Kirkcaldy Harbour: An Illustrated History

Carol McNeill, £14.99, Amberley Publishing Strolling along Kirkcaldy’s Esplanade today, it’s easy to forget the long and distinguished history of the town and its harbour.

This book traces the story of the Lang Toun’s harbour from its 16th Century royal connections, through the boom years of commercial shipping, to its recent rescue from dereliction by the international grain ships servicing the huge flour mill.

Over six fully illustrated chapters we learn about the early days when James V of Scotland and a fleet of seven ships with their billowing sails set off for France to claim a French princess for his bride; the non-stop series of repairs and extensions, including plans for two new harbours which were never completed; the 19th Century whaling industry; wealthy shipowners and their grand houses, three of which remain; imports and exports; and the present day.

In addition, the book includes exclusive extracts from a local memoir that gives first-hand memories of US naval commander John Paul Jones’ American ships in the Forth in 1778; a Kirkcaldy captain on a trade mission to Russia in 1801 when Tsar Paul I was assassinated; and a whaling captain’s description of his ship frozen up in an Arctic winter.

Written in an accessible and engaging style, and full of interesting photos and illustrations, the book is a lively and informative read for anyone with an interest in Courier Country’s maritime history.