Buckhaven

Buckhaven is an old coastal fishing town on the east coast of Fife, Scotland. It had a population of 16,391 at the 2001 census. The town is often referred to by its inhabitants as Buckhind.

A town in Wemyss Parish, Fife, Buckhaven is situated on the Firth of Forth between East Wemyss and Methil.

Once a thriving weaving village and fishing port, it was reported as having in 1831 the second-largest fishing fleet in Scotland with a total of 198 boats. The fishing declined during the 19th Century but in the 1860s Buckhaven developed as a mining town. Although coal waste blackened its beaches and silted up its harbour it later became a Fife coast holiday resort.

Said to be descended from Norsemen who settled there in the 9th century, its fisherfolk bought an Episcopal Church in St Andrews in 1869 and transported it stone by stone to Buckhaven. Restored in the 1980s, this building was turned into a theatre.

Buckhaven Museum features the history of the fishing industry and other temporary exhibitions.

Notable people

• Frank O'Donnell, former professional footballer who played for Celtic, Preston North End and Blackpool amongst others. Also represented his country.
• Hugh O'Donnell, also a professional footballer, brother of Frank O'Donnell.

56°10′N 3°02′W