'BACK O' THE TOUN' WALKABOUT
'BACK O' THE TOUN' WALKABOUT |
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SUNDAY JUNE 18TH 2000 - The walk began at the Dunnikier Road / Victoria Road traffic lights. In the 18th Century the railway came to Kirkcaldy and with it came new industries. Factories were built alongside the railway line and houses were built for the workers. After a look around the remains of the Whitebank Engine Works the group retraced their steps and viewed St. Marie's Roman Catholic Church.
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Just off Dunnikier road is the old harbour railway branch line. It had the steepest gradient of any branch line in Scotland and there are stories of runaway engines speeding down the track and splashing into the harbour. The line closed in 1984. The path is becoming overgrown but the Society would like to see it opened up as a walkway down to the harbour area. |
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The factory buildings of Forbo-Nairn came into view as the group walked along Den Road. The scent of linseed oil was in the air. The oil is one of the constituents in the production of linoleum.
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There is a great deal of demolition work being carried out in the area. A well known night club in the 1960's stood on the cleared area of ground. It was called the 'Club Roma'.
The group carefully walked alongside the remaining building to look at the old Ingleside Foundry. |
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The foundry faces the railway line. It was part of
Fife Forge. The bricks may have come from the old Den Brickworks that
used to be nearby. KCS is concerned that Ingleside, which has some unusual
features, may be demolished in the near future.
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Linen was a major industry in Kirkcaldy at one time with many factories spread around the town. Peter Greigs Linen Works is one of only two factories in Fife producing linen today, the other is in the village of East Wemyss. |
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The route carried on towards Loughborough Road and the group stopped to have a look at Eastbank House which was built in the Scottish Baronial style.
The house is now part of Viewforth High School and the group strolled across to the boys entrance of the school to have a look at the stone carving above the door. |
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Lady Nairn Avenue has Art Deco houses. Although people have installed double glazing in most of the houses a few still have the original windows. |
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Pathhead Church marked the end of the Back O' the Toun walkabout. The afternoon had been very sunny and hot and everyone was glad of the light refreshments available.
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Our next walkabout is the 'Family Mystery Walkabout'. Sunday 6th August 2000 at HSS (formerly Funkies) |
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We finish all our walkabouts with a cup of tea and biscuits. |
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There are always books, pens, badges etc. on sale. |
Linktown Walkabout / Burgh Boundary Walkabout
