Methill

   METHILL, lately a quoad sacra parish, comprising the villages of Methill and Kirkland, in the parish of Wemyss, and part of the parish of Markinch, district of Kirkcaldy, county of Fife; the whole containing 1513 inhabitants, of whom 466 are in the village of Methill, 1 mile (W. by S.) from Leven. This village, situated on the northern shore of the Frith of Forth, was formerly noted for the manufacture of salt, which was carried on here to a very great extent, but since the removal of the duty has been altogether discontinued. The harbour is safe and commodious, and was once much frequented; but the pier was greatly damaged by a violent storm, and upon the abolition of the duty on salt, lay for some time neglected. It has, however, been recently restored at an expense of nearly £2000; and since the erection of an additional church, which has been completed at a cost of £1030, and is adapted for a congregation of more than 800 persons, the village has been much improved; and from its pleasant situation, and the facility of intercourse which it possesses with the neighbouring markets, it is likely to recover its former prosperity.