Buckhaven

   BUCKHAVEN, an extensive village and fishing station, in the parish of Wemyss, district of Kirkcaldy, county of Fife, 4 miles (E.) from Kirkcaldy; containing 1526 inhabitants. This village, which is situated on the Frith of Forth, consists of an irregular range of houses, extending along the shore, and chiefly inhabited by persons employed in the fisheries, of which it is the principal station on this part of the coast of Fife. A library has been founded, which is well supported by subscription, and contains a good collection of volumes; and a savings' bank has been opened, with every prospect of success. The fishery here has been long established, and is gradually increasing; it affords employment to nearly 200 persons, and about 150 boats of various tonnage are regularly engaged during the season, which generally commences about the end of June, when they sail to the herring-stations of Fraserburgh, Wick, and Helmsdale, returning to this place with their cargoes about the beginning of September. The value of the boats, which all belong to Buckhaven, is more than £8000, and, including the nets, nearly £20,000, in the aggregate. The harbour, which is safe and commodious, has been recently improved by the erection of a new pier, at an expense of more than £4000, of which the Board of Fisheries contributed £3000; and from its very advantageous situation, which renders it easy of access, it is well adapted to afford shelter to vessels of considerable burthen, in stress of weather. A number of the inhabitants are employed in the weaving of linen, and an extensive factory has been established.