Town plans for its future with nod to fishing past

REGENERATION: Buckhaven recreates historic ‘jawbanes’ at key locations

A Fife community is looking to its history as it makes improvements for future generations.

Modern-day equivalents of Buckhaven’s famous “jawbanes” have been erected as archways at various entrances to the town as well at the start and finish points of a number of footpaths.

As the name suggests, the original markers were made of whale bones and were a well-known feature of the old fishing quarter, which was demolished in 1962.

As regeneration efforts by local charity Clear continue, members decided to recreate the jaw bones from oak as a nod to the town’s fishing heritage.

So far, they have been erected on the coastal braes, near the shore, and in parks and more are planned.

Clear chairman Bob Taylor said there had been a great deal of interest in the project.

“We believe the oak archways enhance Buckhaven’s interesting but neglected setting above the Forth and also recall a historic feature with which older residents are very familiar.

“Charities have limited capacity to improve the landscape but we think these are attractive and durable and will hopefully encourage residents and visitors to explore the path network.

“Buckhaven may have sadly lost much of its obvious heritage with the infilling of the harbour and the clearance of the fishing quarter, but rolling out this recreation of its history along with other efforts such as planting and interpretation, can recapture and help regenerate the area.”

The jawbanes are part of a wider regeneration of Buckhaven being undertaken by Clear and Fife Council.

The town’s foreshore has already been given a facelift with the introduction of new play equipment, paths and viewing platforms looking out to sea.

Artwork has appeared on shutters on shopfronts along Randolph Street and orchards and flower beds have been replanted.

A giant mural of a T-rex now overlooks the Firth of Forth and two flying pterodactyls are among the ideas being touted as the town art is expanded.

A modern-day oak “jawbane” in Buckhaven, one of a number to be erected in the town as part of its regeneration efforts.

A picture of the original whale jaw bones in Buckhaven from 1889.