A Trip to Inverkeithing

Inspired by the BBC Alba Series on the Fife Costal Path I took a trip to Inverkeithing today. I’d been before but years ago and only to shoot the annual Highland Games so I’d never really examined its nooks and crannies. But today was an opportunity to see the town itself. 

Inverkeithing is described as a port town and parish in Fife on the Firth of Forth, and it has history going back to the 12th century when it was given royal burgh status during the reign of Malcolm IV. During the Middle Ages it was an important centre of trade and in the 19th century its industrial heritage was built on quarrying and ship breaking.

My Blip is a collage of Inverkeithing’s historical buildings: The Parish Church with a tower that dates from the 14th century; Fordell Lodging, a townhouse dating from 1671; The Tolbooth dating from 1770 and the Friary Hospitium (a Franciscan Friary) dating from the15th century with 14th century remnants in its garden to the rear.
And that’s the best of Inverkeithing - the rest I’d describe as suffering from post industrial decline. It’s now a commuter hub, a railway stop and a Park & Ride home. There are a number of individual shops and no problem in placing a bet, getting a hair, nails and tan makeover. There is even an Axe Throwing Escape Facility (by Appointment Only) (see Extra Photo)   The TripAdvisor reviews for the local hostelries would suggest you give them a wide birth especially when if you read the local paper Sheriff Court reports . 
It’s just a pity that the town can’t re-capture the greatness it must have once had.