tower of what is now Markinch Parish Kirk (church).  The tower is one of Scotland’s best preserved Norman towers and has been in continuous use since it was built.  The Normans left simple building instructions on the methods used to construct the tower.  A croix pattée (footed cross) is inscribed on the keystone of the western arch underneath what may possibly have been a decorated molding surrounding the arch.  It has been noted that Saltires from the Norman church have been seen built into the south wall. 

It was around 1360 a new seat of power sprang up further down Levendale with the construction of the massive tower of Balgonie castle by Sir Thomas Sibbald, treasurer to David the Second.  The office was later held by the Lundie family. 
 

During the 14th century Markinch’s influence continued to decline, power had slowly been moving north to Cupar, the primary focus of the Earls of Fife.  The Valognes moved to a new stronghold on the island of Inchgall on Loch Ore and married into the Wardlaw family. Markinch’s decline was partly due to not having direct access to the sea and lack of royal burgh charter.  

The Lindsays purchased Wester Markinch. Lord John Multray began to carve out a barony around the town in the power vacuum left by the departing Valognes, his legacy would last ten generations.  

The 15th century is marked by the rise of great landed estates that were to dominate the area for years to come.  The Balbirnie estate was held by John de Balbirnie, a descendant of a noble who fought alongside Edward the First, also known as the hammer of the Scots and Longshanks.  The estate of Balfour was held by the descendants of sheriff John de Balfour who died fighting on the other side with William Wallace.    

Christiana Valognes married John Cockburn, the lands of Brunton and Dalginch were then in the hands of the Cockburn family. The feudal superiority remained with the Wardlaw’s, the family of her first husband.  The Rothes estate was held by the Auchmutie’s. 

Little is recorded of Markinch during the Jacobite rebellion; a single incident is mentioned and that is whilst waiting to meet Bonnie Prince Charlie, also known as the old pretender to some (please note I’m simply stating names he was known by not taking sides on this somewhat still political topic).  Rob Roy MacGregor managed to capture a group of Kirkcaldy militia and Swiss mercenaries in the streets whilst waiting for Charles Edward Stuart to land in Peterhead in 1715. 

The latter part of the 18th century began to see Markinch expand again.  By the end of the century a hill had been levelled, this is where the old post office building now stands. The foundations for Commercial Street and Balbirnie Street had also been laid.  

The Balgonie estate was owned by David Earl of Leven and Melville. Despite the coal mines, the estate was already in financial trouble. The Earl attempted to clear the debts of the estate using iron works based on local ore of the area, this eventually failed, and the family sold out to the Balfour’s of Whittingham.  By 1824 Balgonie came to be run alongside the more successful Balbirnie estate run by another branch of the Balfour family.  

The Ballingall and Balfour families put Markinch on the industrial map. Good management of the coal mines with an industrious scheme to regulate the flow of the River Leven through the waterway linked to Loch Leven ensured the success of the factories.  

When the Balfour’s secured the route of the railway past Markinch in 1847 the town began to prosper. Industrial benefactors began to dignify the town with public buildings and private houses.  Shops began to open down Commercial Street and into Betson Street. Markinch was granted Police burgh status by the end of the 1800’s, it was slowly becoming known as the Garden of Scotland.  

Despite the wars of the 20th century Markinch continued to prosper a papermill and whisky bottling facilities were major employers in the area.  In the 1940’s a new town was established, the town was called Glenrothes. Markinch slowly began to lose influence again and shops in the town closed and it even lost its burgh status and was absorbed into Kirkcaldy’s district, some say with the town now being administered remotely it had lost some of its identity. 

1971 tragedy struck Markinch, during a football match between Rangers and Celtic eight boys went, tragically only three boys returned home that day.  

It was in 1983 another unfortunate turn of events happened when the Haig building in Markinch also closed its doors for the final time, out of close to six hundred staff only two hundred and thirty-one people kept their jobs and were transferred to the bottling plant in Leven roughly six miles away.  

Tullis Russell an established employer within Markinch also closed its doors in 2010, this ended the legacy of a company of over 200 years. Approximately 475 people lost their jobs.  

As we approach 2024 Markinch has once again sprung to life again, developers have taken an interest in the quiet village and have been building a significant number of houses down near the A911.  

One things for sure the future of Markinch will be interesting!

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Hello World!

Why the name

Why Fife Buddies? Well, that’s an easy one. I(Kevin) am originally from Paisley and follow St Mirren avidly and Fife is where I live with my family. I love learning about history and exploring Fife, you’re never too far away from natural beauty here.  

About me 

I’ve been in Fife nineteen going on twenty years, it’s peaceful up here in comparison to Paisley for the most part I’ve lived in Kirkcaldy home of some Scots who changed the face of the world! As I mentioned, I love learning about history and being outdoors. The plan is to have this website be the companion of a YouTube channel we created that may fill in a few blanks or add some more background information for those curious enough to look. I have a four-year-old daughter named Kasey and a stepdaughter who may write about herself dancing here if she remembers! 

Fife 

I like Fife, most of the time at least. I’ve worked in a lot of different places here, from Kettle Produce to Amazon. I worked in Diageo in Leven briefly; I wouldn’t recommend working there as overall I’d honestly say it’s worse than Amazon from my experience. I moved to Fife for a fresh start when I was 24 and never regretted it once, I found my family here and earned my web development degree here I really can’t complain.  I’d highly recommend Fife to anyone, depending on where you live it’s easy to get to either Dundee or Edinburgh, places like Kirkcaldy have an advantage of a very accessible train station and bus station for easy commutes. The work done recently in Kirkcaldy has been amazing (excluding that stupid looking half heart) I’m looking forward to seeing how the volunteers green turns out too! Well, I could go on and on but for now I must dash, we have parents’ night to attend soon, look forward to seeing you all again soon! 

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