Fife
Unitary authority in eastern Scotland, which was formerly a region
of three districts (1975-96) and a county until 1974
Area:
1,321 sq km/510 sq mi
Towns:
Cupar, Dunfermline, Glenrothes (administrative headquarters), Kirkcaldy,
St Andrews
Physical:
Coastal area, predominantly low lying, undulating interior with dramatic
escarpment at Lomond Hills; rivers Eden and Leven flow through
Features:
Rosyth naval base; Old Course, St Andrews
Industries:
Electronics, petrochemicals, light engineering, oil servicing, paper
Agriculture:
Potatoes, cereals, sugar beet, fishing (Pittenweem)
Population:
(1995) 351,600
History:
Tentsmuir, a coastal sand-dune area in the north, is possibly the earliest
settled site in Scotland; the ancient palace of the Stuarts (16th
century) was at Falkland; eight Scottish kings buried at Dunfermline.
Economy
At one time Fife's economy was dominated by the coal-mining industry,
but coal-mining is not so important now, although some of the
most modern and mechanized pits in Scotland are located in the
area. It has a mixed economy, although the economic pros differ
dramatically within the area. St Andrews has a thriving service
sector and tourist base, Glenrothes (New Town) has contemporary
electronics industries, much of the northeast is predominantly
agricultural.
Environment
There are 53 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, three National Nature
Reserves, one Ramsar (wetland site), two Special Protection Areas,
one regional park, and three country parks.
Administrative History
The districts of Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and North East Fife made up
Fife region, which is now known as Fife unitary authority.
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