KIRKCALDY CIVIC SOCIETY
 

PLAQUES 1999

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At 10.30 am on Saturday 9th October 1999 a plaque was unveiled in the Old Parish Church graveyard, Kirk Wynd.

Mrs Watters told us about the Rev. John Phil(i)p and then Dr. William McNaughton Minister of the West End Congregational Church unveiled the plaque and gave a speech. After a blessing by the Rev. Jim Reid Interim Moderator of the Old Parish Church and a vote of thanks by Mr. Somerville the ceremony was over.

John Philp was born on April 14th 1775.

Before going to London to begin his studies to become a Minister John added an i to his surname and so became John Philip. When Robert Philp, a distant cousin, heard of this he was extremely angry and after Roberts death it was found that he had left all his money to educate the poor children of Kirkcaldy instead of his family.

The Rev. John Philip eventually sailed for South Africa as a Missionary and spoke out for equal rights for all citizens, including the right to vote, regardless of colour. He fought for the abolition of slavery. The Boers considered him to be a dangerous element who could cause an uprising at any time.

John knew David Livingstone who stayed at the Philip's home in Cape Town in 1841.

Rev. John Philip died in 1851. More is told of this man who is named as one of the six "sons of Kirkcaldy" in our Kirkcaldy's Famous Folks Book.

 

On the 10th August 1999 at 7.00pm we unveiled a plaque on what was once the West Spinning Mill (or Hendry's Mill ) in the Linktown area of Kirkcaldy. Mr. Hendry originally owned a water-powered mill but he had the West Spinning Mill specially built in order to house a beam engine. In 1930 the mill was sold to Messrs. Renton and began producing string & twine. Six years later the Fife & Clyde Roperie took over the business and in 1960 it was sold to a Belfast company. The mill closed in 1972 and lay empty until 1995.

Mrs. Watters opened the ceremony and the Black Watch Pipes & Drums Band played a selection of tunes. Mr. Alan Lockhart unveiled the plaque and gave a short speech on the history of the weaving & spinning industry in Kirkcaldy. The next speaker was Mr. Craig Sanderson (Chief Executive, Links Housing) who spoke of the present use of the mill which provides accomodation and support for young homeless people and conference facilities are also available for businesses to use.

 
Mr. Galloway then gave the vote of thanks and the Pipes & Drums played another selection of tunes to close the event. Everyone then enjoyed the refreshments provided in the reception area of the mill.

 

The exterior of the West Spinning Mill has not been changed to a great extent. The mill has what is called a mansard roof and there was once a bell at the top of the building to call workers to work. It is said to have been the first mill in Scotland to employ a woman clerk. Inside the building can be seen the decorative framework of the structure.

The mill is mentioned in our Links Street Walkabout Book.
LISTED C, BUILT 1855-1856

THE BLACK WATCH, ARMY CADET FORCE, PIPES & DRUMS BAND, Kirkcaldy

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