Inverkeithing

The town of Inverkeithing lies north of the Forth Rail Bridge and has one of the busiest railway stations in Fife. It's situation, close to major rail and road links, has made it a popular home for commuters to Edinburgh.

Inverkeithing grew considerably in the latter part of the twentieth century, with many housing estates springing up on the outskirts of the old town. The town centre still features many old buildings, including Fordell's Lodging (c 1670), the Tolbooth(1770) and a 16th/17th century mercat cross.

The area's main industry is paper making, and there was once a thriving ship-breakers (the Olympic, sister ship of the Titanic, was broken up here).

The town's museum is housed in the old Friary (14th century) in Queen Street. Built around a Franciscan convent, the Friary has had many extensions and reconstructions in it's history, and now features a pleasant garden.

Inverkeithing Highland Games are held every August on the shore at Ballast Bank. Ballast Bank gets it's name from it's construction - from ballast left behind by visiting ships.

Inverkeithing was the site of a battle in 1651, when Scottish clansmen rallied to defend against Cromwell's New Model Army. The Scottish army was badly defeated and Cromwell went on to conquer Scotland. Much of the Scottish army was made up of Macleans - from the Isle of Mull. The clan motto 'Fear eile airson Eachainn' - 'Another for Hector' dates from this time, as eight clansmen gave their lives to protect their clan chief.

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Fife Facts
The title of John Buchan's adventure novel 'The 39 Steps' is said to have been inspired by the stairway beside Ravenscraig Castle which leads to the beach. Buchan lived in nearby Dysart as a child.