Kirkcaldy

From Free net encyclopedia

Kirkcaldy District 1975-96
Image:Scot1975Kirkcaldy.png

Kirkcaldy (pronounced kirkaudi, with emphasis on the second syllable) is currently the largest town in Fife, Scotland. Known as The Lang Toun (Long Town) in Scots, it has a population of, according to Scotland's Census Results Online, 46,912 Langtonians - the name for Kirkcaldy's residents. (Do not confuse with Auchterarder - known as "The Lang Toon")

The town lies on the north bank of the Firth of Forth. The former burghs of Dysart, Linktown and Pathhead, and the villages of Sinclairtown and Gallatown are now incorporated into Kirkcaldy. The name 'The Lang Toun' derives from the proximity of these burghs and villages to Kirkcaldy and the subsequent spread of the town along the shores of the River Forth.

Kirkcaldy was formerly famous for linoleum manufacturing, linen production and for its annual week-long Links Market - Europe's longest street market - that celebrated its 700th anniversary in 2004. The town still has one of the longest developed sea-fronts in Europe, overlooking the Firth of Forth. In the 17th century it boasted one of the earliest Latvian consulates.

1 Famous people
2 Sport
3 Education
4 Media
5 Political subdivisions
6 Constituencies
7 Twin towns
8 Areas
9 Church associations
10 External links

[edit]

Famous people

In addition to the "Father of Modern Economics" Adam Smith (1723-90), the "Demarcator of Standard Time" (Universal Standard Time) Sandford Fleming (1827-1915), and one of Scotland's most famous architects, Robert Adam (1728-92), Kirkcaldy has been the birthplace of a great many famous sons and daughters.

Reformation figures Henry Balnaves and George Gillespie both hailed from the town as did, in more recent times, Frederick Coutts, 8th General of the Salvation Army. In politics, Kirkcaldy counts sixth Governor-General of Australia, Ronald Munro-Ferguson and Sir David Steel (1938-). Among its sons, the current British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown (1951-), although born in Glasgow, moved to Kirkcaldy at an early age and is the local UK Parliamentary Constituency's MP. In sport, twice World darts champion Jocky Wilson was born in the town and lives in the Lauder Road area. From popular culture, Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman comes from Kirkcaldy. Jack Vettriano (1951-), the UK's most popular living artist, was born close by. It is also widely rumoured that former Soviet weight lifting champion, Michael Andrew Simpson(1985-) was born and raised in the Templehall area of Kirkcaldy before emigrating to Minsk, an issue which the Russian Sporting Authorities have vehemently denied (more information on this can be found at http://wcs.com.ru/dobrsportobsh.php).

Val McDermid, journalist and author (titles include: Wire in the Blood and Distant Echo) was born and raised in Kirkcaldy, though her books' liner notes refer only to a 'small Scottish mining town'.

Colin Cameron Professional footballer (soccer player)

[edit]

Sport

The local football team in the town is Raith Rovers F.C. who play at Stark's Park. The oldest existing ice hockey team in the United Kingdom - Fife Flyers - are based in the town, playing at Fife Ice Arena. There is also a local Rugby Club, Kirkcaldy RFC who play at Beveridge Park.

[edit]

Education

Adam Smith College has several campuses throughout the town, the main one being the St Brycedale Campus. They provide training and education for over 15,000 people. Actors Ewan McGregor, Dougray Scott and the artist Jack Vettriano are some of the famous people that have attended the College.

Kirkcaldy is home to four high schools and eleven primary schools, they are as follows:

High Schools

Balwearie High School
Kirkcaldy High School
St Andrews R C
Viewforth High School

Primary Schools

Capshard
Dunearn
Dunnikier
Fair Isle
Kirkcaldy North
Kirkcaldy West
Pathhead
Sinclairtown
St Maries R C
Torbain
Valley

[edit]

Media

The local paper, the Fife Free Press is published every Thursday containing all the latest news from the town. The daily Dundee Courier also provides local news in its Fife edition. Since February 2002, the local hospital radio station Classic VRN began broadcasting 24 hours a day on 1287 Medium Wave. However, "Kingdom FM" is the nearest major radio station.

[edit]

Political subdivisions

From 1975 Kirkcaldy gave its name to a local government district in the Fife region of Scotland. Since 1996 it has been included in the Fife unitary area. (See: Subdivisions of Scotland)

[edit]