This kingdom

Fife continues to be fascinating. It is a peculiar place, to say the least, and I decided to do some digging into its history.

This is where Fife is situated


Fife is old, real old. It is at once close to Edinburgh but the Firth of Forth, or big river mouth, has kept it isolated from the influences of the capital. Fife is also a peninsula, creating further distance between Fifers and the rest of Scotland, and consequently Fifers developed a reputation for being obstinate and keeping their distance. In 1964 the majestic Fourth Road Bridge opened, replacing the ferry system that has been in place since the 11th century. There are still some inhabitants grumbling about the bl**** brêdgie!



As the word spread of this beautiful region so close to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, property has become highly sought after and it's been filling up with ootsiders like never before. An old woman, who's been living here for 25 years, tells me she is still considered a stranger!

In 1975, when all the Scottish counties were abolished for administrative purposes. Fifers, in their straightforward yet determined way, insisted on staying a kingdom. We have no king, but kingdom it is.