Fife is almost a peninsula, pointing out into the North Sea, flanked
by the River Tay to the north and the Forth to the south. Both the Tay and Forth
Rivers are crossed by road and rail links - the most famous being the Forth Rail
Bridge, providing a link to Edinburgh and the south. Fife is also the smallest
of the Scottish regions.
Fife has a long history of association with the Scottish monarchy, so much so
that its people fiercely defend its right to be known as the 'Kingdom of Fife'.
The ancient capital of Scotland, Dunfermline, is in this region and so is the
'Home of Golf' at St Andrews.
On Fife's easternmost stretch of coastline is a timeless gathering of ancient
fishing villages, little changed and still little discovered judging by the
tranquil air of their quayside streets and alleys. Each has its own particular
character and charm, recalling times when they were all thriving seaports
trading with the Low Countries and Scandinavia. This influence can still be seen
in the distinctive Dutch and Flemish architectural styles.
Skirting the shores of Largo Bay are three charming hamlets, Upper Largo, Lower
Largo and Lundin Links. Upper Largo offers an interesting exhibition at
Scotland's Larder showing the diversity of Scottish produce along with a
restaurant and shop. This quiet country village is overlooked by an ancient
parish church. With its golden crescent of sand and picturesque little harbour,
Lower Largo is probably the best known as the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk,
the model for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. A statue of Crusoe, looking
expectantly out to sea can be found in the village. Apparently, the man's manner
was so annoying, his shipmates set him on the desert island to be rid of him.