Coaltown of Wemyss

Settlement in Fife

Scotland

Coaltown of Wemyss

Mine memorial Close to the church in West Wemyss this small memorial has recently been erected. Carved from a chunk of granite, it represents the spherical top of a sea-mine complete with its radiating spikes, and commemorates five folk from West Wemyss who, on 23rd January 1941, prevented a naval mine from drifting into the village, sacrificing their lives to save others. — Mine memorial Credit: James Allan

Coaltown of Wemyss is a small village located in the east of Scotland, specifically in the region of Fife. It is situated on the coastline of the Firth of Forth, approximately 5 miles east of Kirkcaldy. The village is part of the Wemyss Estate, a historic estate that spans several nearby towns.

Coaltown of Wemyss has a rich industrial history, closely tied to the coal mining industry that thrived in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The village was originally established to house the workers of the local coal mines, which were a significant source of employment and economic activity at the time. Although the coal mines have long ceased operations, the village retains its name as a nod to its past.

Today, Coaltown of Wemyss is a quiet and picturesque village with a close-knit community. It is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional stone cottages and more modern houses. The village offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby coastline.

While Coaltown of Wemyss may be small in size, it boasts a few local amenities, including a pub, a convenience store, and a primary school, ensuring that basic needs are met for its residents. The village is well-connected to the neighboring towns and cities through a network of roads, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Coaltown of Wemyss is a charming village that offers a peaceful and scenic environment for its residents, preserving its historical heritage while embracing a tranquil way of life.

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Coaltown of Wemyss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.14932/-3.097665 or Grid Reference NT3195. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mine memorial

Close to the church in West Wemyss this small memorial has recently been erected. Carved from a chunk of granite, it represents the spherical top of a sea-mine complete with its radiating spikes, and commemorates five folk from West Wemyss who, on 23rd January 1941, prevented a naval mine from drifting into the village, sacrificing their lives to save others.

James Allan

Mosaic swans

A flat concrete surface, probably a relic of bygone industry, has recently been transformed into this colourful pair of swans amid the waves by the artistic use of beach pebbles, sea shells and paint.

James Allan

As solid as a rock

Parts of this cliff are less than stable.

James Allan

Lobster pots

A pile of pots below the cliff. Round here both lobsters and partans (edible crabs) are caught in these contraptions.

James Allan

Cottage and tower

At the west end of Chapel Gardens.

James Allan

The old Tolbooth at West Wemyss

Dominating the atmospheric old village.

James Denham

Magnificent old building at West Wemyss in Fife

It is currently empty.

James Denham

West Wemyss Harbour

Euan Nelson

West Wemyss Church

The church, built in 1890 and funded by the Wemyss family of Wemyss, was known as St. Adrian's Church. Built as a chapel of ease, the church was threatened with closure in the 1970s but the Wemyss family intervened with the offer of funding any external repairs provided the church remained as a place of worship and the congregation took care of any internal requirements. West Wemyss Church is now part of Buckhaven and Wemyss Parish.

James Denham

The Walk Inn at West Wemyss

The Walk Inn officially opened on 11th August, 2011 as a result of the great efforts of the Community Trust. Having entered, and won, the BBC Village SOS scheme, the community received a large sum of money to help revitalise their village. The first tangible sign of the programme is the inn. Currently there is a cafe, bistro and bunkhouse with more plans on the way including a shop, all run by the Trust. The inn occupies the building which once house the Wemyss Arms pub.

James Denham

Ruined 16th. century tower-house at West Wemyss

Built near a long gone chapel, the tower was built on to the old manse and was home to David, 2nd. Earl of Wemyss lived there, with his wife Anna, from 1635 until her death in 1649. The tower, sometimes known in the past as West Wemyss Castle, is situated adjacent to the Wemyss family burial ground.

James Denham

Village Hall and War Memorial in Coaltown of Wemyss

The lovely old building was once the miners' institute.

James Denham

Branxton Farm

Ian Calderwood

Winding stairway

Descending eastwards on the Fife Coastal Path from Blair Point towards the village of West Wemyss.

James Allan

Nesting fulmars

Fulmars using ledges in a sandstone promontory just west of West Wemyss village.

James Allan

Coastal concrete

At first sight this looks like an abandoned harbour but it is probably the remains of something (possibly a gas works) connected with the demolished buildings of the Michael Colliery which once stood on this site.

James Allan

Gas vent

The Fife Coastal Path crosses the site formerly occupied by the Michael Colliery and this concrete slab with a mine gas vent fenced off in its centre is evidence of that. The Michael Colliery, Scotland's biggest and deepest coal mine, opened in 1897 and closed in September 1967 after a seam of coal ignited 1800 feet below the ground killing nine men. A monument was erected in East Wemyss in 1992 on the 25th anniversary of the fatal fire. Three years later, the pithead gear was demolished and little remains to remind one of this once-thriving colliery.

James Allan