Home Report Kirkcaldy

Kirkcaldy joins Dunfermline as the two towns in Fife which can lay claim to a truly long and storied history. A former Royal Burgh, the town retains much of the distinctive architecture that has built up over its near thousand-year history, from its famous Old Kirk to the stunning semi-ruined Ravenscraig castle. Traditionally known as the ‘Lang Toun’ after the town’s unusually long main street, Kirkcaldy is a charming coastal town located on the Firth of Forth. For over a hundred years Kirkcaldy was one of the world’s largest producers of Linoleum, and the town’s eminence in this industry has long been a source of pride. Since the decline of traditional industry, Kirkcaldy has reinvented itself as a major service centre of the central Fife area. Adam Smith is probably the town’s most famous son, having written his world-changing Wealth of Nations in the town.

Today the town is based upon the service industry, with this representing the largest employer. The town is well connected to other Fife cities and has excellent links with both Edinburgh and Dundee. Featuring an attractive town centre and historic core, the town also boasts many public facilities such as museums, galleries, a theatre, several public parks and an ice rink, making it a very liveable city. The town includes Fife College, an educational institution and a big local employer which also works in partnership with Scottish Universities, and inward investment has come in the form companies like PayWizard, Forbo and Smith Anderson setting up in the area.